What Are The Benefits Of Licorice Root – Medical Review by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — By Kelli McGrane, MS, RD on June 12, 2020
Licorice root contains beneficial compounds such as glycyrrhizin, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may have some health benefits, including reducing acid reflux.
What Are The Benefits Of Licorice Root
Licorice root, which is considered one of the oldest herbal medicines in the world, comes from the root of the licorice plant (
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Native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, licorice has long been used to treat various ailments and to flavor sweets, drinks and medicines (
Despite this history, only a few of its uses are supported by scientific research. Furthermore, licorice may carry several health risks.
The medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the roots were used to make a sweet drink for the pharaohs (
It is also used in traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Greek medicines to calm an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, and treat upper respiratory problems (
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Today, many people use licorice root to treat ailments such as heartburn, acid reflux, hot flashes, coughs, and bacterial and viral infections. It is regularly available as a capsule or liquid supplement (
In addition, licorice tea is said to soothe a sore throat, while topical gels are claimed to treat skin conditions such as acne or eczema (
Surprisingly, many licorice sweets are flavored not with licorice root, but with oil of anise — the essential oil of the anise plant (
Glycyrrhizin is responsible for the sweet taste of the root, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (
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However, glycyrrhizin has also been linked to many of the harmful effects of licorice root. As a result, some products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has had its glycyrrhizin removed (
Summary Licorice root is used both as a flavoring and as a medicinal treatment. It comes in many forms, including teas, capsules, liquids, and even topical gels.
As a result, licorice root extract is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema.
In a two-week study of 60 adults, application of a topical gel containing licorice root extract significantly improved eczema (
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Although topical licorice gels are also used to treat acne, research on its effectiveness is mixed and quite limited (
Licorice root extract is often used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as acid reflux, upset stomach, and heartburn.
In a 30-day study of 50 adults with indigestion, taking a 75 mg capsule of licorice twice daily resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms compared to a placebo (
In an 8-week study of 58 adults with GERD, low-dose glycyrrhetinic acid combined with standard treatment led to significant improvement in symptoms (
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Another study in 58 adults with GERD noted that daily use of licorice root was more effective at reducing symptoms over a 2-year period than common antacids (12).
Peptic ulcers are painful sores that develop in your stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They are usually caused by the inflammation that follows
One study in mice found that doses of licorice extract of 91 mg per pound (200 mg per kg) of body weight protected against these ulcers better than omeprazole, a common peptic ulcer drug (
While more human research is needed, a two-week study in 120 adults found that consuming licorice extract alongside standard treatment significantly reduced the presence of
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Due to the content of numerous plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, licorice root extract has been studied for its protective effects against certain types of cancer (
Specifically, licorice extract and its compounds have been linked to slowing or preventing cell growth in skin, breast, colon, and prostate cancers (
However, licorice root extract can help treat oral mucositis – very painful mouth ulcers that people with cancer sometimes experience as a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation (
A two-week study in 60 adults with head and neck cancer found that topical licorice film was as effective as standard treatment for oral mucositis (
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Due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, both licorice root extract and tea can help with upper respiratory tract diseases.
Specifically, animal studies conclude that glycyrrhizin extract from licorice root helps relieve asthma, especially when added to modern asthma treatments (
Additionally, limited test-tube and human studies suggest that tea and licorice root extract may protect against strep throat and prevent sore throats after surgery (
The three-week study gave 66 preschool children sugar-free lollipops containing 15 mg of licorice root twice a day during the school week. Eating lollipops significantly reduced the number
Licorice Root Benefits For Skin
Test-tube studies also show that licorice root extract is effective in protecting against bacteria commonly associated with cavities and tooth decay (
Summary Licorice root may have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Early research suggests that, as a result, it can ease upper respiratory infections, treat ulcers and aid digestion, among other benefits.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers licorice root generally recognized as safe for use in food (
However, the FDA does not currently evaluate or certify the purity, efficacy, or accuracy of ingredient labeling.
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Additionally, short-term use of licorice root supplements and teas is considered safe. However, large doses can produce adverse effects, and individuals with certain medical conditions may want to avoid it.
Both chronic use and high doses of licorice root products can cause glycyrrhizin to build up in your body.
Elevated glycyrrhizin levels have been shown to cause an abnormal increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances (
As a result, chronic and high doses of licorice root products can cause several dangerous symptoms, including (
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Although rare, licorice poisoning can occur. It can lead to kidney failure, congestive heart failure or a build-up of excess fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) (
Therefore, people with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or low potassium levels are encouraged to avoid licorice products containing glycyrrhizin altogether.
Eating a lot of licorice – and especially glycyrrhizin – during pregnancy can negatively affect your baby’s brain development.
In one study, children born to mothers who ate large amounts of licorice products containing glycyrrhizin during pregnancy were more likely to have brain damage later in life (40).
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Summary Chronic use and large doses of licorice root can cause serious fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as those with kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure should avoid licorice products.
As a supplement, licorice root extract comes in several forms, including capsules, powders, tinctures, topical gels, and teas. The root itself can also be purchased fresh or dried.
There is currently no standard dosage recommendation. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day (41).
Furthermore, as products do not always indicate the amount of glycyrrhizin, it can be difficult to identify a safe amount. As a result, it is important to discuss a safe and effective dosage with your doctor.
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These supplements do not contain glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for most of the side effects of licorice. However, as this compound also contributes numerous benefits, it is unclear whether DGL products have the same positive health effects.
Summary Licorice root can be consumed as a tea, tincture, powder or supplement. It can also be applied topically as a gel. Although there is no standard dosage for licorice root, you should limit your total glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day.
Licorice root has been used for thousands of years to help treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions and digestive disorders.
Its herbal compounds show strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Although it may relieve acid reflux, eczema, peptic ulcers and other health problems, more comprehensive human studies are needed.
Benefits Of Licorice Root
However, licorice has harmful effects if consumed too much or eaten frequently. Consult your doctor before trying licorice root supplements or teas.
Our experts continuously monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles as new information becomes available. Licorice root, obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a popular herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine and as a flavoring. The root has a sweet taste and contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which gives licorice its distinctive taste. Licorice root is used for a variety of purposes, including soothing sore throats, relieving indigestion, and relieving coughs and colds. It is commonly used as a natural sweetener in teas, candies and herbal remedies and is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Licorice root is traditionally used to relieve digestive discomfort and soothe conditions such as acid reflux and heartburn due to its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for the gastrointestinal tract.
Licorice root can help with respiratory problems such as coughs and bronchitis. It contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and promote healthy mucus production, easing respiratory symptoms.
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Licorice root is believed to support the immune system due to its potential antiviral and antimicrobial properties, helping the body to fight off infections.
Licorice root can affect hormone levels and is used to balance hormones in some cases, making it a potential remedy for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopausal symptoms.
Topical applications of licorice root extract can help with the skin
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