Mastering the Flavors and Benefits: How to use powdered licorice?

November 11, 2025 •

5 min read

Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, with ancient Egyptian scrolls detailing its medicinal properties. This guide will explain how to use powdered licorice safely and effectively, from brewing a soothing tea to creating skin-brightening face masks.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the versatile uses of powdered licorice, covering preparations for potential digestive comfort, respiratory relief, and topical skincare. It includes crucial safety distinctions between regular and DGL forms, along with various recipes and usage tips.

Key Points

DGL is Often Preferred: Use deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) powdered licorice for potential long-term digestive health support, as it lacks the potentially harmful glycyrrhizin found in regular licorice powder.
Brew Soothing Teas: Prepare a simple tea with a small amount of licorice powder to potentially help soothe a sore throat or calm digestive discomfort.
Enhance Culinary Flavors: Add a pinch of powdered licorice to savory dishes like risotto or sweet treats like baked goods for a unique, anise-like flavor.
Make Skin-Brightening Masks: Utilize licorice powder topically in face masks to potentially help reduce pigmentation, even skin tone, and soothe inflammation.
Consult a Doctor: Always seek medical advice before using licorice powder, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or are on medication.
Be Aware of Glycyrrhizin: Be mindful of the glycyrrhizin content in regular licorice powder, which can potentially cause side effects with excessive use.

Powdered licorice, derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is a highly versatile ingredient known for its distinct sweet flavor and potential health benefits. Its applications range from a natural sweetener in culinary dishes to an ingredient in herbal remedies and skincare products. The powder, also known as mulethi in Ayurvedic traditions, offers a concentrated way to harness the root's properties. However, understanding the difference between standard licorice powder and its modified form, DGL, is crucial for safe use.

Understanding Your Powdered Licorice: Regular vs. DGL

The primary active compound in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for its signature sweetness and some of its effects. However, excessive or prolonged consumption of glycyrrhizin can potentially lead to side effects, such as elevated blood pressure and low potassium levels. This is where the distinction between regular and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) powder becomes vital.

DGL powder is processed to remove the majority of the glycyrrhizin, potentially making it a safer option for use, particularly for supporting digestive health. Many of the potential benefits associated with licorice may be achieved with DGL without the risks linked to glycyrrhizin. It is important to check the product label to ensure you are using the correct form for your needs.


Feature	Regular Licorice Powder	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) Powder
Active Compound	Contains glycyrrhizin	Glycyrrhizin removed or significantly reduced
Safety	Potential risk of side effects with chronic or high-dose use	Generally considered safer for consumption
Potential Uses	Culinary flavoring, short-term relief (e.g., sore throat)	Digestive health (acid reflux, ulcers)
Flavor Profile	Very sweet and potent	Can be milder, less overtly sweet

Culinary Uses for Powdered Licorice

Powdered licorice can add a sophisticated and unique flavor profile to both sweet and savory dishes. When used in moderation, it provides a distinctive herbal, anise-like note that can elevate simple recipes.

Brewing a Soothing Licorice Tea

One of the popular ways to use powdered licorice is by making a tea, which may be beneficial for soothing a sore throat or potentially aiding digestion.

Instructions:

Boil water.
Add a small amount of powdered licorice. For added potential benefits and flavor, you can also add ginger, cinnamon, or fennel.
Simmer, then strain and serve. This tea can be enjoyed at different times for potential comfort.

Flavoring Sweet and Savory Dishes

Baked Goods: A small amount of powdered licorice can be added to batters or doughs for flavor. It pairs well with cocoa or ginger.
Risotto: For a surprising savory twist, add a small amount of powdered licorice at the creaming stage of a risotto, such as one with saffron or prawns.
Sauces and Marinades: A pinch of licorice powder can enhance the flavor of sauces for white meats, fish, or vegetable dishes.

Topical Applications for Skincare

Licorice powder's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties make it an ingredient in some skincare routines.

Skin-Brightening Face Mask

This mask may help reduce pigmentation, dark spots, and inflammation while potentially promoting an even skin tone.

Instructions:

Combine a small amount of powdered licorice with sandalwood powder and enough raw milk or rose water to form a smooth paste.
Apply the paste evenly to your face and neck.
Leave it on for a recommended time, then wash off with cool water. Use regularly for potential results.

Soothing Inflamed Skin

For skin irritations, licorice powder can be mixed into a gel, such as aloe vera, and applied topically to the affected area.

Potential Medicinal Uses and Preparation Methods

When considering powdered licorice for medicinal purposes, it is essential to consider the form you are using (DGL vs. regular) and consult a healthcare professional. DGL is generally preferred for uses related to digestive health.

For Digestive Support

DGL may work by stimulating mucin production, which may create a protective barrier on the stomach lining, potentially shielding it from acid and promoting healing.

Method: DGL is sometimes used for acid reflux, often in tablet form or mixed with water. It may be most effective when mixed with saliva and taken before meals.

For Sore Throats and Oral Health

Licorice's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe a sore throat and potentially promote oral hygiene.

Method: Gargling with a solution of licorice powder and warm water is sometimes suggested. Some studies suggest licorice may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.

For Respiratory Health

Licorice may act as a natural expectorant, potentially helping to loosen and expel phlegm associated with some conditions.

Method: Incorporating licorice tea into your routine may help support respiratory comfort.

Important Safety Precautions and Considerations

While potentially beneficial, powdered licorice must be used with caution. The glycyrrhizin content in regular licorice powder can pose risks, especially for prolonged use.

Health Conditions: Avoid regular licorice if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, as it may worsen these conditions by potentially causing water retention and low potassium.
Medication Interactions: Licorice can potentially interact with several medications, including blood thinners (like Warfarin), diuretics, and corticosteroids. Always consult your doctor before combining licorice with any prescription medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is considered unsafe to consume regular licorice during pregnancy, and its safety during breastfeeding is not established.
Glycyrrhizin Intake: Health organizations may recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake. DGL products are an alternative to mitigate this risk.

Conclusion

Powdered licorice is a versatile ingredient with a range of potential applications, from enhancing culinary creations to potentially providing support for digestive, respiratory, and skin health. The key to safely using this ingredient lies in understanding the critical distinction between regular and DGL licorice and choosing the appropriate type for your needs. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement, especially for chronic conditions or if you are taking other medications. For more detailed information, authoritative health websites like WebMD offer resources.

Note

The information provided is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular licorice powder contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which can potentially cause side effects like high blood pressure and low potassium with excessive use. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has had most of the glycyrrhizin removed, potentially making it a safer option for use, particularly for digestive issues.

To make licorice tea, add a small amount of powdered licorice to a cup of boiling water. Let it simmer, then strain and drink. The tea may help soothe the throat and may act as an expectorant.

Regular licorice powder containing glycyrrhizin is not generally recommended for daily, long-term use due to the potential risk of side effects. DGL powder is often considered a safer alternative for regular use, especially for digestive health, but you should still consult a doctor.

Yes, DGL licorice is sometimes used to potentially help with acid reflux. It may stimulate mucin production, which may protect the stomach lining. It is often recommended to use DGL before meals for potential results.

Licorice powder has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It can be used topically in face masks to potentially help reduce hyperpigmentation, soothe inflammation, and fade dark spots.

Yes, regular licorice should be avoided by pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or kidney disease. It can also potentially interact with several medications, including blood thinners and diuretics.

In cooking, powdered licorice can be used in teas, added to sweet recipes like baked goods, or incorporated into savory dishes like risotto or marinades for a complex, aromatic flavor.