Licorice Root Tea: Soothing Benefits and 4 Key Warnings

What Is Licorice Root Tea?

Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than table sugar. This single fact explains why Glycyrrhiza glabra — literally “sweet root” in Greek — has been one of the most used and most traded medicinal plants in human history. When you can make bitter medicines palatable simply by adding a strip of sweet root, you have something every healer on Earth wants in their toolkit. And that is precisely what happened: licorice root appears in the medical traditions of virtually every civilization that had access to it.

The sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, a saponin that is so intensely sweet it was used as a natural flavor enhancer long before refined sugar became widely available. Glycyrrhizin is also the compound responsible for most of licorice root’s therapeutic effects — and most of its safety considerations. The duality of this molecule is central to understanding licorice root: it is both the gift and the limitation.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial legume — yes, the same family as beans, peas, and peanuts. The Fabaceae family connection is not immediately obvious, but the nitrogen-fixing capacity of the plant (shared with all legumes) explains why licorice root is so rich in proteins and amino acids. The plant grows 3-5 feet tall with purple flowers, but the medicine is entirely in the root system — a tangle of woody roots and stolons that extend deep into the soil.

The history of licorice root use spans at least 4,000 documented years. It was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Alexander the Great reportedly supplied his troops with licorice root on long marches. It is one of the most frequently prescribed herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine — present in more classical formulas than any other single herb. Hildegard von Bingen recommended it for voice disorders. Napoleon chewed it obsessively, reportedly staining his teeth brown.

Today, most people associate “licorice” with the candy — but traditional licorice candy is flavored with actual licorice root extract, and the American versions (like Twizzlers) typically contain no licorice at all, using anise flavoring instead. The real thing is incomparably richer, more complex, and more satisfying than any candy imitation.

With about 1,600 monthly searches for licorice root tea, this ancient healer maintains a steady audience — particularly among people seeking natural digestive support and sore throat relief. Here is what the research says.

Licorice Root Tea Benefits

Licorice root’s bioactive compounds include glycyrrhizin (the primary sweet saponin with anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity), glycyrrhetinic acid (the active metabolite of glycyrrhizin), flavonoids including liquiritin and liquiritigenin, isoflavonoids with estrogenic activity, and polysaccharides with immune-modulating properties.

1. Digestive Health & Stomach Protection

Licorice root is one of the most reliable herbal remedies for upper digestive complaints — heartburn, acid reflux, gastritis, and peptic ulcer symptoms. It works through multiple mechanisms: increasing the mucous coating of the stomach lining, inhibiting Helicobacter pylori growth, and reducing inflammatory markers in the gastric mucosa.

For acid reflux and heartburn, licorice root tea provides a soothing, naturally sweet alternative to antacids. Its mucilaginous properties create a protective coating over irritated tissues, while the anti-inflammatory compounds address the underlying inflammation. Combined with marshmallow root (which adds additional mucosal coating) and chamomile (for antispasmodic action), licorice root creates a comprehensive digestive comfort blend.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) — licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed — is available for people who need the digestive benefits without the blood-pressure-raising effects of glycyrrhizin. DGL chewable tablets taken before meals are a well-studied approach for GERD and gastritis.

2. Sore Throat & Respiratory Support

Licorice root has been used for sore throats across every traditional medicine system that employs it, and the evidence supports this venerable use. Glycyrrhizin and the flavonoids demonstrate demulcent (soothing), expectorant (mucus-loosening), and antitussive (cough-calming) properties.

For sore throats, brew a strong licorice root tea, let it cool to a comfortable temperature, and gargle before swallowing. The intense natural sweetness makes it appealing even without honey. For coughs, licorice root combines beautifully with thyme (expectorant) and mullein (lung soother).

3. Adrenal Support & Stress Response

Licorice root has a unique mechanism for supporting the stress response: glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which breaks down cortisol. This effectively extends the half-life of cortisol in the body, which can benefit people with adrenal fatigue or hypocortisolism.

This cortisol-sparing mechanism is a double-edged sword — beneficial for people who are cortisol-depleted (often described as “adrenal fatigue” in integrative medicine) but potentially harmful for people with normal or elevated cortisol. This is why licorice root requires more attention to dosing and individual appropriateness than most herbal teas.

