Key Takeaways
- Licorice root has been used for centuries to support digestive, respiratory, and skin health.
- Consuming too much licorice root can lead to potentially severe side effects.
- Licorice root, along with standard antibiotic therapy, significantly helped eliminate H. pylori in peptic ulcer cases.
Licorice root has been used to treat multiple health conditions for centuries. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits derive from flavonoids, like glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin. Licorice may support digestive, respiratory, and skin health; however, though generally considered safe to use, consuming too much licorice root can lead to potentially severe side effects.
Purported Uses of Licorice Root
Traditionally, licorice root has been used for digestive health issues, symptoms of menopause, cough, and certain types of infections. The research is quite limited, but some studies suggest that licorice root may offer certain health benefits. However, more research is needed to confirm these and other claims.
Below is a look at the science behind some of the purported benefits of licorice root.
1. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
Licorice root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat inflammatory diseases. Results from a 2016 review of 93 studies concluded that the three triterpenes and 13 flavonoids present in licorice demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity through a variety of mechanisms.
Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. A 2021 comprehensive review stated that the flavonoid content in licorice root made it a potent antioxidant agent and one of the most effective herbal medications for reducing toxicity in the body.
However, more research is needed to standardize dosages to target specific diseases.
2. Digestive Health
One way licorice root may help heal the gut is by easing the pain of functional dyspepsia (FD), a disorder marked by bouts of upper abdominal discomfort.
In a small study, 18 people were given either a placebo (inactive “sugar pill”) or a specific herbal formula containing licorice called Iberogast or STW 5. The group who took STW 5 reported greater relief of their dyspepsia symptoms than participants in the control group.
The study authors also noted that in a subgroup of participants with gastroesophageal reflux disease, treatment with STW 5 significantly reduced the total number of acidic reflux events.
More research is needed before determining whether licorice root can be used as a safe and effective remedy for this condition. In the meantime, consult your healthcare provider for more evidence-backed treatment options for FD.
Peptic Ulcers
The role of licorice root in treating peptic ulcer disease has gained increasing interest in the scientific community. Notably, researchers have wanted to know its effect on a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and is difficult to treat.
A 2016 study found that, in conjunction with standard antibiotic therapy, licorice root helped eliminate H. pylori in 83% of cases. In the study, the group that received a placebo instead of licorice root had H. pylori elimination in 63% of cases. The researchers concluded that licorice root was significantly more successful in eliminating H. pylori than the placebo.
3. Respiratory Health
Licorice root is believed to support and protect the respiratory system.
In a 2011 lab study, glycyrrhizin, the main active ingredient in licorice root, was found to have the potential to improve the effectiveness of bronchodilators in people with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Another lab study found that the glycyrrhizic acid, asiatic acid, and oleanolic acids found in licorice root have an antioxidant effect that may help protect cells in the bronchi, or passages, that lead to the lungs.
These results could mean that licorice may help slow the progression of various respiratory diseases when used with standard treatments. However, although the findings seem promising, they have not yet been duplicated in human trials. Further human research is needed to support these claims.
4. Skin Health
Licorice root extract is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. Many compounds in licorice root can actively help to reduce skin inflammation, like that seen with eczema and allergic skin conditions.
A 2025 study showed that licorice root extract applied topically both soothed and helped heal allergic dermatitis when compared to conventional corticosteroid therapy. The study also pointed out that, as a natural compound, it is cheaper, more available, and produces fewer side effects.
Further, a 2023 double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial found that the hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root can accelerate the healing process when applied topically to second-degree burns. Redness, pain, inflammation, and burning were lower in the licorice group than in the control group, and the healing process was significantly faster.
5. Oral Health
Numerous clinical trials worldwide have investigated the effects of licorice to prevent and treat various oral conditions, including dental caries (cavities), periodontal disease, oral candidiasis (thrush), mouth ulcers, and even serious conditions such as oral cancer. Licorice has also shown promise in improving root canal outcomes.
A licorice mouth rinse or gargle may help reduce both the size and pain of recurrent canker sores. One randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial found that a gargle made with licorice extract for aphthous ulcers (a common and painful condition) rapidly reduced pain and healing time of patients with these canker sores.
Despite these findings, awareness of licorice’s therapeutic potential in oral health has remained limited.
6. Menopause and Menstrual Symptoms
Licorice root may help relieve symptoms of both menstruation and menopause.
In a small study, licorice root extract was compared with ibuprofen to relieve pain in people with dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). The results from the study suggested that licorice root could be used to relieve pain from menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. While there is some evidence of their benefits, it is unclear how well these compounds in licorice root will help in relieving symptoms of menopause.
One study from 2012 looked at 90 menopausal women with hot flashes. The researchers reported that those in the study who took 330 milligrams of licorice root per day experienced decreases in both frequency and severity of hot flashes. Once the licorice root treatment stopped, hot flash symptoms were said to return. However, more research is needed.
