How to Take Licorice Root

Co-authored by Claudia Carberry, RD, MS

Last Updated: July 16, 2021

Licorice root is most commonly recommended to help ease digestive discomfort, and to boost energy in some patients.^{[1]
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Research source} Tea that contains licorice root can also help soothe your throat and reduce the severity of other cold symptoms. Licorice root is also commonly used as a sweetener in food such as candy and must be taken with caution, as it may interact with medications and, in high doses, can cause serious health problems.^{[2]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Licorice Root Supplements

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Distinguish between the two types of licorice root supplements. Licorice root naturally contains an extremely sweet component called glycyrrhizin. While glycyrrhizin is completely safe in small, infrequent amounts, it can leads to health complications if consumed long-term. As such, if you are considering taking licorice root supplements habitually, make sure to choose a deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) supplement.^{[3]
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- The bottle should report the amounts of glycyrrhizin the DGL supplements contain. It should be no more than 2% of the supplement for safe long-term use.
2
Reduce gastrointestinal discomfort with DGL supplements. Conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, and gastritis can lead to significant discomfort associated with digestion. DGL supplements can diminish this discomfort significantly.^{[4]
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- Take anywhere from 380 – 1200 milligrams of DGL about thirty minutes before you eat.
- Since tablets are usually 380 – 400 mg, start with one tablet and see if your symptoms are reduced.
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3
Boost your energy with licorice supplements. Licorice root that still contains glycyrrhizin, sometimes called "whole" licorice, can temporarily help you fight fatigue. Your adrenal gland can become overworked when constantly producing cortisol, which occurs when you experience stress. Whole licorice root supplements, however, can postpone the body’s destruction of cortisol and lessen the adrenal gland’s need to produce more.
- Note that licorice root that has not had the glycyrrhizin removed should not be taken regularly.
- To help keep cortisol levels normal, take the supplement with breakfast and lunch, but not with dinner.
- Reduce your use of "whole" licorice root supplements as your energy levels return to normal.
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Talk to your doctor about taking licorice root for other reasons. There are several other health benefits accredited to licorice root that have yet to be fully substantiated by rigorous scientific study. For instance, licorice root may help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance, and can potentially help those at risk for diabetes.
- Furthermore, licorice root may help protect you against cavities.
- Finally, licorice root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and it is used in some countries to treat conditions ranging from allergies to infections.
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Take your blood pressure daily while using licorice supplements. This is especially important if you’re using “whole” licorice root supplements. Even with the glycyrrhizin removed, a daily DGL supplement may affect your blood pressure. As such, check your blood pressure daily for the few weeks of supplementation. If your blood pressure shifts outside of your normal range, notify your doctor and do not take any more licorice root supplements.^{[5]
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- If your blood pressure remains stable for the first few weeks of treatment, you can begin checking it less often, such as once or twice a week.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Fighting Symptoms of Upper-Respiratory Infection

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Drink a tea with licorice root to soothe a sore throat.^{[6]
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Research source} Store-bought herbal teas, especially those blended to help soothe cold symptoms, often include licorice root. While other ingredients, such as echinacea and goldenseal also help disinfect and heal a sore or irritated throat, licorice root and slippery elm are some of the best herbs for this particular purpose.
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Reduce other cold symptoms with licorice root tea. Aside from soothing your throat, tea with licorice root can help treat other symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection as well. Licorice acts as an expectorant, and can help your body expel the extra phlegm it produces when you have a cold.
- Licorice root may also help reduce inflammation in your bronchial tubes, helping you breathe more clearly.
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Make your own licorice root tea. You can make your own tea using only licorice root for a more potent cold treatment, or to provide effects similar to that of taking a “whole” licorice root supplement for adrenal support. Use half an ounce of dried licorice root for every cup of water. Bring the mixture to a bowl and then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Allow the tea to rest in the pan for five minutes with the heat off.
- Slices of dried root and chopped root are available at herb stores and online. The best way to measure dried or chopped root is by weight.
- Include a cinnamon stick and few slices of ginger if you’re making tea to treat a sore throat or a cough.
- Children under 50 pounds (23 kg) should not be given licorice root tea.
- For children over 50 pounds (23 kg), provide ⅓ cup up to three times a day.
- As an adult, limit yourself to two cups per day.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Considering Potential Risks

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Do not assume licorice root will cure you. While licorice is commonly taken to help reduce certain symptoms, it should not be taken in lieu of professional medical treatment. Simply put, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of licorice root for any specific health malady.^{[7]
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- The medicinal claims of many herbalists, though widely repeated and accepted by other herbalists, are not backed by clinical studies.
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Notify your doctor when taking herbal supplements. Whenever you are using or considering a complementary, integrative, or alternative health practice, notify your doctor. Your doctor needs a full picture of your health and what you do to manage it in order to help you. Furthermore, certain combinations of medications and herbs can be dangerous.^{[8]
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- Among other concerns, the habitual use of herbs may affect the health or efficiency of some of your organs. Your doctor may order blood work if you take herbs such as licorice root regularly.
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Don’t take licorice root while pregnant. There is some risk of adverse effects on your child if you consume licorice root in any form, even candy, while pregnant. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing, avoid licorice, licorice supplements, and licorice tea.^{[9]
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- Do not provide licorice root in any form to children that weigh under 50 pounds (23 kg).

Warnings

Licorice root should not be given to children under 50 pounds (23 kg) or pregnant women.

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Note that there are health risks related to eating licorice candy as well. If you are 40 or older, eating 2 ounces (57 g) of black licorice daily for two weeks can lead to serious heart problems, such as irregular heart beat.^{[10]
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Licorice root can interact negatively with some medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking licorice root if you take any other medications or supplements.

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