Licorice root comes from the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, which grows in Asia, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. Medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for pharaohs. Now, it’s used to help treat various ailments and flavor candies, drinks, and medicines.
Throughout history, people have used licorice root for its possible health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and soothing digestive problems. While people have been using licorice root as a natural remedy for centuries, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support many of its reported health benefits. However, licorice root is still a popular medicinal ingredient and is available in many forms, including herbal teas, candies, capsules of dried herb, and liquid extract.
Treat yourself to a cup of nuanced sweetness with Egyptian Licorice Tea.
Flavor: Spicy and naturally sweet
Supports: Contains beneficial compounds
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Our teas are always organic and ethically sourced, always blended with intention, and always delivered to you in a microplastic-free, compostable tea bag.
Licorice root was treasured by King Tut and other Egyptian pharaohs and who can blame them? Licorice root contains beneficial compounds-one of which is 50 times sweeter than sugar, which accounts for this sweet deliciousness of this fan-favorite blend. Zesty orange peel and warming cinnamon perfectly set off the nuanced sweetness. Treat yourself-sugar-free!-to a cup of this tasty treat, anytime, day or night.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Key Compounds and Properties
Licorice root contains nearly 300 compounds, but its primary active compound is glycyrrhizin. This is responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. There are more than 300 different compounds in licorice, some of which have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. That said, glycyrrhizin is also linked to some adverse effects. As a result, some products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has had the glycyrrhizin removed.
Potential Health Benefits
Current research shows promise for several of licorice root’s medicinal uses, but it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully support these potential benefits.
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Skin Inflammation and Infection
Many compounds in licorice root may help to reduce inflammation of the skin and other parts of the body. These compounds can help to treat several skin conditions. For example, one animal study showed that glycyrrhizin extract from licorice root may relieve symptoms associated with eczema. Research suggests licorice root extract may help treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. What’s more, a 2019 study found that a cream containing licorice root, gentian root, and willow bark extract was as effective as a 1% hydrocortisone cream in treating eczema symptoms.
Applying a gel containing licorice three times daily for 2 weeks seems to reduce redness, swelling, and itching from eczema.
Stomach Discomfort and Ulcers
Infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori can cause peptic ulcers in some people. A clinical trial of 120 people found that the addition of licorice extract to the standard treatment significantly improved H. Pylori eradication. Other reviews have found further links between forms of licorice extract and anti-ulcer activity.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of processed licorice extract that contains less glycyrrhizin. Small studies show that DGL supplements can reduce symptoms of general gastric and intestinal irritation.
Licorice root extract and its glycyrrhizin may help treat peptic ulcers. These painful sores develop in your stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine as a result of H. pylori bacteria. A 2023 animal study found that licorice flavonoid could help relieve peptic ulcers by increasing mucus production, reducing inflammation, and improving gut microbiome. A 2016 study in 120 adults found that consuming licorice extract in addition to a standard treatment significantly reduced the presence of H. pylori after 2 weeks.
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A 2017 study in 58 adults with GERD found that taking licorice root daily was more effective at reducing symptoms over a 2-year period than commonly used antacids.
Hepatitis C
Glycyrrhizin may help treat hepatitis C, a virus that infects the liver. Without treatment, hepatitis C can cause inflammation and long-term liver damage. Researchers have reported that glycyrrhizin demonstrates antimicrobial activity against hepatitis C in cell samples and may hold promise as a future treatment for this virus.
How To Make Licorice Root Tea
Tooth Decay
Some research suggests that licorice extract may help kill bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay. A 2020 review found that licorice root extract can help reduce the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth. This, in turn, lessens environmental acidity around the teeth and helps to prevent dental cavities from forming.
Sore Throat
Different forms of licorice may help treat sore throats and other upper respiratory disorders. Many people claim that drinking licorice root tea helps to reduce minor irritation and soothe sore throats. However, the majority of these claims are anecdotal.
Research has also shown various licorice preparations to have a positive impact in clinical settings. A literature review concluded that topical application of licorice before surgery reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST). Another similar study found that solutions with a higher concentration of licorice were more effective than less concentrated solutions in improving POST.
Other Potential Benefits
Licorice root extract is tied to several other potential benefits, such as:
- Aiding diabetes
- Reducing menopause symptoms
- Boosting weight loss
- Treating hepatitis C
However, more research is needed to fully support these benefits.
Dosage and Forms
Licorice is available in the form of chewable tablets, a liquid extract, capsules, a powder, and a loose herb. People can use licorice in a variety of ways for medicinal purposes, such as:
- mixing the herb with a skin-friendly gel, such as aloe vera gel, to help eczema
- steeping loose herbs in hot water to make tea for a sore throat
- adding liquid licorice extract to a beverage or taking it under the tongue as a treatment for ulcer
- taking licorice capsules and chewable tablets
Licorice root can be purchased fresh or dried. As a supplement, licorice root extract comes in several forms, including: capsules, powders, tinctures, topical gels, and teas.
There’s currently no standard dosage recommendation. A 2021 review suggests doses vary depending on the form of licorice root and the health condition being treated.
That said, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Committee of Food (SCF) both recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day. Another option is to look for DGL powders or capsules, as these are free of glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for most of licorice’s side effects. However, it’s unclear whether DGL products have the same health effects.
It’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any licorice products.
Safety and Side Effects
Licorice root products are typically safe to consume. However, overconsumption can carry a risk of complications. This is typically due to chronic or excessive consumption of glycyrrhizin causing levels of the stress hormone cortisol to rise.
Consuming large quantities of glycyrrhizin can result in side effects, including:
- Lower potassium levels
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- High blood pressure
- Swelling
- Lethargy
- Congestive heart failure
Pregnant people should not consume large quantities of licorice or take licorice root as a supplement. Heavy consumption of licorice during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth. High levels of glycyrrhizic consumption when pregnant can also affect fetal development.
Interactions with Medications
Licorice might increase blood pressure. Taking licorice might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
- Licorice can decrease how quickly the body breaks down corticosteroids. This can increase the effects and side effects of corticosteroids.
- Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin.
- Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Licorice might decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Licorice is likely safe for most people when eaten in typical food amounts. Licorice that has had the chemical glycyrrhizin removed is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 4 months. Licorice that contains glycyrrhizin is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts or for a long time. Eating licorice 5 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including heart attack. People who have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to it. Ingesting large amounts of licorice from candy, lozenges, or tea might also cause serious side effects.
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | It is unsafe to take licorice when pregnant. It might cause a miscarriage or early delivery. |
| Heart conditions | Licorice can cause the body to store water, and this can make heart failure worse. Licorice can also increase the risk of irregular heartbeat. Don't consume licorice if you have a heart condition. |
| High blood pressure | Licorice can raise blood pressure. Don't consume large amounts of licorice if you have high blood pressure. |
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