What Is Licorice Root? Discover A Sweet-Tasting Traditional Herb for Digestive & Everyday Wellness

What is licorice root? Licorice root is one of the oldest and most recognizable herbs in traditional herbalism. Best known for its naturally sweet flavor, licorice root has been used for thousands of years in traditional wellness practices and as a flavoring ingredient.

The botanical name most commonly associated with licorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra, although other species, including Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza inflata, are also used. The European Medicines Agency recognizes these three species in its herbal assessment of licorice root. [1]

Licorice root has traditionally been associated with digestive comfort, respiratory wellness, soothing herbal preparations, and overall botanical support. Modern researchers have also investigated its naturally occurring compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin and flavonoids.

Licorice root is also included in God’s Way Herbs’ Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System, a multi-herb formula designed as part of a broader approach to weight-management wellness.

For premium herbal health supplements and natural herbal products, God’s Way Herbs offers a wide selection of botanical formulas. You can Shop All God's Way Herbs products or explore the Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Liquid Formulas collection, which currently includes the Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System along with herbal teas, tinctures, tonics, and other liquid formulas. (God's Way Herbs)

What Is Licorice Root?

Licorice root comes from perennial plants in the Glycyrrhiza genus of the legume family, Fabaceae.

The most familiar species is:

Glycyrrhiza glabra

The word Glycyrrhiza comes from Greek roots associated with "sweet root," reflecting the naturally sweet taste of the plant.

Licorice root contains a naturally occurring compound called glycyrrhizin, which contributes much of its characteristic sweetness. Glycyrrhizin is also responsible for many of the safety considerations associated with concentrated licorice products. [2]

Licorice should not be confused with every candy or confectionery product labeled "licorice." NCCIH notes that many products sold as licorice in the United States do not actually contain licorice root; anise oil is sometimes used to provide a similar flavor. [2]

Where Does Licorice Root Come From?

Licorice species have been cultivated and used across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Today, licorice is grown in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with suitable temperate climates.

Historically, licorice root became an important botanical in several traditional medical systems, including:

• Ancient Egyptian traditions

• Greek and Roman herbal traditions

• Traditional Chinese medicine

• Ayurvedic traditions

• Middle Eastern herbal practices

• European herbalism

NCCIH notes that licorice root has an exceptionally long history of traditional use, including historical applications involving coughs, asthma, wounds, and various other health concerns. [2]

What Does Licorice Root Look Like?

Licorice is a leafy perennial plant that can grow several feet tall.

It produces:

• Upright stems

• Compound leaves

• Small pale flowers

• Long underground roots and rhizomes

The root and underground stems are the portions most commonly harvested for herbal use.

The dried root has a characteristic sweet taste and woody appearance.

How Is Licorice Root Used?

Licorice root has been used in many different ways throughout history.

Licorice Root Tea

Dried licorice root can be prepared as an herbal infusion or decoction.

Because of its naturally sweet flavor, licorice is often used to add sweetness and flavor to herbal tea blends.

It can be especially useful in formulas containing herbs with stronger or more bitter flavors.

Licorice in Herbal Supplements

Licorice root can be found in:

• Capsules

• Tablets

• Powders

• Extracts

• Tinctures

• Herbal teas

• Multi-herb formulas

Different preparations may contain different concentrations of licorice constituents, so products should always be used according to their labels.

Licorice as a Flavoring Herb

One of licorice root's most distinctive characteristics is its sweetness.

Licorice has traditionally been used to improve the flavor of herbal preparations while also contributing its own botanical properties.

This makes it a popular ingredient in herbal tea blends and multi-herb formulas.

Licorice in Traditional Respiratory Preparations

Licorice has traditionally been used in herbal preparations associated with coughs and colds.

The European Medicines Agency lists cough and cold among the therapeutic areas associated with licorice root and recognizes certain traditional uses. [1]

However, traditional use should not be interpreted as proof that licorice treats or cures respiratory disease.

What Are the Benefits of Licorice Root?

Licorice root has a long history of traditional use, and modern research has investigated several of its naturally occurring compounds.

Potential areas of interest include digestive wellness, respiratory support, antioxidant activity, and the role of licorice in multi-herb formulations.

Traditional Digestive Support

Licorice root has traditionally been used for digestive discomfort.

The European Medicines Agency's herbal monograph recognizes traditional use of licorice root for digestive symptoms including burning sensation and dyspepsia. [3]

This is classified as a traditional herbal use, meaning the indication is based primarily on long-standing use rather than conclusive modern clinical evidence.

Traditional Respiratory Support

Licorice has traditionally been included in preparations for cough associated with colds.

Its naturally soothing characteristics and traditional history have made it a popular ingredient in respiratory herbal blends.