For stress support, licorice root pairs well with adaptogens like ashwagandha — ashwagandha modulates the HPA axis broadly, while licorice provides targeted cortisol support.

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Antiviral Action

Glycyrrhizin has potent anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and modulation of inflammatory pathways. Additionally, licorice root demonstrates notable antiviral activity — glycyrrhizin has been studied for activity against influenza, herpes simplex, hepatitis C, and even SARS viruses.

For immune support during viral illness, licorice root tea combined with echinacea and ginger provides antiviral, immune-stimulating, and warming support.

5. Harmonizing Effect in Herbal Blends

One of licorice root’s most distinctive properties is its ability to harmonize other herbs in a blend. It moderates the harsh flavors of bitter herbs, enhances the effectiveness of complementary herbs, and reduces potential side effects of stronger ingredients. This harmonizing quality is the reason licorice root appears in more TCM formulas than any other single herb — it is the great mediator of the herbal world.

6. Skin Health

Licorice root extract (particularly the compound glabridin) has been extensively studied for skin lightening and anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically. Internal consumption through tea may provide complementary support through systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

Licorice Root in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The TCM framework elevates licorice root to a position of structural importance that has no equivalent in Western herbalism. In Chinese medicine, licorice serves three critical functions:

1. Tonifying Qi: The sweet flavor directly nourishes the Spleen and Stomach — the organs responsible for transforming food into usable Qi and Blood. When the Spleen Qi is weak (causing fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and bruising), licorice root is a frontline treatment.

2. Moistening the Lung: For dry coughs, hoarse voice, and sore throat (Lung Yin deficiency patterns), licorice’s sweet, moistening quality soothes and nourishes the respiratory system.

3. Harmonizing formulas: This is licorice’s most distinctive TCM role. It softens the harshness of strong herbs, moderates extreme properties (cooling herbs that are too cold, warming herbs that are too hot), enhances synergistic interactions, and reduces potential toxicity. It is the diplomatic negotiator in a complex herbal formula.

Through the Yin-Yang framework, licorice root is the ultimate balanced herb — neutral in temperature, sweet in flavor (the most harmonizing of the five flavors), and applicable to virtually any pattern. This neutrality and versatility are why it has earned its position as the most used herb in TCM.

Best TCM pairing: Licorice root + ginger (the most classic TCM pairing — warming and harmonizing the middle Jiao). Licorice root + chrysanthemum + honeysuckle for clearing heat and sore throat. As a harmonizer in any multi-herb blend.

How to Brew Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root is a hard, woody root that benefits from simmering rather than simple steeping. The extended contact with hot water extracts the glycyrrhizin and other compounds from the dense root tissue.

Brewing Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Use cut-and-sifted or sliced dried root

   Measure 1 teaspoon (3g) of dried licorice root pieces per 8oz cup. Licorice root is very concentrated — you need less than most herbal teas. Some brands sell thin, dried sticks that can be broken into pieces.

2. 2

   Step 2: Add root to cold water and bring to a boil

   Place the root in a small saucepan with cold water. Bringing it up from cold ensures the root fibers begin opening before the water reaches boiling temperature.

3. 3

   Step 3: Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes

   Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and cook covered for 10-15 minutes. The liquid will turn golden-amber and develop an intensely sweet flavor. Longer simmering (up to 20 minutes) produces a thicker, sweeter, more medicinally potent brew.

4. 4

   Step 4: Strain and serve

   Licorice root tea is naturally so sweet that it needs no additional sweetener for most palates. It has a complex, deep sweetness that is nothing like refined sugar — more like a roasted caramel with herbal complexity. The tea makes an excellent base for other less pleasant-tasting medicinal herbs.

Brewing Variations

• Digestive soother: Licorice root + chamomile + peppermint. Simmer licorice separately, then steep chamomile and peppermint in the licorice decoction.
• Throat rescue: Strong licorice root simmer (15 minutes) + marshmallow root cold infusion (mixed together). The combination provides unmatched throat soothing.
• Immune support blend: Licorice root + echinacea + ginger + raw honey. For onset of cold and flu.
• Licorice chai: Simmer licorice root with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and fresh ginger. Add milk and a touch of honey for a caffeine-free chai alternative.
• Herbal flavor base: Use a mild licorice root decoction as the water base for brewing bitter herbs — it transforms dandelion or burdock root from challenging to enjoyable.

