Licorice Root

Supplements · Digestive & Metabolic Herbs · Supplement, Typed Supps

One where the warning genuinely matters more than the benefit.

Stage by stage

Intake (Extract capsule or tea): Its active compound, glycyrrhizin, is absorbed in the small intestine.
Small intestine (Absorbed): DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) forms remove glycyrrhizin specifically to avoid its effects.
Bloodstream (Affects sodium/potassium handling): Circulates and can affect how the body handles sodium and potassium.
Digestive tissue (Soothing effect studied): Studied for soothing effects on digestive tissue, more established for DGL forms specifically.

What the evidence supports

Easing indigestion and functional dyspepsia (deglycyrrhizinated forms) — limited evidence. Some supportive trials for digestive symptoms, mostly of glycyrrhizin-removed (DGL) preparations, but the evidence base is small.
Evidence that it causes Raising blood pressure and lowering potassium (glycyrrhizin) — strong evidence. Well established: glycyrrhizin blocks the enzyme that inactivates cortisol in the kidney, producing a mineralocorticoid effect — hypertension, oedema, low potassium and arrhythmia. This is the defining risk, not a rare quirk.

Typical dose

There is no benefit target that justifies routine glycyrrhizin intake; the EFSA-cited safe ceiling for glycyrrhizin is about 0.2 mg/kg/day

Upper limit: Regular intake above roughly 100 mg glycyrrhizin daily (or ~50 g of licorice) can cause harm; sensitive people react to less

Timing

Many choose the DGL form specifically to avoid glycyrrhizin’s effects.

Time to effect

Days–wks: Any reported digestive comfort effect in studies.

Medication interactions

Diuretics: Both deplete potassium; combined they can cause dangerously low levels. (high)
Digoxin: Licorice-induced low potassium sharply increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. (high)
Antihypertensives: Licorice raises blood pressure, working against these drugs. (moderate)
Corticosteroids: Licorice prolongs cortisol activity, adding to steroid effects. (moderate)

Common myth

“Licorice root supplements are risk-free because they’re natural.” In reality: Regular use of standard (non-DGL) licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium over time — a well-documented risk, not a fringe concern.