Is Licorice Plant Good for You? Exploring Benefits, Risks, and Safe Usage

December 24, 2025 •

5 min read

For centuries, licorice root has been a staple in traditional medicine, with ancient Egyptians creating sweet drinks from it and Chinese herbalists using it to treat countless ailments. The root contains nearly 300 active compounds, but its powerful medicinal effects and potential for harm are primarily due to glycyrrhizin.

Quick Summary

Licorice root offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties potentially benefiting digestive issues, respiratory complaints, and skin health. However, the compound glycyrrhizin carries significant risks, including high blood pressure, low potassium, and cardiac issues, especially with substantial or chronic consumption. Safer alternatives like DGL exist.

Key Points

Blood Pressure Concern: Traditional licorice containing glycyrrhizin can significantly influence blood pressure and potassium levels, potentially leading to adverse health effects with substantial consumption.
Digestive Comfort: Licorice root is thought to offer benefits for digestive issues like acid reflux and ulcers by potentially supporting the stomach's protective lining.
Respiratory Support: It is traditionally used to aid with coughs and sore throats by acting as an expectorant and providing a soothing effect.
Skin Health: Topical application of licorice extract may help manage inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and influence hyperpigmentation.
DGL as an Alternative: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form processed to reduce glycyrrhizin, offering potential benefits with a reduced risk of affecting blood pressure.
Potential Drug Interactions: Licorice can interact with certain medications, including those for heart conditions, blood pressure, and blood thinners; professional medical advice is essential before use.
Avoidance in Specific Conditions: Individuals with heart or kidney conditions, high blood pressure, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to avoid traditional licorice.

The Therapeutic Potential of Licorice Root

Licorice root, sourced from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is celebrated for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These therapeutic effects have made it a subject of interest for a range of conditions, primarily focusing on the digestive and respiratory systems.

Potential Benefits for Digestive Health

One of the traditionally recognized uses of licorice root is for gastrointestinal relief. The flavonoids and compounds in licorice are thought to soothe stomach discomfort and support healing.

Acid Reflux and Indigestion: Some research has explored licorice root extract's potential role in managing symptoms associated with GERD, such as acid reflux and heartburn. It is suggested to support the production of protective mucus in the stomach, potentially acting as a barrier against stomach acid.
Peptic Ulcers: Licorice root, including its flavonoid content, has shown promise in research concerning peptic ulcers, potentially by influencing H. pylori bacteria and aiding in tissue repair. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is often considered for digestive support as it provides some of the benefits attributed to licorice without the risks associated with glycyrrhizin.

Potential Benefits for Respiratory Health

For a long time, licorice root has been recognized for its potential role in supporting the respiratory system.

Support for Coughs and Sore Throats: As a natural expectorant, licorice may help loosen and expel mucus, potentially easing coughs and supporting clearer airways. Its demulcent properties are also thought to provide a soothing effect on the throat lining.
Anti-Asthmatic Effects: Research, including some animal studies, has suggested that certain compounds within licorice may influence inflammation in the airways.

Potential Benefits for Skin Health

Licorice root is an ingredient used in some skincare products due to its reported soothing and healing properties.

Management of Eczema and Dermatitis: When applied topically, licorice root extract has been shown in some studies to potentially influence redness, swelling, and itching in certain skin conditions.
Support for Acne-Prone Skin: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in managing acne breakouts and associated redness.
Influence on Hyperpigmentation: A compound called glabridin in licorice root is thought to potentially influence melanin production, which could contribute to a more even skin tone.

Understanding the Significant Risks and Side Effects

While the potential benefits are discussed, the presence of glycyrrhizin in traditional licorice is a notable consideration. Substantial consumption or prolonged use of licorice containing glycyrrhizin can be associated with serious health outcomes.

Adverse Effects Associated with Glycyrrhizin

Blood Pressure and Potassium Levels: Glycyrrhizin is understood to act in a manner similar to the hormone aldosterone, which can influence the body's sodium and water balance and potassium excretion. This can potentially lead to elevated blood pressure and reduced potassium levels (hypokalemia), which may affect cardiac function. Even relatively modest amounts may influence blood pressure in susceptible individuals.
Fluid Retention: The potential retention of sodium and water can contribute to edema (swelling), sometimes observed in areas like the ankles and feet.
Cardiac Considerations: Reduced potassium levels and elevated blood pressure are factors that can be associated with an increased risk of certain cardiac events, including irregular heart rhythms.
Hormonal Influence: Licorice may have an influence on hormone levels, including testosterone.

