Herb
Licorice Root
A naturally sweet root that soothes a sore throat and calms the burn of indigestion.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score)
🥄 How to use it
Sip as a teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →, suck on a licorice-root lozengeA small medicated sweet that dissolves slowly to soothe the throat. How to make a lozenge → for the throat, or use a special 'DGL' form for the stomach. Keep use short-term.
How much: As teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →, up to 1–2 cups a day for no more than 1–2 weeks at a stretch. For indigestion, chewable DGL tablets are taken per the label before meals — and DGL is the safer choice for regular use.
Show full details & how to prepare it
Licorice root is famously, naturally sweet — many times sweeter than sugar — and that sweetness comes with real soothing power. Its compounds form a gentle, anti-irritant film, which is why licorice has long calmed a raw sore throat, eased a dry cough, and settled the burning discomfort of indigestion and acid reflux.
There is an important catch with whole licorice. One of its compounds, glycyrrhizin, can cause the body to hold onto sodium and lose potassium when used regularly, which may raise blood pressure. So whole licorice is best kept to short stretches and avoided by anyone with high blood pressure, heart or kidney concerns, or during pregnancy.
Happily, there is a clever solution for the stomach: DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, has that troublesome compound removed. DGL keeps the soothing benefit for indigestion without the blood-pressure worry, and is the form most people should reach for if they want to use licorice more than occasionally.
Ways to prepare it
⚖️ Cautions
- Real licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium with regular use — avoid if you have high blood pressure, heart, or kidney problems, or are pregnant.
- Keep use to short stretches (about 1–2 weeks), not daily for long periods.
- DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice avoids the blood-pressure concern.
📚 Why we trust it
- Traditionally used for throat and stomach comfort
- Reviewed in modern herbal references
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🕊️ A word of encouragement
Sweetness and wisdom often travel together — knowing how much, and when to stop. May you care for yourself with that same gentle wisdom, trusting the One who knows your every need.
💬 Ask Remy about Licorice Root
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
Source endorsement totals come from books and studies (+7 per book, +5 per article). In this preview your vote is saved on your device only.
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