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Botanical

Licorice

Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza, a plant of the pea family. It contains glycyrrhizin, the sweet-tasting compound that also gives licorice candy its flavor.

Also listed as Liquorice, Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis

Gut HealthOrgan FunctionImmune SupportStress & MoodLongevity

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Gut healthModerateBNo linked study
InflammationModerateBNo linked study
Liver healthOrgan FunctionModerateBNo linked study
Immune SupportModerateBNo linked study
Cortisol stressStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study
Cellular health & agingLongevitySmallCNo linked study
All 8 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What matters about licorice root?

Licorice root supplies glycyrrhizin, a sweet-tasting constituent also present in licorice confectionery. Repeated high exposure can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, which helps explain its blood-pressure and muscle-related risks. 1

Why people take it

Immune Support19.5%
Detox13.5%
Essential Health13.5%
Gut Health11.2%
Stress & Mood11.1%
Energy10.5%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Can licorice raise blood pressure?

Yes. Glycyrrhizin can promote sodium retention and potassium loss. 1

Does DGL mean proven digestive relief?

No. NCCIH describes digestive benefits from licorice alone as unclear. 2

Can a gargle study support a capsule claim?

No. Evidence for a particular gargle or lozenge cannot establish the same result for a swallowed capsule. 2

Sources