{"id":5819,"date":"2021-11-26T21:18:49","date_gmt":"2021-11-26T21:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=5819"},"modified":"2026-03-02T15:34:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T15:34:28","slug":"liquorice","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/liquorice\/","title":{"rendered":"Liquorice"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":8711,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"f9479225-8f2b-4a60-b2c3-cc070a43eabf","beyondwords_preview_token":"d6fd1835-f9c9-44fd-bd44-5b50ce93680b","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[53,42,54,747,745,938,47],"conditions":[685,693,701,696,695,697],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[27,28],"western_action":[1010,988,992,994,996,998,1003,1005,1013,1014,1015,1016,1021,1025],"chinese_action":[1168,1047,1038,1167],"ayurvedic_action":[1068,1056,1091,1100,1097,1078],"energetics_action":[1557,1561,1382,1533,1559,1520,1544,1554,1523,1488,1558,1560,1619,1507,1552,1551,1556,1562,1617,1522,1529,1511,1494,1536,1550],"writer":[],"region":[1897,1898,1893],"class_list":["post-5819","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-cold","tag-digestion","tag-flu","tag-licorish","tag-liqourice","tag-liquorice","tag-sweet","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-sweet","sense-mucilaginous","western_action-expectorant","western_action-adaptogen","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antitussive","western_action-carminative","western_action-demulcent","western_action-hepatic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-laxative","western_action-stomachic","western_action-vulnerary","chinese_action-clear-heat-dry-damp","chinese_action-tonify-blood","chinese_action-tonify-the-qi","chinese_action-treat-cough-stop-wheezing","ayurvedic_action-eyesight-improver-chakshushya","ayurvedic_action-life-bringing-jeevaniya","ayurvedic_action-rejuvenating-rasayani","ayurvedic_action-reproductive-strength-increasing-shukrala","ayurvedic_action-stop-bleeding-shonita-sthapana","ayurvedic_action-throat-soothing-kanthya","energetics_action-blood-tissue","energetics_action-bones-tissue","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-fat-tissue","energetics_action-heart-channel-chinese","energetics_action-heavy-quality","energetics_action-kapha-minus","energetics_action-lung-channel-chinese","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-muscle-tissue","energetics_action-nervous-tissue","energetics_action-nervous-channel-ayurvedic","energetics_action-neutral-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-pitta-minus","energetics_action-pitta-plus","energetics_action-plasma-tissue","energetics_action-reproductive-tissue","energetics_action-reproductive-channel-ayurvedic","energetics_action-spleen-channel-chinese","energetics_action-stomach-channel-chinese","energetics_action-sweet-taste-chinese","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-sweet-madhura","energetics_action-vata-minus","region-ayurvedic-herbs","region-traditional-chinese-herbs","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20241213","herb_author":2020,"banner_text":"Liquorice is widely used by Western and traditional Chinese herbalists","latin_name":"Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"Gan cao","family_name":"Fabaceae","herb_summary":"Liquorice has an affinity for the respiratory, reproductive and endocrine systems and is often used in blends to harmonise the effects of other herbs.","key_benefits":"Cough and sore throat\r\nUpset stomach and hyperacidity\r\nTo improve liver function\r\nTo sweeten and harmonise other herbal blends","how_does_it_feel":"Liquorice comes in several forms. One of the easiest ways to try liquorice is by trying liquorice sticks often found in natural health shops. Chew one of these and the sweetness comes through straightaway, with slight hints of bitterness following behind. These nuanced tastes are more pronounced when trying a more concentrated extract, as it accentuates the sour and sialagogue (saliva promoting) effects.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe sweetness of liquorice that dominates its flavour is why it is the most widely used ingredient in herbal mixtures around the world. As well as making the tastes of other herbs more acceptable (especially for children), those who have experienced the addition of liquorice in a blend tend to agree that liquorice harmonises the combined effects of other ingredients in the blend.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":9911,"hdif_image_2":13250,"hdif_image_3":282905,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/AMEXLWoBF3M","sense":[28,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Liquorice is often used in home remedies to make other herbs more palatable. Many herbal medicine traditions agree that it has a potent harmonising effect and it is possibly the most widely used ingredient of folk remedies in the world.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLiquorice is a popular <\/span>adaptogen<\/span><\/a>. Adaptogens are herbs that positively moderate the stress response and protect the body from the negative effects of high levels of stress hormones. When used in this way, liquorice can also help to improve immune function, making it an excellent herb for short term fatigue from stress or minor illness. More chronic stress related illness or burn out would be better treated under the care of a medical herbalist.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe most common uses of liquorice are for immediate relief of <\/span>coughs<\/span><\/a>, sore throats as well as for stomach issues and indigestion. Liquorice can also be used to treat burning sensations and dyspepsia by promoting the natural production of protective mucus in the digestive lining. This acts as a barrier to the acid in the stomach and oesophagus (1,2).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_13251\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"443\"]\"Liquorice Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLiquorice is emollient, <\/span>demulcent<\/span><\/a> and nutritive. It naturally produces mucilage which soothes inflamed mucous membranes throughout the body, with a particular affinity for the respiratory tract, digestive and urinary system. It encourages a healthy inflammatory response and, through coating hot and irritated membranes, allows time for damaged cells to regenerate and repair effectively (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt strengthens and supports the nervous system and adrenal glands through the production of constituents that mimic those found in the adrenal cortex. It will modify the body\u2019s own stress response to prevent the onset of adrenal exhaustion and impart a tonifying effect through the body (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is also an effective hepatoprotective, supporting the regeneration and repair of damaged liver cells, particularly in chronic conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis (1,2).