7. Stress and Anxiety Relief
Licorice root is occasionally used to help manage stress and anxiety, as it may support cortisol regulation, the hormone involved in the body’s stress response. Its active compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, may also exert antidepressant effects.
A 2020 animal study suggests that glycyrrhizin significantly reduces anxiety and fear memory. In this study, rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had unusual daily changes in serotonin and TPH2 (an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of serotonin) in a part of the brain called the amygdala. Treatment with glycyrrhizin helped reverse these serotonin and TPH2 changes. This could be an important finding for the treatment of PTSD. More research is needed.
Other Potential Benefits
Licorice root has been researched for other health conditions, including:
- Certain fungal infections, like Candida albicans
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Sore throat caused by surgery
- Viral infections
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS—the most common ulcerative disease that affects oral mucosa)
- Anti-inflammatory effects in treating rheumatoid arthritis
- Improved markers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
Animal and test-tube studies have also examined licorice root’s role in preventing colon cancer. Although the results were promising, the studies are preliminary and should not be used to provide evidence for licorice root’s anticancer benefits. Human trials on this matter have yet to be performed to confirm these study results.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before trying licorice root for a health condition. Supplements should never replace standard care.
Does licorice root cleanse the liver?
The liver does not require cleansing. However, licorice root in appropriate doses may help protect the liver due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are the Side Effects of Licorice Root?
In general, licorice root is considered safe and well-tolerated in adults.
However, side effects are possible when taking licorice root and may be more likely to occur if you take too much. A dose of 800 milligrams (mg) or more of licorice root per day has been linked to low potassium levels.
In addition, taking licorice root over a long period can further increase the risk of side effects. These side effects may be mild or severe, including high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
Because of this, it is recommended that people with heart disease, hypertension, or kidney disease avoid using licorice root. Licorice root supplements are only intended for short-term use.
Licorice root side effects are thought to be due to an excessive buildup of glycyrrhizin in the body. This buildup may trigger an abnormal increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to a severe imbalance in the body’s fluids and electrolytes.To reduce the risk of side effects, some licorice root products have removed glycyrrhizin.
In rare cases, licorice root use has led to other severe side effects, including neurological deficits, ischemic stroke, and preterm labor.
Stop using licorice root and seek medical attention if you experience these and other severe side effects.
Precautions
Some people should take precautions when using licorice root.
Research suggests that using licorice root while pregnant could harm the fetus. Large doses of licorice root may cause preterm birth and issues with growth later in life.
It is unknown if licorice root is safe to use for people who are breastfeeding. Therefore, you should avoid using licorice root if breastfeeding.
Licorice root may be safe for children to use, but in smaller amounts than adults. Your child’s healthcare provider should be consulted regarding dosage and safety.
People with hypertension, low potassium, edema, and kidney or liver problems should avoid using licorice root. This is because licorice root has been linked to side effects that could worsen these conditions.
Some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of licorice than others.
Licorice Root Toxicity
If you take more licorice root than you should, you may be more likely to experience side effects.
Taking licorice root for long periods or in doses that are too high may cause toxicity or adverse effects. Although licorice root toxicity has been reported in small numbers, it is still a real possibility.
Glycyrrhizin, the most active ingredient in licorice root, has been classified as moderately toxic by some researchers. This is mostly due to its ability to cause high blood pressure and low potassium.
It is best not to take licorice root every day because there are potential health complications from glycyrrhizin accumulating in the body when taken in large doses or long-term. In rare cases, accumulation could cause:
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium levels
- Edema
- Arrhythmia
- Cardiac arrest
To best prevent toxicity or adverse events from taking licorice root, never take more than recommended.
Interactions
Licorice root may interact with a number of medications. These interactions may lower how well certain drugs work.
Licorice root may disrupt the breakdown of several medications due to interacting with cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver. These enzymes are needed to metabolize several popular medications, including but not limited to:
- Ondansetron
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Glucotrol (glipizide)
- Motrin (ibuprofen)
- Jantoven (warfarin)
- Losartan
Interactions have also been found between licorice root and digoxin, a medication commonly used for heart arrhythmias.34
Besides digoxin, these interactions have mostly been seen in lab settings and are theoretical. Regardless, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you are taking before starting licorice root.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a new supplement to know which ingredients are included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications you may be taking.
Dosage: How Much Licorice Root Should I Take?
Supplement use should be individualised and vetted. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider, before using licorice root, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking any medications.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Due to a lack of research, there are no universal guidelines for licorice root dosage. It’s best to follow dosage guidelines from the supplement manufacturer or your healthcare provider.
Previous studies have estimated that a dose of 1 to 5 grams (g) of licorice root daily is safe for most adults.
Generally, you should always stay within the recommended dosage on the product label. You should also not take licorice root supplements for an extended period.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the right licorice root dose for you. (verywellhealth)
