Herbs

Licorice

Also called: mulethi, liquorice, glycyrrhiza, yashtimadhu, DGL

A sweet root used for coughs and the stomach.

Why people take it
Sore throat, heartburn, ulcers.
What the evidence says
Limited evidence; DGL has the active compound removed.
How it is usually taken
Small amounts in tea are fine; deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice avoids most side effects.
Be careful
Regular use raises blood pressure and lowers potassium. Avoid with heart or kidney disease and in pregnancy.
Medicines it can interact with
Ordinary licorice raises blood pressure, lowers potassium and interacts with diuretics, digoxin, steroids and blood pressure medicines.

Other herbs

EchinaceaElderberryGarlic extractGingerPeppermint oilMilk thistleSaw palmettoSt John's wortValerianChamomileLemon balmPassionflowerKavaRhodiolaGinkgoMoringaFenugreekCinnamonBlack seedBoswellia

Common questions

What is Licorice?

A sweet root used for coughs and the stomach.

Why do people take Licorice?

Sore throat, heartburn, ulcers.

Does Licorice work?

Limited evidence; DGL has the active compound removed.

How much Licorice do people take?

Small amounts in tea are fine; deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice avoids most side effects.

Is Licorice safe?

Regular use raises blood pressure and lowers potassium. Avoid with heart or kidney disease and in pregnancy.

Does Licorice interact with medicines?

Ordinary licorice raises blood pressure, lowers potassium and interacts with diuretics, digoxin, steroids and blood pressure medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.