Uses of Liquorice Root: A Complete Medical Overview

Uses of liquorice root mainly relate to traditional symptom relief for indigestion, sore throat, and cough, but its safety depends on the form used, the dose, and a person’s medical history. While some preparations may be helpful for short-term use, liquorice root can cause important side effects and medicine interactions, so medical guidance is advisable.

Overview: what liquorice root is used for

The uses of liquorice root center on symptom relief rather than treatment of an underlying disease. Liquorice root, from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, has long been used in traditional medicine and is found in teas, lozenges, capsules, extracts, and some food products. It is commonly discussed for digestive discomfort, throat irritation, cough, and soothing inflamed mucous membranes.

From a medical perspective, liquorice root is best understood as an herbal product with both potential benefits and meaningful risks. Some people use it for heartburn, indigestion, stomach irritation, or mouth and throat discomfort. However, products vary widely, and not all forms are the same. Whole-root preparations usually contain glycyrrhizin, the compound most linked to side effects, while deglycyrrhizinated liquorice, often called DGL, has had most of that compound removed.

The most important point is that “natural” does not automatically mean safe for everyone. Liquorice root may be reasonable for selected adults as a short-term supportive option, but it should not replace a medical evaluation for ongoing symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss.

Potential uses of liquorice root in everyday health

One of the most common uses of liquorice root is for digestive symptoms. Some people take it for mild indigestion, a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, bloating, or irritation related to stomach acid. DGL products are often chosen for these situations because they aim to provide soothing effects with a lower risk of glycyrrhizin-related side effects.

Liquorice root is also used for sore throat, hoarseness, and cough. In teas or lozenges, it may help coat and calm irritated tissues in the mouth and throat. This can make symptoms feel more manageable during a short-lived viral illness or after voice strain, although it does not treat the infection itself if one is present.

Some herbal preparations also include liquorice root for mouth ulcers, general inflammation, and support during recovery from upper respiratory irritation. There is research interest in the plant’s anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective properties, but evidence quality is mixed, and results are not strong enough to recommend it as a primary treatment for disease.

• Mild indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort
• Sore throat and temporary hoarseness
• Cough and throat irritation
• Soothing support for irritated oral or digestive tissues

How liquorice root may work

Liquorice root contains many plant compounds, including glycyrrhizin and flavonoids. These substances may influence inflammation, mucus production, and the protective lining of the stomach and throat. This is why liquorice has traditionally been used as a demulcent, meaning a substance that can soothe irritated mucous membranes.

Some studies suggest that certain liquorice compounds may help increase protective mucus in the stomach or support tissue healing in the lining of the digestive tract. This possible effect explains why DGL is sometimes discussed for symptoms related to gastritis or ulcers. However, people with possible gastritis or persistent upper digestive symptoms should still be medically assessed, because symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions.

Glycyrrhizin also affects the body’s hormone balance by increasing mineralocorticoid-like activity. In practical terms, this can lead to sodium and water retention, potassium loss, swelling, and higher blood pressure. That mechanism is the main reason clinicians approach regular or high-dose liquorice use with caution.

Safety concerns, side effects, and who should avoid it

The main safety issue with whole liquorice root is that too much glycyrrhizin can be harmful. Side effects may include raised blood pressure, fluid retention, swelling in the legs, headache, muscle weakness, and low potassium. In some people, especially those with underlying heart or kidney problems, these changes can become serious.

Risk is higher with frequent use, larger amounts, concentrated extracts, or taking several products that contain liquorice without realizing it. Herbal teas, candies, supplements, and traditional remedies may all contribute. Sensitivity varies from person to person, so even moderate use can be a problem for some individuals.

Liquorice root is generally not a good choice for people with hypertension, heart rhythm disorders, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of low potassium. It should also be approached carefully in pregnancy, because safety is uncertain and excess intake may not be advisable. Children should only use herbal products under professional guidance.

Anyone being evaluated for unexplained swelling, high blood pressure, palpitations, or weakness should mention liquorice use to their doctor. In some cases, symptoms related to excess liquorice can resemble or worsen high blood pressure or other cardiovascular problems.

Medicine interactions and product differences

Liquorice root can interact with several commonly used medicines. These include blood pressure medicines, diuretics, corticosteroids, digoxin, and other drugs that affect heart rhythm or potassium levels. Combining liquorice with such medicines may increase the chance of low potassium, blood pressure changes, or rhythm disturbances.

