🌿 Licorice Root: A Natural Treasure with Multiple Benefits — And Important Warnings



  • Acts as a demulcent — coats irritated mucous membranes
  • Reduces cough frequency in upper respiratory infections
  • Common ingredient in natural cough syrups and lozenges

🩺 A 2020 review found licorice effective in reducing postoperative sore throat pain.

2. Supports Digestive Health

  • May help with:
    • Heartburn (GERD)
    • Peptic ulcers (especially H. pylori-related)
    • Gastritis and acid reflux

🔬 Glycyrrhizin boosts mucus production in the stomach lining — protecting against acid damage.

💊 DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) is often used for gut healing — removes glycyrrhizin to avoid side effects.

3. Anti-Inflammatory & Antiviral Properties

  • Lab studies show activity against viruses like:
    • Herpes simplex
    • Influenza
    • Even coronaviruses (in test tubes only — not proven in humans)

🧫 Not a cure — but may support immune response.

4. Adrenal Support (For Chronic Fatigue or Stress)

  • Glycyrrhizin slows the breakdown of cortisol — your body’s natural stress hormone
  • Some practitioners use it short-term for adrenal fatigue-like symptoms

⚠️ Use only under supervision — long-term use mimics hypercortisolism (like Cushing’s syndrome).

5. Skin Healing (Topical Use)

  • Creams with licorice extract may help:
    • Eczema
    • Psoriasis
    • Acne
    • Melasma (dark spots)

💡 Contains glabridin, which reduces inflammation and pigmentation.

⚠️ The Hidden Danger: Why Too Much Licorice Can Be Harmful

While beneficial in small doses, excessive or long-term use of regular licorice root can cause serious side effects — all linked to glycyrrhizin.

Risks of Overuse:

❗ High Blood Pressure
Sodium retention and potassium loss
❗ Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias
❗ Fluid Retention & Swelling
Due to hormonal imbalances
❗ Heart Rhythm Problems
Severe hypokalemia affects cardiac function
❗ Hormonal Disruption
May affect testosterone and estrogen pathways

📊 The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns:

Do not consume more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day — roughly 50 grams (1.8 oz) of black licorice candy.

🚫 At-risk groups should avoid it completely:

  • People with high blood pressure
  • Heart or kidney disease
  • Pregnant women (linked to developmental issues in children)
  • Those on diuretics, corticosteroids, or digoxin

🛑 Case reports exist of hospitalizations after eating just 2 ounces of black licorice daily for 2 weeks.

✅ Safer Alternatives: How to Use Licorice Safely

1. Choose DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) for Gut Health

  • Glycyrrhizin removed — no risk of blood pressure spikes
  • Still supports stomach lining and ulcer healing

💊 Often recommended for leaky gut or gastritis protocols.

2. Limit Duration & Dosage

  • Never take whole licorice root extract for longer than 2–4 weeks
  • Stick to low doses unless guided by a professional

🩺 Ideal for short-term relief, not lifelong supplementation.

3. Check Labels Carefully

Many products contain licorice without clear warnings.

🔍 Look for:

  • “Contains glycyrrhizin”
  • “Not for prolonged use”
  • “Avoid if you have hypertension”

📦 Always read ingredient lists — especially in weight-loss teas, detox blends, and herbal cough syrups.

❌ Debunking the Myths

❌ “Natural means safe”
False — poison ivy is natural too
❌ “Eating licorice candy is the same as taking supplements”
No — candy contains less active compound, but still risky in excess
❌ “Licorice boosts energy forever”
Temporary effect via cortisol — can burn out adrenals over time
❌ “Everyone can benefit from detoxing with licorice”
Dangerous myth — contraindicated for many conditions

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to fear licorice root.

But you should respect its strength.

So next time you're sipping an herbal tea or considering a supplement… pause.

Read the label. Know your health status. Ask: “Is this helping — or harming?”

Because real healing isn’t loud. It’s balanced. And sometimes, it starts with one mindful sip — and one decision to honor your limits.

And that kind of wisdom? It lasts longer than any trend ever could.