Licorice
At a glance
- Best for
- Dyspepsia or reflux symptoms using deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
- Typical dose
- DGL 380–1,140 mg before meals; whole extract 200–600 mg/day short-term
- Time to effect
- Days to weeks
- Main caution
- 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?
Worth considering if…
- You want a soothing option for indigestion or reflux and choose DGL
- You need short-term throat/cough relief
- You can keep glycyrrhizin intake low and courses short
Probably skip if…
- You have hypertension, heart, kidney, or liver disease (avoid whole licorice)
- You have low potassium or take digoxin or diuretics
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Evidence | 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 |
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
- Typical dose
- DGL 380–1,140 mg chewed before meals
- Higher studied dose
- Whole extract 200–600 mg/day, limited to short courses under 6 weeks
- Timing
- About 20 minutes before meals
- With food
- Take with food for tolerability; chew DGL for mucosal contact
- How long to try
- Trial 2–4 weeks for digestive symptoms; keep whole-licorice courses short
What to track
- Heartburn or dyspepsia symptoms
- Blood pressure (if using whole licorice)
- Ankle swelling
- Muscle weakness or cramps (possible low potassium)
3 commercial forms
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Glycyrrhizin removed for safety.Preferred for digestive use and long-term supplementation.
Whole licorice root extract
Contains glycyrrhizin; limited duration recommended.Use cautiously and short-term.
Glycyrrhizin (isolated)
Pure active; research/medical use.Used in IV preparations for hepatitis.
Safety
Common side effects
Sweet taste, Mild GI upset
Serious risks
- Hypertension
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Edema
- 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
Food sources
| Food | Amount | %DV |
|---|---|---|
| Licorice candy (real licorice, not anise) | 1 oz | — |
| Licorice tea | 1 cup | — |
Choosing a product
Look for
- DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) for digestive use
- Stated glycyrrhizin content for whole extracts
- Chewable form for DGL
Be skeptical of
- Adrenal fatigue support
- Safe for daily long-term use (for whole licorice)
- Detoxifies the liver
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.