It may also complicate the management of chronic health conditions by altering fluid balance or masking symptoms. For example, a person taking treatment for heart, kidney, or endocrine conditions may not realize that an herbal supplement is contributing to swelling or uncontrolled blood pressure. Anyone under active medical treatment should ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting liquorice products.

Product type matters. Whole-root products and extracts often contain glycyrrhizin, while DGL has had most of it removed. DGL may be preferred when the aim is digestive symptom support, but it is still not suitable for everyone, and quality standards vary between brands. Choosing a standardized product and following professional advice is safer than self-medicating for long periods.

When digestive symptoms continue despite lifestyle changes, a clinician may recommend evaluation and, if appropriate, evidence-based care such as gastroenterology assessment rather than relying on supplements alone.

Medical use versus self-care: what the evidence supports

Current evidence does not support liquorice root as a cure for digestive disease, infection, or chronic inflammation. It may have a place as a short-term supportive measure for selected symptoms, especially when used in safer formulations and under guidance. Its role is best seen as complementary and limited, not as a substitute for diagnosis.

For people with occasional indigestion or throat irritation, general self-care often remains more important than herbal remedies. Helpful measures may include avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol, staying hydrated, limiting trigger foods, and resting the voice when hoarse. If reflux-like symptoms are frequent, meal timing, portion control, and weight management can also matter.

Persistent or recurrent digestive symptoms may need testing to look for reflux, ulcer disease, infection, or other problems. Depending on symptoms, doctors may suggest investigations or treatments such as endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract directly. This can be more useful than trying multiple over-the-counter herbal products without a clear diagnosis.

When to seek medical care

Medical advice is important if symptoms are severe, new, or do not improve. A person should seek care for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe weakness, marked swelling, or a pounding or irregular heartbeat, especially if they have been using liquorice products. These symptoms may point to blood pressure, potassium, or heart rhythm problems that need prompt assessment.

For digestive symptoms, a doctor should evaluate vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, ongoing vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. These signs should not be attributed to “simple indigestion” or treated only with herbal products. If reflux, ulcer-like symptoms, or upper abdominal discomfort continue, it may be appropriate to assess for conditions such as stomach ulcer disease.

It is also sensible to seek medical advice before using liquorice root in pregnancy, during breastfeeding, or when living with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. A clinician can help decide whether any form of liquorice is appropriate and whether another option would be safer.

Practical guidance for safe use

If a person is considering liquorice root, the safest approach is to use it only for a clear short-term purpose, read labels carefully, and avoid combining multiple liquorice-containing products. It is wise to check whether the product contains glycyrrhizin or is labeled as DGL. A pharmacist or doctor can help interpret ingredient lists and possible interactions.

People should stop using the product and seek advice if they notice swelling, headaches, rising blood pressure, muscle cramps, weakness, or palpitations. These symptoms can indicate that the body is retaining fluid or losing potassium. Ongoing monitoring is especially important in older adults and in anyone already taking prescription medicines.

Liquorice root should be part of a wider health plan, not the main answer to unresolved symptoms. For international patients who need further evaluation, Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists at JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat digestive and related medical conditions with a coordinated approach. In all cases, a qualified clinician can help balance possible benefits against risks based on the individual’s health profile.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main uses of liquorice root?

The main uses of liquorice root are supportive rather than curative. People commonly use it for mild indigestion, throat irritation, cough, and soothing irritated tissues in the mouth or digestive tract. It should not replace medical care for persistent or serious symptoms.

Is liquorice root the same as DGL?

No. DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated liquorice, which means most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed. This matters because glycyrrhizin is the ingredient most strongly linked to raised blood pressure, fluid retention, and low potassium.

Can liquorice root raise blood pressure?

Yes, whole liquorice root can raise blood pressure in some people, especially if used often or in larger amounts. It can also cause fluid retention and lower potassium levels. Anyone with hypertension or heart or kidney disease should be particularly cautious.

Who should avoid liquorice root?

People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm, low potassium, or significant swelling should generally avoid it unless a doctor advises otherwise. Pregnant people and those taking multiple medicines should also seek medical advice first.

Does liquorice root interact with medicines?

Yes, it can interact with medicines that affect blood pressure, fluid balance, potassium, or heart rhythm. Examples include diuretics, some blood pressure medicines, digoxin, and corticosteroids. Checking with a doctor or pharmacist is the safest step before use.

Can liquorice root treat ulcers or reflux?

Liquorice root may help soothe symptoms in some people, but it is not considered a definitive treatment for ulcers or reflux disease. Persistent heartburn, upper abdominal pain, or suspected ulcers need proper assessment because several different conditions can cause similar symptoms.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.