For more brewing techniques, see our guide.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Licorice root tea has an intensely sweet, complex flavor with caramel and molasses undertones, subtle woody depth, and a warm, lingering sweetness that persists long after the sip. The sweetness is completely natural — there is no added sugar. The aroma is warm, sweet, and faintly earthy. Most people find it immediately appealing, though the intensity of the sweetness can be surprising.

Body: Medium to full. The liquor is golden-amber with a slightly viscous quality from the extracted glycyrrhizin.

Best times to drink: After meals (digestive support), during illness (sore throat and immune support), or as a naturally sweet caffeine-free evening treat.

Food pairings: Dark chocolate, roasted nuts, spiced cookies, dried fruits, mild cheeses. Licorice root’s sweetness complements rich, warming flavors.

Similar herbs: If you enjoy licorice root, try fennel (lighter anise-like sweetness), marshmallow root (mild sweetness with mucilaginous texture), and anise tea (more directly anise-flavored).

Buying Guide: What to Look For

Quality markers:

• Bright yellow interior — cut pieces or slices should show a bright, clean yellow color inside. Dark or gray interiors indicate old or poorly processed root.
• Sweet flavor when chewed — a small piece of quality licorice root should taste immediately, intensely sweet when chewed. Bland root is low-quality.
• Firm, dense texture — the root should be hard and woody, not soft or crumbly.
• Pleasant, sweet aroma — fresh licorice root has a distinctive warm, sweet smell. Musty or earthy smells suggest old stock.
• Species clarity — Glycyrrhiza glabra (European) and G. uralensis (Chinese) are both excellent. Chinese licorice is the standard in TCM formulas.

Red flags: dark or gray interior, bland taste, soft texture, musty smell, no species or origin information.

See our best herbal teas for recommendations.

Safety & Contraindications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is licorice root tea safe to drink every day?

Short-term daily consumption (1-2 cups for up to 4-6 weeks) is generally safe for healthy adults without hypertension. However, long-term, uninterrupted daily consumption of full-strength licorice root is not recommended due to the cumulative effects of glycyrrhizin on blood pressure and potassium levels. Take periodic breaks (1-2 weeks off after every 4-6 weeks), or switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) preparations for long-term use. People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or kidney disease should avoid it.

What is DGL licorice, and should I use it instead?

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is licorice root with the glycyrrhizin removed. This eliminates the blood-pressure-raising and potassium-depleting effects while preserving most of the digestive benefits (gastroprotective, anti-ulcer, and soothing properties). DGL is available as chewable tablets or powder and is the preferred form for long-term digestive support, particularly for people with hypertension. However, DGL does not provide the adrenal support, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory benefits that require glycyrrhizin — so the choice depends on your primary goal.

Does licorice root tea taste like licorice candy?

Yes and no. Real licorice root tea has the characteristic sweet, anise-adjacent flavor that inspired licorice candy, but it is more complex, deeper, and less one-dimensional than candy. The sweetness is natural and nuanced — more like dark caramel with herbal notes than refined sugar sweetness. American-style “licorice” candy (Twizzlers, Red Vines) usually contains no actual licorice and is flavored with anise, so the comparison does not hold for those products. European licorice candy is closer to the real thing.

Can licorice root tea help with acid reflux?

Yes, licorice root is one of the most well-supported herbs for acid reflux and gastritis. It increases the mucous protective layer of the stomach, reduces inflammation, and may inhibit the growth of H. pylori (the bacterium often implicated in gastric issues). For reflux specifically, drinking licorice root tea between meals or taking DGL chewable tablets 20 minutes before meals is the standard approach. Combined with marshmallow root (for additional mucosal coating), it provides comprehensive reflux support. See your doctor if reflux is chronic.

Why does licorice root raise blood pressure?

Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, which normally converts active cortisol to inactive cortisone in the kidneys. When this enzyme is blocked, cortisol accumulates and activates mineralocorticoid receptors, causing the kidneys to retain sodium and excrete potassium — the same effect as the hormone aldosterone. This leads to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. The effect is dose-dependent and usually requires regular consumption of significant amounts, but susceptible individuals may be affected at lower doses.