Licorice with Glycyrrhizin vs. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

To address some of the risks associated with glycyrrhizin, a form of licorice known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is available. DGL undergoes processing to reduce its glycyrrhizin content, aiming to retain some of the therapeutic aspects while minimizing the potentially dangerous side effects.


Feature	Licorice with Glycyrrhizin	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Key Compound Presence	Contains glycyrrhizin, contributing to sweetness and activity.	Glycyrrhizin is significantly reduced or removed.
Taste Profile	Characteristically sweet flavor.	Typically less sweet, designed to retain other beneficial compounds.
Risk Considerations	Associated with risks like elevated blood pressure and reduced potassium, especially with substantial or prolonged use.	Generally considered to have a lower risk profile, particularly concerning blood pressure and potassium.
Common Use Context	Often used in traditional preparations or sometimes in limited amounts. Due to risks, substantial internal use may not be widely recommended without medical guidance.	Frequently considered for managing digestive discomfort and promoting a healthy gastrointestinal lining.
Mechanism of Action	Can influence the enzyme that affects cortisol, potentially impacting mineralocorticoid activity.	Believed to support the integrity of the digestive tract's protective lining.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The licorice plant presents a combination of potential medicinal benefits and noteworthy health risks. Its historical use and some modern research point to its possible effectiveness for various conditions, particularly those affecting the digestive and respiratory systems. However, the compound glycyrrhizin within traditional licorice is a potent agent that can lead to significant side effects, especially for individuals with certain health conditions.

For many people interested in the potential therapeutic effects of licorice, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is often suggested as an alternative with a lower risk profile. It is thought to provide some of the soothing and supportive properties without the notable danger of influencing blood pressure and potassium levels. As with any natural substance or supplement, consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating licorice into your health regimen is important, particularly if you are taking other medications or have underlying health concerns. Understanding the distinctions between traditional licorice root and its DGL form is vital for making thoughtful and potentially safer choices about its use.

Ultimately, while the licorice plant has documented potential benefits, these must be carefully considered alongside its known risks. When addressing conditions where glycyrrhizin's activity is central, its use should be approached with caution and ideally under medical guidance. For supporting general digestive comfort and managing inflammation, DGL is often viewed as a more generally well-tolerated option.

Important Considerations and Usage Guidelines

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Licorice root should not be viewed as a replacement for conventional medical treatments. Always discuss its use with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Review Product Labels: Be mindful of product labels to discern if a product contains actual licorice root extract or if it uses artificial flavorings, particularly with candies and teas.
Monitor for Effects: When using licorice, pay attention to any changes, particularly concerning blood pressure, heart rhythm, or fluid balance, and seek medical advice if any adverse effects are suspected.
Consider DGL Alternatives: If your aim is to support digestive health, exploring products containing deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be a suitable approach.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to potential risks, it is generally advised that pregnant and breastfeeding individuals avoid consuming licorice.

[Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before using licorice or any other supplement.]

External Resource

For additional information on licorice root, you may visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) website:

Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Frequently Asked Questions

Much of the licorice-flavored candy sold, particularly in the United States, is flavored with anise oil, which has a similar taste but lacks the active compounds of real licorice root extract. Some traditional or European licorice products do contain the root extract, so checking ingredient lists is important.

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can affect the body's balance of sodium and water and potassium excretion. This can potentially lead to fluid and sodium retention, which may result in an increase in blood pressure, especially with regular or substantial intake.

DGL, standing for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is a processed form of licorice root where the glycyrrhizin compound has been substantially reduced or removed. This modification aims to lower the risk of adverse effects like high blood pressure and low potassium associated with traditional licorice, making DGL an option for prolonged use, particularly for digestive support.

Some evidence suggests that licorice root may help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by potentially supporting the production of protective mucus in the stomach lining. For regular use aimed at digestive comfort, DGL is often considered as an alternative to traditional licorice to mitigate potential side effects.

It is generally advised to avoid consuming licorice during pregnancy, especially in larger quantities. Some studies have indicated a potential correlation between high licorice intake and certain pregnancy outcomes.

Yes, licorice has the potential to interact with various medications, including those prescribed for blood pressure, diuretics, blood thinners such as Warfarin, and corticosteroids. These interactions could affect medication efficacy or increase side effects. Consulting a healthcare provider before use is strongly recommended.

There is no widely agreed-upon safe consumption level for licorice containing glycyrrhizin, as individual responses can vary. However, consuming significant amounts (such as over 57 grams of licorice candy daily for more than two weeks) is known to potentially lead to serious health issues. Guidelines from organizations like the WHO have suggested limiting glycyrrhizin intake, though this should be discussed with a health professional.