What Is Licorice Root Good For? How Is It Used? Licorice Root Tea Recipe at Home

What is licorice root? What is licorice root good for?

Licorice root, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a medicinal plant with a sweet root structure. Used in both traditional medicine and modern phytotherapy products, this root is especially known for its expectorant, sore throat relief, and stomach-protective properties. It is also frequently used in folk medicine for colds, stomach ulcers, and blood pressure regulation.

Licorice root comes in various forms such as tea, syrup, lozenges, licorice sherbet, and herbal capsules. Among the public, tea made from dried licorice root is the most common. Continue reading for the most accurate and safe homemade licorice root tea recipe.

Glycyrrhizinic acid: the active ingredient in licorice root

The most important and effective component of licorice root is known as glycyrrhizinic acid. Glycyrrhizinic acid is a natural saponin unique to licorice root and is largely responsible for the plant's antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties.

When broken down in the body, it transforms into an active form called glycyrrhetinic acid. This form has a structure that prevents the spread of viruses and balances the immune system. Many scientific studies in recent years have shown that glycyrrhizinic acid can be effective against different viruses.

Licorice root

Antiviral effect of licorice root

So what is licorice root good for? According to scientific research, the antiviral effect of licorice root is particularly noteworthy. The prominent antiviral properties of glycyrrhizinic acid include:

Prevents viruses from entering the body.

Glycyrrhizinic acid makes it difficult for the virus to attach to the cell surface. This effect has been observed especially for influenza, herpes, and some coronaviruses.

Slows down virus replication.

Viruses must produce their own proteins to replicate in the body. Glycyrrhizinic acid can slow down this replication process and prevent the spread of the virus.

Supports the immune system.

Licorice root can contribute to a more balanced functioning of the immune system, especially during colds and sore throats. It also soothes the body by slowing down excessive inflammatory responses.

Is licorice root effective and safe?

There is a very important detail here: Licorice root is quite safe and effective when applied topically, i.e., to the skin. Glycyrrhizinic acid provides very strong antiviral support in topical applications, especially for HPV, HSV, and other viral skin infections.

Topical applications of glycyrrhizinic acid do not create a systemic effect on the skin. This means that the side effects of syrup or oral forms do not apply to this use.

Creams, sprays, and gels containing glycyrrhizinic acid can be used safely and for long periods, especially for genital herpes, warts, and viral skin infections.

Licorice root preparations applied to the skin can be easily used alongside other preparations prescribed by your doctor and can be added to your treatment indefinitely for support.

In short:

Licorice root syrup, which has become very popular recently, carries a risk of systemic side effects. Topical forms, applied to the skin, are safe and can be used for a long time. This distinction must be known.

Other Benefits of Licorice Root:

Licorice root is not only antiviral but also frequently used for everyday health issues:

Expectorant: It has a soothing effect, especially for productive coughs.

Sore throat: Its tea soothes the throat and can reduce coughing fits.

Stomach protective: Licorice root can balance stomach acid, providing a protective effect against heartburn and ulcer formation.

Cold support: It can alleviate symptoms in upper respiratory tract conditions such as runny nose and mild fever.

Natural anti-inflammatory: It can be a soothing option in cases of mild inflammation.

Benefits of licorice root

Homemade licorice root tea recipe

Licorice root tea is one of the most traditional and preferred forms of use. It is easy to prepare at home and offers soothing herbal support when consumed in the right amount. However, you should remember that this tea is a medicinal tea, and you will only see the correct effect when it is prepared and used in the right amount and in the right way. You should absolutely avoid uncontrolled use of this tea. You must consult your pharmacist and doctor before use.

How to Prepare Licorice Root Tea?

Ingredients:

1.5 – 2 grams of dried licorice root (approximately 1 teaspoon)

150 ml boiling water (approximately 1 cup)

Preparation:

Add licorice root to boiling water.

Steep with the lid closed for 5–10 minutes.

After steeping, strain and consume hot.

Usage Suggestion:

It can be drunk 2–4 times a day, preferably after meals.

The tea can be used as a supportive, soothing drink for conditions such as colds and productive coughs.

Caution!:

Licorice root tea should generally not be used for more than 4 weeks.

Those with high blood pressure, heart, or kidney disease must consult their doctor and pharmacist before even using the tea form.

Are licorice root syrups safe? What to consider

Although licorice root syrups are often perceived as “natural” and “harmless” in the market, their high glycyrrhizinic acid content can lead to serious health problems if used incorrectly and without control.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that high-dose or long-term use of licorice root can cause potentially dangerous effects. Glycyrrhizinic acid can lead to sodium and water retention and potassium loss in the body. This increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, muscle weakness, and edema.

What should be considered for safe use?

Licorice root syrups must be used under the supervision of a pharmacist and doctor.

Only standardized, GMP-certified, and clinically tested licorice root syrups should be preferred.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure and potassium should be done during syrup use.

If necessary, the doctor may recommend discontinuing or completely stopping the product.

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) forms are licorice root forms with reduced glycyrrhizinic acid content and may be safer for stomach complaints.

Syrup forms generally contain high sugar levels, requiring caution for diabetic patients.

For antiviral products containing glycyrrhizinic acid, the active ingredient in licorice root, it should be investigated whether there are clinical studies on the disease for which it will be used. For example, if the product is to be used for genital warts, studies proving its reliability and effectiveness on HSV, or on HPV if it is to be used for genital herpes, should be researched.

Who Should Use with Caution?

Although licorice root is a natural herb, its use can be risky in some situations:

• Patients with high blood pressure

• Patients with heart, kidney, and liver disease

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Those taking blood pressure, diuretic, and heart medications

In these groups, medical advice must be sought, and regular monitoring should be done during licorice root syrup use.

Very important: Topical use is different!

The point that should be especially remembered is this:

Licorice root syrups have a systemic effect and carry a significant risk of side effects. However, this risk does not exist with topical (applied to the skin) preparations.

Creams, sprays, and gels containing glycyrrhizinic acid are extremely safe for HPV, HSV, and other viral skin infections and can be used for long periods.

Topical products do not enter systemic circulation, so they are considered safe for patients with high blood pressure and heart conditions.

They can also be used comfortably alongside other medical treatments.

Don't forget to consult your pharmacist and doctor before using this plant, which works wonders when used correctly and wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is licorice root and what is it good for?

Licorice root is a sweet, medicinal plant. It is known for its expectorant, sore throat-relieving, stomach-protective, and antiviral properties. In topical or tea form, it supports immunity and respiratory health.

Is licorice root tea and syrup safe?

Topical products are safe and can be used for a long time. However, due to its high glycyrrhizinic acid content, syrup and tea forms should be used under medical supervision, especially for those with blood pressure, heart, or kidney problems, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

For which diseases or conditions is licorice root beneficial?

It can be used as a supportive treatment for colds, coughs, sore throats, heartburn, ulcers, and some viral infections. Topical forms can be safely applied for genital herpes, warts, and viral skin infections.

This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.