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_5550\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Liquorice Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIt is remarkable that many of the recorded uses of liquorice from different regions over the ages are consistent, and often supported by scientific research. Reference to treatment of conditions including laryngitis, pharyngitis, cough, peptic ulcer and hepatitis are common to European, Indian and Chinese traditions (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLiquorice sticks are very widely used around the world as toothbrushes, a reputation backed by modern evidence for a benefit against tooth decay and gum problems (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn European history, liquorice, often as extracts, is used to sweeten and harmonise the impact of herbal mixtures. On its own, it is used as a cough and throat remedy, for stomach problems, and consistently as a convalescent tonic (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLiquorice is potentially the most commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is included in the majority of formulae. It is used to tonify the Spleen (roughly translated as the wider digestive and assimilative functions in the body), clears Heat and detoxifies Fire Poison (sore throat, boils), moistens the Lungs, stops coughing and soothes spasm. Many of the indications reported in early Chinese texts are common to European usage, such as cough, pharyngitis, gastric pain, ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract and sores. However, the Chinese also used liquorice as a detoxifying agent for poisoning by drugs or food, a use also mirrored in Ayurveda (5,6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nOther Ayurvedic uses of liquorice include viral respiratory infections, <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a>, throat infection, eye irritation, ulcers (peptic, oral), acute and chronic liver disease, <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a>, painful urination, catarrh of the genitourinary tract, wound infection, arthritis and as a rejuvenative tonic. Liquorice is most commonly used in TCM and Ayurveda to strengthen and harmonise herbal formulae (5,6).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"EndocrineEndocrine system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nLiquorice possesses many therapeutic properties that potentiate the action of cortisol and reduce testosterone synthesis. This action is especially relevant in\u00a0 women, as it exerts an oestrogen-like activity and helps to reduce body fat mass.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTriterpenes in liquorice are metabolised by the body into molecules which are structurally similar to that of adrenal cortex hormones. This may provide the basis for the herb\u2019s anti-inflammatory action (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLiquorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizic acid, which is linked to its pseudo-aldosterone-like effects. New research suggests that the glycyrrhetenic acid (the hydrolytic metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid) is the primary active component that causes inhibition of peripheral metabolism of cortisol, which binds to mineralocorticoid receptors in the same way as aldosterone (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nResearch suggests two hypotheses for liquorice's mechanism of action. Firstly, the binding of glycyrretinic acid to mineralocorticoid receptors, and secondly the inhibition of active cortisol activity. Liquorice\u2019s effects in reducing the negative impacts of excess cortisol (a stress hormone) are directly related to increased plasma concentration of liquorice metabolites and their binding to mineralocorticoid receptors. This process is understood to reduce the binding of excess plasma cortisol levels to the receptors, thereby reducing their negative effects and increasing their elimination from the body (9,10,11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is also this cortisol mimicking effect that makes liquorice specific for adrenocorticoid insufficiency in conditions such as Addison's disease (10).<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nLiquorice appears to loosen mucus, so it can be used to treat dry coughs with scanty or stuck phlegm, sore throat, laryngitis and tonsillitis. It is specific for aggravated and dry coughing. It is also useful in infections with yellow\/green sputum and at a higher dose it is a more stimulating expectorant to clear mucus (2,7).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nLiquorice is specific for <\/span>gastritis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>ulcers<\/span><\/a> and all intestinal inflammations and painful spasms . It is very useful in hyperacidity and is often used for arresting bleeding in the intestines and lungs. Its demulcent nature moistens and relaxes the bowel and is helpful in drying <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a>. Taken at a low dose, it is <\/span>antiemetic<\/span><\/a> (if nausea is caused by heat) and in high doses it can be more stimulating (2,7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere is a significant hepatoprotective action, reducing inflammation in hepatitis and chronic liver disease. Liquorice contains steroidal saponins which\u00a0 demonstrate adrenal and reproductive tonic actions, and there are records of its being used in Addison\u2019s disease as an adrenal support. This activity may account for the use of liquorice in exhausted and hyperactive conditions such as ME and chronic fatigue syndrome (3,12).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nLiquorice soothes painful and burning symptoms of cystitis. This action is largely as a result of its ability to increase mucus production in the urinary tract lining which acts as a barrier against further exposure to eliminatory products of urine production (9).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Skin health<\/a><\/h3>\r\nLiquorice is a useful soothing external application for the itchy dry skin. Its <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> effects are commonly employed to treat red, hot and inflamed skin disorders. Topical use of liquorice can also be helpful for steroid withdrawal in individuals coming off of steroid creams prescribed for <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> (13).