When Should I Take Licorice? Understanding Timing and Safety

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, licorice root is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing properties, but its powerful compounds require careful timing and attention to safety. Navigating its use for issues like acid reflux, sore throats, or potential adrenal support depends on the specific ailment and form of the herb.

Quick Summary

Licorice is used for digestive and respiratory issues, with specific timing recommendations for different forms. Recognize important precautions and understand the difference between standard licorice and DGL to maximize benefits safely.

Key Points

Timing for Digestion: For issues like acid reflux or ulcers, taking DGL chewable tablets before meals is often suggested to potentially support the stomach lining.
DGL vs. Standard Licorice: DGL is considered a safer choice for regular, longer-term use as it lacks the problematic glycyrrhizin compound found in standard licorice, which can cause side effects like high blood pressure.
Contraindications: Avoid standard licorice if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney issues, low potassium, are pregnant, or take specific medications like blood pressure drugs, diuretics, or warfarin.
Respiratory Relief: Use warm licorice tea or lozenges to soothe sore throats and potentially act as an expectorant for coughs, applying it as needed for short-term relief.
Adrenal Support: Standard licorice may be used cautiously for potential adrenal support due to its effect on cortisol, but requires monitoring for side effects.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a doctor or qualified health practitioner before starting licorice, especially for longer-term use or if you have any health conditions or take other medications.

Optimal Timing for Taking Licorice

The right time to take licorice depends heavily on the condition you are trying to address. Its effects can be influenced by timing, especially in relation to meals.

For Digestive Issues (Heartburn, Ulcers, Reflux)

When addressing stomach-related problems, timing is important to allow the herb's protective compounds to effectively support the gastrointestinal tract.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): If using chewable DGL tablets, taking them before meals is often suggested. This can allow your saliva to activate beneficial compounds and potentially support the stomach lining before food. Taking DGL after meals may be less effective. For managing nighttime reflux, DGL may also be taken at bedtime.
Licorice Tea: To soothe general stomach discomfort, an infusion of licorice root can be consumed.

For Respiratory Conditions (Cough, Sore Throat)

For soothing the throat and easing coughs, licorice's properties may be most effective when applied directly.

Sore Throat: Gargling with a licorice solution or using lozenges may be helpful. A warm licorice tea can also be soothing for a raw throat.
Cough: A warm tea or a prepared decoction may help ease coughing and potentially act as an expectorant. It is sometimes recommended before meals for effect.

For Adrenal Support

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which some believe can support adrenal function, though caution is required due to potential side effects like high blood pressure.

Potential Support: Some proponents suggest consuming licorice tea to promote energy, sometimes recommended in the morning.

Understanding the Forms of Licorice

Licorice is available in several forms, each with different considerations.

Licorice Root: The raw, dried root can be used to make teas or decoctions. This form contains glycyrrhizin, so its use may be limited to shorter periods.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): This form has had most of the glycyrrhizin removed, potentially making it suitable for longer-term use, especially for digestive issues. DGL is available in chewable tablets or capsules.
Licorice Extract: A concentrated liquid or powdered form. Effects may vary, so it is important to follow product instructions.
Lozenges: Often used for sore throats, these may provide targeted relief to the throat area.

Critical Safety Information and When to Avoid

While potentially beneficial, standard licorice can have significant side effects, especially with high amounts or prolonged use, due to the glycyrrhizin compound. This is why deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is often suggested for potential long-term digestive support.

Contraindications and Interactions

Several conditions and medications may make the use of standard licorice unsafe:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Licorice is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to potential risks. Safety is unknown during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Conditions: Licorice may increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention, potentially worsening conditions like heart failure or irregular heartbeat.
Low Potassium (Hypokalemia): Licorice can lower potassium levels, potentially making this condition worse.
Kidney Disease: Large amounts may worsen kidney disease.
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Licorice may act like estrogen in the body. Avoid if you have conditions like breast or uterine cancer.
Medication Interactions: Licorice may interact with many drugs, including blood pressure medications, diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners like warfarin. Always consult a doctor if you are on medication before taking licorice.
Upcoming Surgery: Stop taking licorice at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Comparison: Standard Licorice vs. DGL


Feature	Standard Licorice (Glycyrrhizinated)	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Key Compound	Contains glycyrrhizin	Glycyrrhizin removed
Primary Use	Short-term relief (respiratory, general)	Potential long-term digestive health (ulcers, reflux)
Safety Profile	Potential for side effects (hypertension, low potassium) with high or prolonged use	Generally considered safer for regular use; lower risk of hypertension and potassium issues
Maximum Duration	Generally limited to shorter periods	May be suitable for longer periods
Forms Available	Root, tea, extract	Chewable tablets, capsules, powder
Potential Use	Soothing coughs or sore throats for a short duration	Potentially supporting stomach lining and addressing digestive issues over time

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Deciding when to take licorice requires a thoughtful approach that prioritizes your health and safety. The primary consideration is whether you need short-term relief or potential longer-term support. For prolonged use, or if you have any health concerns, the deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL) may be a more appropriate choice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on medication. By understanding the timing and crucial safety information, you can use licorice responsibly and effectively to support your wellness goals.

For more information on licorice root, consult authoritative sources such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root.

How to Prepare and Use Licorice

Depending on the form, preparing and using licorice is straightforward. For teas, steeping the root in hot water is a common method. For DGL, chewable tablets are often recommended to be chewed thoroughly.

When to Seek Professional Advice

It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider if you plan to take licorice and have any of the following:

A pre-existing heart condition.
High blood pressure.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are on any long-term medication.
Experience unexplained swelling or muscle weakness.
Are unsure about the correct form for your specific needs.

Proper medical guidance will help ensure licorice is used both safely and effectively for your individual health situation.

A Note on Taste

Real licorice root has a distinct sweet and earthy flavor, often different from candies flavored with anise oil. This can impact how you choose to consume it, whether as a tea, a supplement, or a flavoring agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

For digestive issues like ulcers or acid reflux, taking DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) chewable tablets on an empty stomach, before a meal, is often suggested to be most effective. For soothing a sore throat, a tea or gargle can be used as needed.

It is generally not recommended to take standard licorice root (containing glycyrrhizin) every day for a long period, typically longer than 4-6 weeks, due to the risk of side effects like high blood pressure and low potassium. However, the DGL form is considered much safer for regular, longer-term use.

The main difference is the presence of glycyrrhizin. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has most of this compound removed, potentially reducing the risk of side effects like high blood pressure, making it generally safer for extended use, especially for digestive complaints.

Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, low potassium, kidney disease, hormone-sensitive cancers, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid licorice with glycyrrhizin. Consult a doctor if you are on any medication.

Some traditional and alternative medicine practitioners use licorice for potential adrenal support due to its effect on cortisol levels. Caution is advised due to potential side effects.

Yes, standard licorice may interact with a number of medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners like warfarin. Always consult a healthcare provider if you are on medication before taking licorice.

For a sore throat, common and potentially effective methods include sipping warm licorice tea or using licorice lozenges. A mouthwash or gargle made from licorice extract may also be used.