Again, this should not be interpreted as evidence that licorice cures respiratory infections.

Antioxidant Plant Compounds

Licorice contains flavonoids and other naturally occurring plant compounds that have been studied for antioxidant and other biological activities.

Laboratory findings are useful for understanding how a plant may work biologically, but laboratory activity does not automatically translate into a specific health benefit in humans.

Botanical Support in Multi-Herb Formulas

Licorice is particularly interesting as part of a multi-herb formula.

Rather than being used alone, licorice can be combined with other botanicals selected for complementary traditional uses.

This is the approach used in God’s Way Herbs' Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System, where licorice root is one component of a broader herbal formula.

Licorice Root in God's Way Herbs Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System

Licorice root is included in God’s Way Herbs’ Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System.

Be Skinny is a multi-herb weight-management formula designed to complement healthy lifestyle practices.

Licorice is one of the botanical ingredients used within the broader formulation. Its inclusion reflects the traditional use of licorice as an herbal ingredient rather than suggesting that licorice alone causes weight loss.

A healthy approach to weight management generally includes nutritious food choices, physical activity, adequate sleep, hydration, and sustainable lifestyle habits.

The Be Skinny formula is available through the God’s Way Herbs Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Liquid Formulas collection. The collection also features a variety of herbal teas, tinctures, tonics, and liquid botanical formulas. (God's Way Herbs)

Scientific Research on Licorice Root

Licorice has been the subject of considerable scientific research because of its complex chemical composition.

Researchers have investigated compounds including:

• Glycyrrhizin

• Glycyrrhetinic acid

• Flavonoids

• Polyphenolic compounds

• Other naturally occurring constituents

Licorice and Digestive Research

Research has investigated licorice and various digestive concerns.

The European Medicines Agency recognizes traditional use of licorice root for digestive symptoms such as dyspepsia and burning sensations. [3]

However, NCCIH states that there is not currently enough high-quality evidence to clearly support licorice alone for a specific health condition. [2]

Licorice and Respiratory Research

Licorice has a long history of traditional use in preparations for coughs and colds.

The EMA recognizes traditional use of licorice root as an expectorant in cough associated with colds. [3]

This designation reflects long-standing traditional use rather than definitive proof from modern clinical trials.

Licorice and Laboratory Research

Laboratory research has identified numerous biological activities associated with compounds in licorice.

Scientists continue to investigate these compounds for their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other activities.

However, laboratory findings should be interpreted carefully. Results observed in cell or animal studies do not establish that consuming licorice will produce the same effects in humans.

What Is Glycyrrhizin?

One of the most important things to understand about licorice root is glycyrrhizin.

Glycyrrhizin is a naturally occurring compound responsible for much of licorice's intense sweetness.

It is also the compound associated with many of licorice's potential safety concerns.

Large amounts or prolonged consumption of glycyrrhizin-containing licorice products can contribute to serious effects, including changes in potassium levels, increased blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, cardiac complications. [2]

This is why the amount, preparation, and duration of licorice use matter.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice

You may also encounter deglycyrrhizinated licorice, commonly abbreviated as DGL.

DGL is processed to remove much of the glycyrrhizin while retaining other components of the root.

DGL is used in some digestive products, but it should not automatically be considered interchangeable with whole licorice root.

When purchasing a licorice product, check the label to determine whether it contains:

• Whole licorice root

• Licorice extract

• Glycyrrhizin-containing licorice

• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

Licorice Root and Weight Management

Licorice is sometimes discussed in connection with weight management and metabolism.

It is important to separate traditional herbal use and product formulation from established clinical evidence.

There is not enough high-quality evidence to conclude that licorice root by itself causes meaningful or sustained weight loss.

In a multi-herb formula such as God’s Way Herbs Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System, licorice is one botanical component among several.

The formula should be viewed as part of a broader healthy lifestyle rather than as a substitute for nutrition, physical activity, or professional guidance.

How Is Licorice Root Prepared?

Licorice can be prepared in several forms.

Tea or Decoction

Dried root may be prepared in hot water. Root preparations are often simmered rather than simply steeped because roots are dense plant material.

Powder

Dried licorice root can be ground into a powder and incorporated into herbal formulas.

Extract

Concentrated licorice extracts may be produced using various extraction methods.

Capsules

Licorice powder or extract may be placed into capsules as part of a dietary supplement.

Multi-Herb Formulas

Licorice is commonly combined with other botanicals.

This is how it is used in the Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System from God's Way Herbs.

Safety and Important Considerations

Licorice is an herb that deserves special attention when it comes to responsible use.

