Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra)

Table of Contents

Other names

licorice root

Synopsis

Licorice root is a sweet-tasting root from the legume family, prized in both traditional and modern herbal medicine for its wide-ranging effects on the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems. Its primary active compound, glycyrrhizin, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and mucosal-protective properties. Licorice root also contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins, and saponins that contribute to its therapeutic actions.

In herbal medicine today, licorice is commonly used to soothe gastrointestinal irritation (e.g., ulcers, gastritis, and acid reflux), relieve sore throats, reduce respiratory inflammation, and support adrenal function during times of stress. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has the glycyrrhizin removed, is often used to protect the stomach lining without raising blood pressure—a concern with long-term use of whole-root extracts.

Licorice’s adaptogenic and harmonizing qualities also make it a common ingredient in complex herbal formulas, where it enhances the effects of other herbs while reducing their potential harshness. It is used both internally and topically and is available in teas, tinctures, capsules, powders, and lozenges.

Historical Use:
Licorice root has been used for over 3,000 years in some of the world’s oldest medical systems. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), licorice (known as Gan Cao) is considered one of the most important herbs—used to tonify qi, moisten the lungs, clear heat and toxins, harmonize herbal formulas, and ease spasms. It appears in more than half of all traditional formulas, often serving as a balancing or synergistic component.

In Ayurveda, licorice (Yashtimadhu) is classified as a rejuvenative (rasayana) herb that supports the throat, respiratory tract, and digestive fire. It is used to promote longevity, fertility, clarity of voice, and soothe inflammation.

In Greco-Roman medicine, licorice was described by Dioscorides and Hippocrates as beneficial for the throat, lungs, and ulcers. Licorice root was later used by European herbalists for coughs, hoarseness, and adrenal fatigue, and by Middle Eastern physicians in compound preparations for bronchitis and stomach distress.

Licorice was also carried along ancient trade routes and used by Egyptian, Persian, and Chinese royalty. It was buried with Pharaohs, used as a war-time remedy for thirst and fatigue, and incorporated into many traditional confectionery products for its naturally sweet flavor and medicinal benefits.

Today, licorice continues to bridge ancient and modern herbal practice, offering a versatile and well-researched plant medicine for inflammation, immunity, and stress-related disorders.

Uses: Health Conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abrasions (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Acne (Traditional)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Traditional)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing) (Traditional)
Addison's Disease (Traditional)
Adenitis (Traditional)
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Age Spots (Traditional)
Allergies (food) (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Traditional)
Amenorrhea (Traditional)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Antibiotics (side effects of) (Traditional)
Appendicitis (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Autoimmune Disorders (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cartilage Damage (Traditional)
Celiac Disease (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Colon (atonic) (Traditional)
Colon (spastic) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Croup (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Endometriosis (Traditional)
Enteritis (Traditional)
Environmental Pollution (Traditional)
Epstein Barr Virus (Traditional)
Estrogen (low) (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Failure to Thrive (Traditional)
Fainting (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Traditional)
Fatty Tumors or Deposits (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fibroids (uterine) (Traditional)
Fibrosis (Traditional)
Fleas (Traditional)
Foot Odor (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gall Stones (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Goiter (Traditional)
Gonorrhea (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Grave's Disease (Traditional)
Hair (graying) (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Hair Care (general) (Traditional)
Halitosis (Traditional)
Hangover (Traditional)
Hashimoto's Disease (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Hearing Loss (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Traditional)
Heart Valves (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hernias (Traditional)
Herpes (Traditional)
Hiatal Hernia (Traditional)
Hiccups (Traditional)
Hot Flashes (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Hypoglycemia (Traditional)
Hypotension (Traditional)
Hypothyroid (Traditional)
Ileocecal Valve (Traditional)
Impetigo (Traditional)
Incontinence (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Infection (viral) (Traditional)
Infertility (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Traditional)
Influenza (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Interstitial Cystitis (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Itching (rectal) (Traditional)
Itching Ears (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Jock Itch (Traditional)
Kidney Infection (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Knees (weak) (Traditional)
Labor and Delivery (Traditional)
Lactose Intolerance (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Lead Poisoning (Traditional)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Traditional)
Leprosy (Traditional)
Lesions (Traditional)
Leucorrhea (Traditional)
Leukemia (Traditional)
Ligaments (torn or injured) (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Lou Gehrig's Disease (Traditional)
Lungs (fluid in) (Traditional)
Lupus (Traditional)
Lyme Disease (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Lymphoma (Traditional)
Malaria (Traditional)
Mastitis (Traditional)
Measles (Traditional)
Melanoma (Traditional)
Ménière’s Disease (Traditional)
Meningitis (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Menorrhagia (Traditional)
Menstrual Irregularity (Traditional)
Menstruation (scant) (Traditional)
Mental Illness (Traditional)
Mercury Poisoning (Traditional)
Metabolic Syndrome (Traditional)
Miscarriage (prevention) (Traditional)
Mitral Valve (Traditional)
Mononucleosis (Traditional)
Mood Swings (Traditional)
Morning Sickness (Traditional)
Motion Sickness (Traditional)
Mumps (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Night Sweating (Traditional)
Nocturnal Emission (Traditional)
Nursing (Traditional)
Oral Surgery (Traditional)
Ovarian Pain (Traditional)
Overacidity (Traditional)
Pap Smear (abnormal) (Traditional)
Pertussis (Traditional)
Pleurisy (Traditional)
Pneumonia (Traditional)
Poison Ivy or Oak (Traditional)
Poisoning (food) (Traditional)
Poisoning (general) (Traditional)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements to avoid during) (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Rosacea (Traditional)

Body Systems

Adrenal Cortex (Traditional)
Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Appendix (Traditional)
Bladder (Traditional)
Cortisol (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Estrogen (Traditional)
Eustachian Tubes (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Pancreas Head (Traditional)
Parotids (Salivary Glands) (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Pituitary (Traditional)
Rectum (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)