Licorice Root
Glycyrrhiza glabra
T Traditional useTraditionally used for heartburn and indigestion and as an expectorant for cough with a cold; it needs care as it can raise blood pressure and lower potassium.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA assesses liquorice root as a traditional herbal product for two uses: digestive symptoms including a burning sensation and indigestion, and as an expectorant for cough with a cold. Liquorice can cause water retention, low potassium and raised blood pressure, so it is not recommended with high blood pressure or kidney, liver or heart disease, and it is not used for more than 4 weeks.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve mild digestive symptoms, including heartburn. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as an expectorant for cough associated with a cold. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
For indigestion: 1.5–2 g of cut root in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion or decoction; drink one cup after meals. Max 8 g a day.
Amount: 2–4 times daily
Duration limit: 4 weeks
[1]Tea
For cough: 1.5–4.5 g of cut root in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion or decoction.
Amount: 2–3 times daily
Duration limit: 1 week
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
Duration limit: 28 days
- Not recommended with high blood pressure, kidney, liver or cardiovascular disease, or low potassium.
- Do not combine with other liquorice products (including liquorice drinks and sweets): water retention, low potassium, raised blood pressure and heart rhythm problems may occur.
- Do not use for more than 4 weeks for indigestion; see a doctor if symptoms last over 2 weeks, or a cough over 1 week.
- See a doctor if shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm occurs.
- Not recommended in pregnancy, for women of childbearing age not using contraception or while breastfeeding: effects on reproduction were seen in animal studies.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Diuretics, cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin), corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives (e.g. senna) | May increase potassium loss and electrolyte imbalance; do not combine. [1] | Major |
| Blood pressure medicines | May reduce their blood-pressure-lowering effect. [1] | Moderate |
| Medicines broken down by CYP3A4 (e.g. midazolam, omeprazole) | May slightly lower their blood levels; take care when combining. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- The monograph lists no effects of known frequency; long or high-dose use may cause water retention, swelling, raised blood pressure and low potassium
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Per the EMA, people taking liquorice root should avoid other liquorice products such as liquorice drinks or sweets. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does liquorice root raise blood pressure?
Yes, it can. Because it may cause water retention and low potassium, it is not recommended with high blood pressure.
How long can liquorice root be used?
Up to 4 weeks for indigestion; for cough, see a doctor if it lasts over 1 week.
Can I combine it with liquorice drinks?
No. Combining liquorice products increases the risk of serious side effects.
Can children use liquorice root?
Not recommended under 18 because of insufficient data.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., radix – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2026
Cite This Page
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/licorice-root/
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