Licorice
Useful mainly for dyspepsia or reflux symptoms using deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).
Quick decision guide
May help most
Dyspepsia or reflux symptoms using deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
Common dosing range
DGL 380–1,140 mg before meals; whole extract 200–600 mg/day short-term
When to expect effects
Days to weeks
Watch out for
Whole (glycyrrhizin-containing) licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium
What is it
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra or G. uralensis) is a flowering plant whose root has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Modern supplements come in two main forms: whole licorice root extract (contains glycyrrhizin) and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL, with glycyrrhizin removed for safety).
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
chronic viral hepatitis (intravenous glycyrrhizin, adjunct) Good Evidence | Modest (transaminase reduction) | Patients with chronic hepatitis receiving clinician-administered IV glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) | Weeks |
cough and sore throat Limited Evidence | Modest | Adults wanting short-term relief of throat irritation or cough | Hours to days |
chronic viral hepatitis (intravenous glycyrrhizin, adjunct)
- Effect
- Modest (transaminase reduction)
- Best fit
- Patients with chronic hepatitis receiving clinician-administered IV glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C)
- Time
- Weeks
cough and sore throat
- Effect
- Modest
- Best fit
- Adults wanting short-term relief of throat irritation or cough
- Time
- Hours to days
Evidence for 2 uses
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
chronic viral hepatitis (intravenous glycyrrhizin, adjunct)
Biomarker supportIntravenous glycyrrhizin lowers serum transaminases and has been used as a hepatoprotective adjunct in chronic viral hepatitis, mainly in Japan. The benefit is on liver enzyme biomarkers; effects on cirrhosis and survival are less certain, and this is a clinician-administered IV product, not an oral supplement.
Bottom line: IV glycyrrhizin can improve liver-enzyme markers in hepatitis but is a medical treatment, not an oral supplement use.
cough and sore throat
Supplement benefitLicorice has traditional use for cough and sore throat, and glycyrrhizin has demulcent and antiviral activity. One specific use with reasonable support is licorice gargle to reduce post-operative sore throat after intubation; broader respiratory evidence is limited.
Bottom line: Reasonable for short-term throat symptoms, with the best data for pre-/post-surgical sore-throat gargles.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
3 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Preferred for digestive use and long-term supplementation.
Glycyrrhizin removed for safety.
Whole licorice root extract
Use cautiously and short-term.
Contains glycyrrhizin; limited duration recommended.
Glycyrrhizin (isolated)
Used in IV preparations for hepatitis.
Pure active; research/medical use.
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
Hypertension
Hypokalemia (low potassium)
Muscle weakness
Cardiac arrhythmia
Who should avoid it
- People with hypertension, heart, kidney, or liver disease
- People with low potassium
- People on digoxin or diuretics
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid whole licorice in pregnancy due to preterm-birth risk; DGL is preferred if licorice is desired.
Interactions
Glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure, opposing the drug
Potassium loss increases digoxin toxicity risk
Glycyrrhizin potentiates cortisol activity
Additive potassium loss
Documented interactions
Evidence-graded pair pages with sources, dosing notes, and timing guidance — a complement to the narrative section above.
Warnings (6)
+ losartan
highGlycyrrhizin in licorice mimics aldosterone, causing the kidneys to retain sodium and water while losing potassium. This pseudoaldosteronism raises blood pressure and works against losartan's antihypertensive effect, and the potassium loss can cause weakness and dangerous heart-rhythm problems.
+ prednisone
highGlycyrrhizin in real licorice inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, which normally inactivates cortisol and prednisolone at the kidney's mineralocorticoid receptor. Blocking it produces a pseudohyperaldosteronism state — sodium and water retention, rising blood pressure, and potassium loss. Layered onto prednisone, this can drive clinically significant hypokalemia, and severe cases of hypokalemic paralysis, arrhythmia, and refractory hypertension have been reported.
+ lisinopril
highGlycyrrhizin in licorice mimics aldosterone, causing the kidneys to retain sodium and water and excrete potassium. This raises blood pressure and works against lisinopril's antihypertensive effect, while also lowering potassium, which can complicate cardiovascular risk.
+ furosemide
highGlycyrrhizin in licorice inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, allowing cortisol to act on mineralocorticoid receptors and driving renal potassium loss. Combined with furosemide, which already wastes potassium, this can add up to a markedly higher risk of significant hypokalemia, worsening edema, raised blood pressure, and arrhythmia.
Protocols featuring Licorice
Evidence-backed routines where Licorice plays a role.
Food sources
| Food | Amount | %DV |
|---|---|---|
| Licorice candy (real licorice, not anise) | 1 oz | — |
| Licorice tea | 1 cup | — |
Licorice candy (real licorice, not anise)
- Amount
- 1 oz
- %DV
- —
Licorice tea
- Amount
- 1 cup
- %DV
- —
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between DGL and regular licorice?⌄
DGL has glycyrrhizin removed, eliminating the blood pressure and potassium concerns. DGL is preferred for digestive use and long-term supplementation. Regular licorice extract retains glycyrrhizin and its risks.
Can licorice raise blood pressure?⌄
Yes, the glycyrrhizin in regular licorice can cause apparent mineralocorticoid excess — high blood pressure, low potassium, and water retention. Cases from candy and supplement use are well-documented. DGL doesn't have this risk.
Is licorice candy safe?⌄
In small amounts occasionally, yes. Regular consumption (especially in Europe where real licorice candy is common) has caused dangerous hypokalemia and hypertension.
Does licorice help with adrenal fatigue?⌄
'Adrenal fatigue' is not a recognized medical diagnosis. Licorice does affect cortisol metabolism but in ways that can be problematic. Discuss adrenal concerns with a qualified physician.
References by claim
Track Licorice with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.