Licorice
A sweet-rooted herb traditionally used for digestive comfort and throat soothing.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial plant prized for its sweet, woody root, long used as a flavouring and in traditional remedies. Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, the root is rich in saponins (notably glycyrrhizin), flavonoids and polysaccharides, which contribute to its characteristic taste and biological activity.
Traditionally, licorice preparations have been used to support digestion, soothe the throat and act as an expectorant; contemporary research has also investigated anti‑inflammatory and antiviral effects. Uses and effects may vary by individual, and prolonged or high‑dose intake can lead to side effects such as fluid retention, low potassium and increased blood pressure, so medical advice is advisable for long‑term use or when combined with other treatments.
At a Glance
A sun-loving perennial native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, licorice is cultivated for its sweet, aromatic root used in flavouring and traditional remedies. Its root contains saponins such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids and polysaccharides associated with digestive, anti-inflammatory and expectorant activity.
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| Scientific name | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
| Plant family | Fabaceae |
| Origin | Southeastern Europe, western Asia |
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Origin & History
Licorice is native to southeastern Europe, western Asia and the Mediterranean and favours sunny, well‑drained sites such as riverbanks and the edges of ditches. The perennial produces woody roots and spreading rhizomes that store sweet compounds, and it tolerates cold once established while preferring warm, sunlit exposures.
Used for millennia across European, Middle Eastern and Asian traditions, licorice has long served as a flavouring and a multipurpose plant in folk and herbal practices. It was a prominent herb in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for its role in harmonising and supporting other remedies. The root also appears in classical Greek and Roman writings, medieval monastic herbals and later folk uses where it was chewed, brewed or processed into extracts and confections.
Composition & Active Compounds
Licorice produces woody, brownish roots with a yellow inner core; these roots and rhizomes are the parts most commonly harvested and processed into powders, extracts and tinctures. The chemical profile is dominated by saponins (notably glycyrrhizin), a range of flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides, phytosterols and simple sugars; these constituents determine the plant’s sweet flavour and underpin its range of reported biological activities. The root, rich in the saponin glycyrrhizin, is the part most used in supplements.
- Saponins (glycyrrhizin): triterpenoid saponin responsible for sweet taste and a major bioactive constituent
- Flavonoids: diverse group of phenolic compounds including liquiritin and licochalcones, contributing to the chemical profile
- Coumarins: aromatic compounds present in small amounts
- Polysaccharides: mucilaginous carbohydrates that affect texture and solubility
- Phytosterols: plant sterols such as glizestrone and stigmasterol
- Sugars: simple carbohydrates contributing to sweetness
Properties & Effects
Licorice is traditionally known for its sweet root and use in preparations aimed at digestive relief and respiratory comfort.
Traditional use and research most strongly highlight licorice’s role in supporting digestive comfort and soothing mucous membranes.
- Digestive: Traditionally used to relieve stomach discomfort and support digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory: Research suggests it may support reduction of inflammatory symptoms.
- Expectorant: Traditionally used to soothe sore throats and help loosen mucus in the airways.
- Antiviral: Some studies suggest it may have activity against certain viruses in laboratory settings, but effects vary by individual.
Dosage & How to Use
Follow recommended dosages by preparation and avoid prolonged high‑dose use.
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| Dry extract |
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| Glycerin fluid extract |
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Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Licorice can affect fluid balance, electrolytes and blood pressure, so certain groups should avoid or use it only under supervision. It may influence cortisol metabolism and therefore could interact with corticosteroid therapy or other medications that affect blood pressure or potassium levels; medical advice is recommended for anyone on prolonged medical treatment.
Known side effects associated with prolonged or high‑dose intake include headaches, facial swelling, lethargy, generalized fluid retention, low blood potassium and raised blood pressure, and there are reports of related cardiac problems in some cases; if such symptoms occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Hepatic disorders and liver cirrhosis: avoid use in the presence of significant liver disease.
- Severe renal failure: use is not advised with severe kidney impairment.
- Hypertonia (increased muscle tone): contraindicated in cases of pronounced muscle hypertonia.
- Hypokalemia: avoid if there is low blood potassium or risk of potassium loss.
- Hypertension: contraindicated in people with high blood pressure.
- Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Prolonged medical treatment: seek medical advice before use when undergoing long‑term drug therapy.
Licorice can affect blood pressure and potassium and may interact with medications; consult a healthcare professional before use, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with cardiovascular, liver or kidney conditions.