![Licorice Root: Benefits, Uses, Precautions, and Dosage](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/licorice-root-benefits.jpg?output-quality=75)
Licorice root Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used for a variety of purposes for years, including as an herbal remedy for upset stomach, cough, sore throat, and skin conditions such as acne or eczema.
The main active compound in licorice root, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Learn about the potential health benefits of licorice root as well as side effects, precautions, and recommended dosage.
10 potential benefits of licorice roots
1. May reduce acid reflux and indigestion
Licorice root has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. However, studies conducted so far have been fairly small in scale, and larger human studies are needed to confirm the link to the benefits of using licorice to treat GERD.
2. May help treat peptic ulcers
Studies have shown that licorice root extract may be helpful in treating peptic ulcers, which are primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Although additional research is needed, one study reported that consuming licorice extract alongside standard treatment may significantly reduce the presence of H. pylori.
3. May help treat skin conditions
Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that could be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of using licorice gels to treat acne.
4. May have anticancer properties
Since licorice root contains several compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may be able to protect you against certain types of cancer by reducing or preventing cell growth. However, much of the research has been limited to animal studies, and the effect on human cancers is unknown.
5. May relieve chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis is linked to chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to excessive coughing with mucus or sputum production. Some evidence suggests that licorice root may delay the progression of chronic bronchitis due to the antioxidant effect on the lungs. Licorice root may also help slow the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease along with standard treatment.
6. May protect against dental cavities
Due to its antimicrobial effects, licorice root may help protect you against the bacteria that can cause cavities. In one study conducted on 66 schoolchildren, consuming sugar-free lollipops containing 15 mg of licorice root significantly reduced the number of bacteria that cause cavities, Streptococcus mutans.
7. May help regulate blood sugar levels
A study conducted on rats reported that consuming licorice root extract may significantly improve blood sugar levels and kidney health. However, human studies need to be conducted to confirm whether this health benefit is valid.
8. May reduce menopause symptoms
Experts have proposed the use of licorice root to alleviate hot flashes caused by menopause. However, studies are limited.
9. May boost weight loss
Although some studies have suggested that licorice root extract may have a positive effect on weight loss, there isn’t sufficient evidence to support this claim.
10. May help treat hepatitis C
One study found that adding licorice root to standard treatment of hepatitis C could significantly hamper the transmission of the virus. However, the results have not been confirmed in human studies.
What precautions should be taken with licorice root use?
Because licorice root products are herbal supplements, they generally do not come under the scrutiny of the FDA. Long-term use of glycyrrhizin can lead to severe side effects including:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Low potassium levels
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Consumption of large amounts of licorice during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Studies have shown that children born to pregnant women taking 250 mg of licorice root have a higher likelihood of developing brain impairments later in life. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid licorice supplements or limit their intake.
Medical conditions
People with the following conditions should avoid licorice supplements:
- Heart failure
- Hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids
- High blood pressure
- Hypertonia (muscle condition caused by nerve problems)
- Kidney disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Surgery (people undergoing surgery should stop taking licorice at least 2 weeks before the operation)
Drug interactions
People taking the following medications should avoid using licorice supplements:
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
- Estrogen-based contraceptives
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Cholesterol-lowering medications including statins
- Blood thinners
- Blood pressure medications
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think-s1-bulletproof-coffee.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowWhat are different forms of licorice root?
Licorice root supplements are available in the form of:
- Candies
- Lozenges
- Teas
- Creams
- Gels
- Patches
- Sprays
- Mouthwashes
What is the recommended dosage of licorice root?
Licorice is generally safe for most people when taken in doses of up to 100 mg per day for up to 4 months.
However, as with any supplement, it is best to talk to your doctor about the safety and potential benefits vs. risks of using licorice root extract.
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
WebMD. LicoriceLicorice - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-881/licorice
RxList. Licorice. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_licorice/drugs-condition.htm
Top Licorice Root: Benefits, Uses, Precautions, Doses Related Articles
8 Foods and Drinks That Help with Acid Reflux
What is acid reflux and how can you treat it at home? Learn the top foods and drinks that can ease your symptoms and help you find relief. GERD symptoms start with acid reflux and then can progress to include chest pain, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, hoarseness, coughing or wheezing, excess saliva, inflamed gum tissue, and even acid erosion of your teeth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when stomach acid, food, and fluids move up from the stomach to the esophagus. Learn more about GERD, its common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and your treatment options.Heartburn Foods Slides
Learn the symptoms of heartburn and which foods cause heartburn or GERD. Discover home remedies and which foods may provide treatment for heartburn relief.Acid Reflux (Heartburn, GERD): Symptoms & Remedies
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux that causes chest pain when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Heartburn symptoms may mimic chest pain that occurs during a heart attack. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may produce other symptoms.Is Valerian Root Good for Anxiety?
Valerian is an herb that has been used for many centuries to help relieve anxiety and as a sleep aid in traditional medicine. The studies for proving the effectiveness of valerian root for sleep and anxiety have not been conclusive. More studies are required to prove its effectiveness and find the optimal dose.licorice
Licorice is an herbal supplement used as an alternative medicine for cough, sore throat, mouth sores, heartburn, peptic ulcers, and infections. Common side effects of licorice include mineralocorticoid effects, low potassium levels in blood (hypokalemia), muscle disorder (hypokalemic myopathy), fluid retention, swelling (edema), increase in sodium levels, fluid in lungs (pulmonary edema), congestive heart failure (CHF), high blood pressure (hypertension), hypertensive damage to the brain (encephalopathy), headache, lethargy, lower extremity weakness, breakdown of muscle cells (rhabdomyolysis), and others.licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alcacuz, Sweet Root, Gan Zao, and many others) is a root available in a variety of forms. There is no conclusive proof that licorice has medicinal purposes, licorice root may be used for heartburn. There is insufficient evidence licorice has medicinal benefits for any other condition. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to using any herbal supplement. Discuss any OTC or herbal products you are taking with your health care professional.Peptic Ulcer Picture
A hole in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. See a picture of Peptic Ulcer and learn more about the health topic.What Should I Eat When I Have Heartburn?
Heartburn happens when your stomach acid comes up your throat. Foods you should eat if you have heartburn include oatmeal, sweet potatoes, ginger, melons, chicken broth, fennel, non-fat milk, herbs, olive oil and lean meat.