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_282904\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"503\"]\"Liquorice Liquorice root and powder (Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Hepatoprotective effects of a proprietary glycyrrhizin product during alcohol consumption: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was carried out to evaluate the\u00a0 hepatoprotective effects of glycyrrhizin during alcohol consumption. Twelve healthy individuals (six male and six female subjects) were included in the study where vodka was consumed nightly for 12 days along with a glycyrrhizin product or placebo. A number of different liver function enzymes were measured at days 1, 6 and 12 during the study. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThese study results suggest that consumption of glycyrrhizin alongside alcohol consumption may support improved liver health compared with drinking alcohol alone based on altered levels of liver function enzymes in the glycyrrhizin group compared to the placebo group (11). Further clinical trials with a larger subject size are needed to fully understand the potential of liquorice and its compounds for use as a supportive agent for liver function (14).<\/span>\r\n

Efficacy of licorice as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 52 critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care, a liquorice root extract tablet was given to patients to explore its effect on disease severity. The extract (D-reglis\u00ae, 760 mg daily) was given over a five day period. The primary outcome\u2014 length of ICU stay, was significantly reduced in the liquorice group compared with placebo (p = 0.015). <\/span>\r\n\r\nSecondary outcomes, including oxygen saturation, duration of mechanical ventilation, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and mortality rate, did not differ significantly between groups. These findings suggest that liquorice root extract may offer a clinically relevant benefit in reducing ICU stay in severe COVID-19 when used adjunctively, although larger and longer-duration trials incorporating inflammatory and mechanistic biomarkers are needed to confirm and further elucidate its effects (15).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Effects of licorice extract in combination with a low-calorie diet on obesity indices, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles in overweight\/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of a liquorice extract on overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It was carried out amongst 66 individuals, who received either a liquorice extract at a dose of 1.5 g\/day or placebo over the course of eight weeks. Participants received either the liquorice extract alongside a low-calorie diet or a placebo with the same dietary intervention. <\/span>\r\n\r\nCompared with placebo, liquorice supplementation resulted in significant improvements in obesity indices (body weight, BMI, and body fat), glycaemic measures (fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B), and lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C) (p < 0.05). These benefits remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders, including baseline values, age, weight change, and physical activity. The findings suggest that liquorice extract may enhance weight management, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism in women with PCOS when used as an adjunct treatment alongside dietary adjustments (16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Effective licorice gargle juice for aphthous ulcer pain relief: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 54 primary-care patients with aphthous ulcers, the effects of a liquorice gargle juice on pain reduction were evaluated over a short treatment period. Participants were allocated to receive either the liquorice gargle (n = 30) or placebo (n = 24) for 1\u20132 days. Pain severity was assessed using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after treatment. <\/span>\r\n\r\nCompared with placebo, the liquorice gargle group experienced a significant reduction in pain at both day one (mean VAS 2.47 vs. 4.75; p < 0.001) and day two (mean VAS 1.07 vs. 4.08; p < 0.001). These findings indicate that topical liquorice gargle juice can rapidly reduce pain and accelerate symptomatic improvement in aphthous ulcers, supporting its potential to improve patient comfort and quality of life with this condition (17).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Impact of licorice root on the burn healing process: A double-blinded randomised controlled clinical trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn a double-blind, randomised clinical trial involving 50 patients with second-degree burns, the authors evaluated the effect of a topical hydroalcoholic licorice (<\/span>Glycyrrhiza<\/span><\/i> spp.) root extract on the burn healing process. Participants were assigned to receive either a liquorice-containing hydrogel or a control hydrogel without extract, with wound healing assessed on days 1, 3, 6, 10, and 15. <\/span>\r\n\r\nCompared with the control group, patients treated with the liquorice hydrogel experienced significantly reduced inflammation (days 3\u201310), redness (days 6\u201315), pain (day three), and burning sensation (days 3\u201315) (p < 0.05), alongside a significantly faster overall healing process. These findings support the traditional use of liquorice in inflammatory and wound-healing conditions and suggest that topical hydroalcoholic licorice extract may be an effective adjunctive treatment for accelerating recovery in second-degree burns (18).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The liquorice constituent glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sucrose, hence why this plant has historically been made into confectionery forming a popular sweet treat for much of the world\u2019s population(19). Consistent or excessive consumption of liquorice sweets has also been shown to raise blood pressure (20). <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":108602},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Liquorice belongs to the pea family, so will grow best in soils with a high nitrogen content.<\/span>\r\n\r\n It is a perennial herb with underground rhizomes, characteristic of the Fabaceae family.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe stems are downy and upright, growing to about 1.5 m in height. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe stolons and long rootlets emerge from a thick rhizome of dark, reddish- or greyish-brown colour externally, while yellowish inside. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe leaves are a dark green and arranged in pairs (pinnate) along the stem. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flowers spring from the axils of the leaves and are a light blue or pale violet, very similar in appearance to those of the sweet pea (24).<\/span>","common_names":"