NCCIH warns that glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects when licorice is consumed in large amounts or for prolonged periods. These effects can be particularly concerning for people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney conditions, or high salt intake. [2]

People should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using concentrated licorice products if they:

• Have high blood pressure

• Have heart or kidney problems

• Take prescription medications

• Take corticosteroids

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Regularly consume large amounts of licorice

• Are considering long-term use of concentrated licorice

NCCIH also notes that interactions with corticosteroids have been reported. [2]

The safety profile can differ considerably between ordinary food use, whole-root products, concentrated extracts, and deglycyrrhizinated products.

Frequently Asked Questions About Licorice Root

What is licorice root?

Licorice root is the underground root of plants in the Glycyrrhiza genus, particularly Glycyrrhiza glabra. It has a naturally sweet flavor and a long history of traditional herbal use.

What is licorice root traditionally used for?

Licorice root has traditionally been used for digestive comfort and respiratory preparations, including cough associated with colds. The EMA recognizes these as traditional uses. [3]

Why is licorice root sweet?

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a naturally occurring compound that is responsible for much of its intense sweetness.

Is licorice used in weight-management formulas?

Licorice can be included as one botanical component in multi-herb weight-management formulas. God's Way Herbs includes licorice root in its Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System.

What is Be Skinny?

Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System is a multi-herb formula from God's Way Herbs designed to complement healthy weight-management practices. It is available through the God's Way Herbs Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Liquid Formulas collection. (God's Way Herbs)

Is licorice root safe for everyone?

No. Concentrated licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects, particularly with high or prolonged intake. People with certain health conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before using concentrated licorice products. [2]

Is licorice the same as anise?

No. Licorice and anise are different plants. Anise is sometimes used as a flavor substitute in products marketed with a licorice-like flavor. [2]

Licorice Root and Natural Herbal Wellness

Licorice root is a fascinating example of an herb that serves multiple purposes in traditional herbalism.

Its naturally sweet flavor makes it useful in herbal teas and formulas, while its long history of traditional digestive and respiratory use has made it a popular botanical ingredient.

At God’s Way Herbs, licorice root is incorporated into the Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System, where it is combined with other herbs as part of a broader botanical approach to weight-management wellness.

For premium herbal health supplements, teas, tinctures, and tonics, explore the God’s Way Herbs Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Liquid Formulas collection. (God's Way Herbs)

You can also Shop All God's Way Herbs products to explore the complete collection of herbal supplements and natural wellness products.

For natural botanical personal care, visit the God’s Way Herbs Natural Herbal Body Care collection.

The Bottom Line

Licorice root is an ancient and versatile botanical with a distinctive naturally sweet flavor and a long history of traditional use.

Traditional herbal practices have associated licorice with digestive comfort, respiratory wellness, and soothing herbal preparations. Modern research continues to investigate its many naturally occurring compounds, although high-quality evidence is not sufficient to establish licorice as a treatment for most health conditions. (NCCIH)

Licorice is also an important ingredient to understand from a safety perspective. Its naturally occurring glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects when consumed in large amounts or over extended periods, making responsible use especially important. (NCCIH)

For those interested in herbal weight-management support, God’s Way Herbs Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System incorporates licorice as one ingredient in a broader multi-herb formula.

Explore the Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System, browse the Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Liquid Formulas collection, or Shop All God's Way Herbs products.

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References & Further Reading

1. European Medicines Agency — Liquiritiae Radix (Licorice Root)
Official European Medicines Agency information concerning Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza inflata, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The EMA identifies cough and cold and gastrointestinal disorders among the therapeutic areas associated with licorice root and provides its current herbal assessment documents. (European Medicines Agency (EMA))

2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health — Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety
NCCIH provides an overview of licorice's traditional uses, current scientific evidence, glycyrrhizin, potential adverse effects, and medication interactions. (NCCIH)

3. European Medicines Agency — Community Herbal Monograph on Licorice Root
The EMA monograph describes traditional use of licorice root for digestive symptoms and as an expectorant in cough associated with colds. (European Medicines Agency (EMA))

4. God's Way Herbs — Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System
Explore the Be Skinny Weight Management Factors Support System and God's Way Herbs' herbal tea, tincture, and liquid-formula offerings. (God's Way Herbs)

5. God's Way Herbs — Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Liquid Formulas
Browse herbal teas, tinctures, tonics, and liquid botanical formulas from God's Way Herbs. (God's Way Herbs)

6. God's Way Herbs — Shop All
Explore premium herbal health supplements, teas, tonics, tinctures, and other natural wellness products. (God's Way Herbs)

7. God's Way Herbs — Natural Herbal Body Care
Explore natural herbal body-care and personal-care products from God's Way Herbs.

Educational Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Traditional herbal uses should not be interpreted as established medical treatments. Herbal products vary in preparation, concentration, and safety profile. Always follow product directions and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have a medical condition, take medications, or have questions about using concentrated herbal products.