Is Liquorice Root Tea Good for You? Benefits, Risks, and Considerations

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

For millennia, ancient Egyptians and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used liquorice root for its medicinal properties. Today, many wonder: is liquorice root tea good for you, and what are its modern-day health implications and risks?

Quick Summary

Liquorice root tea offers potential benefits for digestive health and soothing respiratory issues, but moderation is key. The active compound glycyrrhizin can cause side effects, especially with long-term or high-dose consumption.

Key Points

Digestive Aid: Liquorice root tea can soothe digestive issues like acid reflux and indigestion by protecting the stomach lining.
Respiratory Relief: It acts as a natural expectorant and demulcent, helping to calm sore throats and clear mucus from the lungs.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The active compound glycyrrhizin provides potent anti-inflammatory effects that benefit multiple body systems, including the skin.
Mindful Moderation: Consumption should be moderate due to the glycyrrhizin content, which can cause high blood pressure and low potassium in high doses.
Crucial Contraindications: It is unsafe for pregnant women and should be avoided by individuals with heart disease, kidney issues, and high blood pressure.
DGL Alternative: For those concerned about glycyrrhizin, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) is an alternative with reduced side effects.

The Therapeutic Potential of Liquorice Root Tea

Liquorice root, derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is a historically significant herb with a naturally sweet taste. Its therapeutic properties are largely attributed to glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. While enjoyed for its unique flavour, the health benefits of liquorice root tea are what draw many consumers.

Digestive Health Support

One of the most well-documented benefits of liquorice root is its positive effect on the digestive system. The tea's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can help calm the stomach lining and reduce discomfort. Studies have shown it can be effective in relieving symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

Relief from Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Glycyrrhizin may help strengthen the protective mucous lining of the oesophagus and stomach, creating a barrier against stomach acid. A 2017 study found daily consumption of liquorice root was more effective than some antacids for symptom reduction over a two-year period.
Combats Peptic Ulcers: Research suggests that liquorice root extract can inhibit the growth of the H. pylori bacteria, a common cause of peptic ulcers.
Alleviates Indigestion: The tea's anti-spasmodic effects may help relieve gas, bloating, and general stomach upset.

Respiratory System Relief

For centuries, liquorice root has been a go-to remedy for respiratory ailments, particularly sore throats and coughs.

Soothes Sore Throats and Coughs: Liquorice acts as a natural demulcent, creating a soothing coating on the throat to ease irritation. Its expectorant properties help loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to expel.
Supports Post-Surgical Recovery: A 2016 study showed that gargling with liquorice root tea before surgery could significantly reduce the incidence and severity of a sore throat following intubation.

Benefits for Skin and Oral Health

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of liquorice extend beyond internal systems.

Helps Skin Conditions: Extracts from liquorice root have shown promise in managing inflammatory skin conditions like eczema due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Protects Oral Health: The antimicrobial compounds in liquorice root can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause plaque, cavities, and bad breath.

Important Precautions and Potential Side Effects

Despite its potential benefits, liquorice root tea is not without risks, particularly with high or prolonged consumption. The primary concern is the compound glycyrrhizin, which can lead to serious adverse effects if it accumulates in the body.

Hypertension and Hypokalemia: Excessive glycyrrhizin can cause the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels (hypokalemia). These effects can exacerbate existing heart or kidney conditions and can, in rare cases, lead to arrhythmia or heart failure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Liquorice root consumption is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Excessive intake has been linked to a higher risk of premature delivery and can affect fetal development. There is also insufficient safety data for breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Liquorice root can interact with several medications, including blood pressure drugs, blood thinners (like warfarin), diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain hormone therapies. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your routine, especially if on medication.

Understanding Different Licorice Products: Root vs. DGL

For those concerned about glycyrrhizin-related side effects, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) products are available. DGL is processed to remove the majority of the glycyrrhizin, making it a safer option for moderate, long-term use. However, some of the benefits may be reduced, as they are often linked to the presence of glycyrrhizin.

Licorice Root vs. DGL Comparison


Feature	Traditional Licorice Root	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Active Compound	Contains glycyrrhizin, the source of its sweet flavor and many potential benefits.	Glycyrrhizin has been removed, reducing the risk of side effects.
Best For	Short-term use to relieve acute symptoms like sore throats or temporary indigestion.	Extended use for chronic issues like gastritis or ulcers, minimizing the risk of hypertension.
Sweetness	Very sweet due to glycyrrhizin.	Less sweet, often formulated with other flavors.
Cardiovascular Risk	Potential for high blood pressure and hypokalemia with long-term or high-dose use.	Minimal to no risk of hypertension or electrolyte imbalance.
Use During Pregnancy	Unsafe; should be avoided.	Generally considered safer, but still consult a doctor.

Considerations and How to Consume Safely

To enjoy the potential benefits of liquorice root tea while minimizing risk, moderate consumption is key. A single cup is generally considered safe for most healthy adults, but chronic, high-dose usage should be supervised by a healthcare provider. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day. For those with pre-existing conditions or on medication, avoiding traditional liquorice root products is the safest course of action. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using liquorice root as a therapeutic supplement.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is liquorice root tea good for you? The answer is nuanced. For healthy individuals enjoying it in moderation, it can offer a delicious, naturally sweet beverage with potential benefits for digestion and respiratory health. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are well-documented and valuable for overall wellness. However, the presence of glycyrrhizin necessitates caution, especially for pregnant individuals, those with heart or kidney conditions, or people on certain medications. By being mindful of dosage and choosing DGL alternatives when appropriate, you can safely explore the world of this ancient herbal remedy.

For additional safety information on herbal supplements, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a single cup of liquorice root tea is unlikely to cause issues, drinking high amounts daily for a prolonged period is not recommended. It can lead to the accumulation of glycyrrhizin, potentially causing high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

Certain groups should avoid liquorice root tea, including pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and those taking certain medications like diuretics or blood thinners.

Excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as elevated blood pressure, decreased potassium levels, fluid retention (edema), and in rare cases, heart rhythm issues.

Yes, liquorice root tea is known for its soothing properties. It can coat and calm an irritated throat, acting as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs.

Regular liquorice root tea contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for its potential side effects. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice) tea has had the glycyrrhizin removed, making it a safer option for long-term use, though it may lack some of the active compounds.

In moderation, liquorice root tea may help with acid reflux symptoms by strengthening the stomach's protective lining. However, it is important to choose a DGL formula for longer-term or more frequent use to avoid glycyrrhizin-related side effects.

Yes, liquorice can interact with various medications, including those for blood pressure, diuretics, blood thinners, and hormonal therapies. You should always consult a doctor before drinking it if you are on any prescription medication.