--- title: "Licorice Root: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Traditionally 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…" language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/licorice-root/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Licorice Root Glycyrrhiza glabra T Traditional use Traditionally 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. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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. **Parts used:** root **Key constituents:** Glycyrrhizin 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 Traditionally used to relieve mild digestive symptoms, including heartburn. \[1\] - T Traditional use 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., radix – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-glycyrrhiza-glabra-l-glycyrrhiza-inflata-bat-glycyrrhiza-uralensis-fisch-radix-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2026 ### Cite This Page Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/licorice-root/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. 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