A traditional remedy that’s finding fresh support in the lab, one study at a time.
Licorice root has been part of traditional medicine cabinets for centuries, long before anyone could name the compounds inside it. It earns the nickname “sweet root” honestly: it’s roughly 50 times sweeter than table sugar, yet the sweetness comes from plant chemistry rather than added sugar. The real root carries starches, natural sugars, minerals, dietary fiber, and a set of bioactive compounds that researchers keep circling back to.
A quick word before we go further. The licorice worth talking about here is the actual root, not the candy of the same name (that’s mostly a sweetened, waxy confection). What follows is about the plant.
Key Takeaways
– Licorice root is prized most for calming the digestive system, especially conditions like acid reflux and ulcers.
– Its signature compound, glycyrrhizin, has been studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.
– Early research points to benefits for brain inflammation, blood sugar, and skin, though several of these claims still need stronger human evidence.
– People on blood thinners, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone with heart or kidney concerns should be cautious or avoid it.
– Moderation matters. Too much has been linked to heart and kidney risks and to hormonal imbalance.
Soothing the Digestive Tract
SaveThis is where licorice has the deepest track record. A specific form called DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, seems to encourage the stomach to produce more protective mucus, which in turn shields the stomach lining from acid. That mechanism helps explain why it has been used for nausea, ulcers, and the heartburn and vomiting tied to GERD.
The anti-inflammatory side shows up in animal work too. In one study on ibuprofen-induced gastric lesions in rats, coating the drug with licorice cut the incidence of ulcers from 100% down to 59% and shrank both the number and size of lesions. What made the finding interesting is that the licorice didn’t interfere with how the ibuprofen was absorbed, so the protection came without blunting the medicine’s effect.
What the Cancer Research Suggests
SaveHere the evidence is promising but still early, mostly cells and animals rather than large human trials.
Glycyrrhizin and the root’s polyphenols have been shown to protect DNA from damage and to nudge certain cancer cells toward self-destruction. Prostate cancer research has singled out glycyrrhizin for this effect specifically.
A 2017 study looked at licorice polysaccharides (long carbohydrate chains) in mice carrying colon tumors. The compounds slowed tumor growth and gave the immune system a lift, enlarging immune organs like the thymus and spleen, raising helpful immune cells and protective cytokines, and lowering a harmful one. The low-molecular-weight version worked best.
There’s also a real-world angle worth mentioning. In a trial on mouth sores (mucositis) during cancer treatment, patients given an Ayurvedic licorice preparation alongside conventional care fared better than those on conventional care alone. Only about 15% developed severe Grade 3 mucositis, compared with roughly 43% on standard treatment by itself, and the licorice group had fewer unplanned treatment breaks and hospital stays.
A Sharper, Calmer Brain
SaveSeveral compounds in licorice have caught the attention of neuroscience researchers. Glycyrrhizic acid eased neuroinflammation and cognitive trouble in mice, and another compound, liquiritigenin, showed anti-inflammatory activity relevant to Alzheimer’s-related inflammation.
One study compared three licorice types in mice whose memory had been impaired by induced brain inflammation. All three helped restore memory and learning while lowering brain inflammation, and a Korean variety called Shinwongam stood out, reducing harmful proteins and raising BDNF, a protein that supports brain health. A few sources also float a possible role in depression, but that idea needs a lot more study before anyone leans on it.
A Friend to Your Skin
SaveLicorice brings antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent (softening) qualities that traditional practice has long used for redness and irritation. It’s also reputed to brighten skin and, according to anecdotal reports, to fade blemishes and dark spots over time.
A simple at-home mask blends turmeric powder and Fuller’s earth with cooled licorice tea. Spread it on, let it dry, then rinse with plain water; a few drops of coconut, olive, or almond oil keep things from feeling tight. Cool licorice tea dabbed on the skin is a folk approach for eczema, psoriasis, dryness, and rashes, and a licorice decoction has even been used as a rough sunburn salve. Be honest with yourself about these, though: this part is largely traditional wisdom, not proven by clinical research.
Blood Sugar and a Bit of Weight Support
Licorice molecules have shown anti-diabetic activity in rat studies, and diabetic rats given the extract saw their blood sugar drop. Two compounds, glabridin and amorfrutin, appear to drive that effect, which makes the root an interesting candidate for blood sugar support. The fiber in whole root may also lend a small hand with weight management.
DGL vs. Standard Licorice Extract
The two aren’t interchangeable. Regular extract keeps its glycyrrhizin, the compound behind its sweetness. DGL has that compound removed, which makes it the gentler choice for ongoing digestive use. If you’re reaching for licorice mainly to soothe your stomach and want to use it regularly, DGL is generally the safer bet.
How Much, and Who Should Skip It
Licorice can be part of a daily routine, but only in moderation. Overdoing it has been linked to heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalance. Skip it entirely if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and avoid it if you take blood thinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is licorice candy the same as licorice root?
No. Most licorice candy is a sweetened, waxy confection. The root itself is naturally sweet without added sugar, and it’s the root that carries the studied compounds.
What’s the difference between DGL and regular licorice?
DGL has glycyrrhizin removed, which makes it a milder form often preferred for regular digestive use, while standard extract retains glycyrrhizin.
Can I drink licorice tea every day?
In small amounts, many people do. Because overdoing licorice has been linked to heart, kidney, and hormonal effects, keep servings modest and take breaks, and talk to a doctor if you have heart, kidney, or hormonal conditions.
The Bottom Line
Licorice root has real substance behind its old reputation, especially for digestive comfort, where the mechanism and the studies line up well. The findings on cancer, brain inflammation, blood sugar, and skin are encouraging but mostly early, drawn from cells and animals rather than large human trials. Used sensibly and in modest amounts, it’s a worthwhile herb, and DGL is the smarter form for anyone using it often. Just respect the cautions around overconsumption, pregnancy, and medication interactions.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using licorice root, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition.