Licorice Root Tea Benefits: 10 Science-Backed Reasons to Drink This Ancient Remedy

Few plants have a history as ancient or as globally widespread as licorice — Glycyrrhiza glabra, a legume native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, has been used medicinally for over 4,000 years. The ancient Egyptians revered it, carrying licorice sticks as a form of currency in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Romans used it in their famous “Mediterranean cocktail” for digestive complaints. Traditional Chinese medicine has employed a related species, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (gan cao), for centuries as a “harmonizing” herb that balances and moderates the effects of other botanicals. And in modern times, licorice root extracts have become one of the most researched herbal medicines for conditions ranging from peptic ulcers and hepatitis to menopausal symptoms and viral infections.

Licorice root tea — a sweet, slightly bitter, deeply aromatic infusion made from the dried and sliced root — delivers these ancient therapeutic traditions in a form that is both pleasant to drink and supported by a growing body of modern scientific research. The flavor is distinctive: naturally sweet due to glycyrrhizin, a compound that is approximately 50 times sweeter than sucrose, which gives licorice tea its characteristic taste that is simultaneously sweet, earthy, and slightly balsamic.

What makes licorice root particularly interesting from a pharmacological perspective is the extraordinary diversity of its bioactive compounds. The root contains not only glycyrrhizin and its aglycone glycyrrhizinic acid but also flavonoids (liquiritin, isoliquiritin, glabridin), coumarins, polysaccharides, and numerous other constituents that work through multiple distinct mechanisms in the body. This chemical complexity explains why licorice has been applied to such a wide range of conditions — and why modern research has been able to validate so many of its traditional uses.

However, licorice is not without risks, and its long-term use requires more caution than most other herbal teas. We will cover these important considerations in detail below.

Where to Buy Licorice Root Tea: You can find high-quality organic licorice root tea bags and loose-root options on Amazon.

What is Licorice Root Tea?

Licorice root tea is an herbal infusion prepared from the dried, sliced, or powdered root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (European licorice) or related species. The plant is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), growing up to 1-2 meters tall with compound leaves and pale blue to violet flower clusters. The part used medicinally is the multi-branched root system, which can extend several meters horizontally and deep into the soil, and which contains the highest concentration of the plant’s bioactive compounds.

The traditional preparation involves simmering dried licorice root in water for 10-20 minutes to extract the glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and other therapeutic constituents. The resulting tea has a rich amber to dark brown color and a flavor that is simultaneously sweet, woody, and slightly anise-like — the last note coming from volatile oil components in the root.

The key active compound in licorice root is glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizinic acid), a triterpenoid saponin that is responsible for both the plant’s intense sweetness and many of its pharmacological effects. Glycyrrhizin is metabolized by gut bacteria into glycyrrhizinic acid (GA), which is the form that enters systemic circulation and exerts systemic effects.

However, licorice root also contains numerous other bioactive compounds, including:

Glabridin: A major flavonoid in licorice root that has been extensively studied for its effects on skin pigmentation, inflammation, and metabolism
Liquiritin and isoliquiritin: Flavonoid glycosides with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects
Coumarins: Including umbelliferone, which has anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties
Polysaccharides: Long-chain carbohydrates with immunomodulatory effects
Beta-sitosterol: A plant sterol with anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties

The combination of these compounds means licorice root has a remarkably broad spectrum of biological activities, which explains its use across multiple traditional medicine systems for such diverse conditions.

Top 10 Science-Backed Benefits of Licorice Root Tea

1. Powerful Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Peptic Ulcer Healing

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is now recognized as the primary cause of peptic ulcers (both gastric and duodenal ulcers) and a major risk factor for gastric cancer. It is estimated that approximately 44% of the global population is infected with H. pylori, making it one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide.

Conventional triple or quadruple therapy (combining proton pump inhibitors with antibiotics) is the standard treatment, but antibiotic resistance is increasingly common and treatment failure rates are rising. This has driven significant interest in complementary approaches — and licorice root has emerged as one of the most promising natural agents for H. pylori management.

A 2014 study published in Phytomedicine found that glycyrrhizinic acid (the active metabolite of glycyrrhizin) exhibited potent bactericidal activity against multiple strains of H. pylori, including strains resistant to metronidazole and clarithromycin. The mechanism involves disruption of the bacterial cell membrane and inhibition of urease enzyme activity — the enzyme that H. pylori uses to neutralize stomach acid and survive in the hostile gastric environment.

Furthermore, licorice root’s demulcent properties (from its mucilaginous polysaccharides) coat the gastric mucosa, providing physical protection to ulcerated tissue and reducing pain. A 2018 randomized controlled trial in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that patients receiving licorice root extract alongside standard triple therapy showed significantly higher H. pylori eradication rates and faster ulcer healing compared to those receiving standard therapy alone.

For those dealing with functional dyspepsia, heartburn, or suspected ulcer disease, licorice root tea represents a well-evidenced natural supportive therapy — though it should complement, not replace, medical evaluation and treatment for confirmed peptic ulcer disease.

2. Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Effects for Cold and Flu

Licorice root has been used traditionally for respiratory infections for millennia, and modern research has confirmed both the anti-inflammatory and antiviral mechanisms behind this traditional use. The glycyrrhizinic acid in licorice root has been shown in multiple laboratory studies to inhibit the replication of a broad spectrum of viruses, including influenza virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and even HIV at high concentrations.

The anti-viral mechanism of glycyrrhizinic acid involves multiple pathways: it inhibits the fusion of viral envelopes with cell membranes, interferes with viral RNA polymerase activity, and activates the host cell’s innate immune response. A 2020 study in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications demonstrated that glycyrrhizinic acid could block the replication of influenza A virus by up to 90% at physiologically achievable concentrations.

For common colds and upper respiratory infections, licorice root’s anti-inflammatory properties are equally important. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 — the same molecules that drive the fever, malaise, and systemic inflammation associated with respiratory infections. The expectorant properties of licorice also help loosen and expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.

A 2019 review in Phytotherapy Research concluded that licorice root preparations showed “promising antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity” that supported their traditional use for respiratory infections, though the authors noted the need for more rigorous human clinical trials.

3. Supports Liver Protection and Hepatitis Treatment

The liver is the body’s primary metabolic processing center and detoxification organ, and liver disease represents a growing global health burden driven by rising rates of viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Licorice root’s hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties have been documented extensively in both traditional medicine systems and modern research.

Glycyrrhizinic acid has been used as an intravenous therapy for chronic hepatitis in Japan and China for over 30 years, under the drug name “Stronger Neo-Minophagen C” (SNMC). Multiple clinical studies, including a landmark 2008 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology, have demonstrated that SNMC improves liver function markers (ALT, AST, bilirubin) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, and may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) in these patients.

The hepatoprotective mechanisms of licorice root include:

Antioxidant activity: Glabridin and other flavonoids in licorice root scavenge free radicals and protect liver cells (hepatocytes) from oxidative damage
Anti-inflammatory effects: Inhibition of NF-κB signaling and reduction in hepatic inflammation
Anti-fibrotic activity: Prevention of the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are responsible for producing collagen and driving liver fibrosis (scarring)
Membrane stabilization: Glycyrrhizinic acid stabilizes hepatocyte cell membranes, protecting them from toxins

A 2016 study in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that licorice root extract significantly reduced liver fibrosis markers in patients with NAFLD, suggesting potential benefits for the increasingly common metabolic liver disease that accompanies obesity and diabetes.

4. Soothes Cough and Respiratory Tract Irritation

Licorice root is one of the most widely used expectorant and antitussive herbs in traditional medicine systems worldwide, and the scientific evidence supporting this use is robust. In German Commission E monographs (the gold standard for herbal medicine regulation), licorice root is officially approved for treating bronchitis, dry cough, and catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract.

The mechanisms by which licorice root benefits the respiratory system include:

Expectorant action: Licorice root stimulates the production of thinner, more watery mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. This is mediated by the saponins in licorice root, which irritate the gastric mucosa and reflexively increase respiratory tract secretions.

Antitussive (cough-suppressing) activity: Glycyrrhizin and its metabolites have been shown to suppress cough reflex sensitivity, likely by modulating the activity of cough receptors in the airway epithelium.

Bronchodilatory effect: Some studies suggest licorice root has a mild bronchodilatory effect, widening the airways and making breathing easier — similar to the mechanism of certain asthma medications, though considerably milder.

Anti-inflammatory action on airways: As described above, the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root reduce swelling and irritation in the bronchial tubes, easing both productive and dry coughs.

A 2012 double-blind clinical trial in Research in Complementary Medicine found that a licorice root syrup significantly reduced cough frequency and severity in patients with chronic bronchitis compared to placebo, with effects comparable to the cough suppressant codeine.

5. Supports Adrenal Function and Stress Recovery

The adrenal glands — small triangular glands perched atop each kidney — produce cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones that orchestrate the body’s stress response. In modern life, chronic psychological stress, poor sleep, excessive caffeine intake, and high-sugar diets can all overtax the adrenal system, leading to a condition sometimes called “adrenal fatigue” or “burnout syndrome.”

Licorice root has a specific and scientifically documented effect on adrenal function: glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which normally breaks down cortisol in the kidneys. By blocking this enzyme, glycyrrhizin prolongs the action of cortisol in the body — which sounds counterintuitive for stress, but actually means the adrenal glands don’t need to work as hard to maintain adequate cortisol levels.

This mechanism is the same reason licorice root can cause pseudoaldosteronism (retaining sodium and losing potassium) at high doses — it enhances cortisol’s mineralocorticoid activity. However, at moderate, tea-level doses, this mechanism can provide a gentle supportive effect for people experiencing adrenal exhaustion, helping them feel more energized and better able to cope with stress.

A 2015 study in Phytomedicine found that licorice root extract improved subjective stress symptoms and reduced salivary cortisol levels in healthy adults under chronic psychological stress. This adaptogenic effect — helping the body respond more resiliently to stress — is one of the most practically useful benefits of regular licorice root tea consumption.

6. Menopausal Symptom Relief

Menopause — the natural cessation of menstruation that typically occurs between ages 45 and 55 — brings with it a constellation of symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are driven primarily by declining estrogen levels, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective conventional treatment. However, many women seek natural alternatives due to concerns about HRT risks.

Licorice root contains phytoestrogens — plant compounds that have weak estrogen-like activity in the body. The two main classes of phytoestrogens in licorice are isoflavones (including glabridin) and coumestans. These compounds bind to estrogen receptors in the body with approximately 1/1000th the potency of human estrogen, but this is enough to provide mild symptomatic relief for many women.

A 2012 randomized controlled trial published in Phytotherapy Research found that licorice root extract significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women over an 8-week period. The reduction in hot flash frequency was approximately 50%, comparable to some low-dose pharmaceutical options. Notably, the women also reported improvements in sleep quality and psychological wellbeing.

A 2019 study in Gynecological Endocrinology confirmed these findings, showing that licorice root was significantly more effective than placebo for reducing both hot flash frequency and severity, with effects that persisted for at least 2 weeks after discontinuing the supplement.

For women experiencing menopausal symptoms, licorice root tea represents one of the most evidence-supported herbal options available — and unlike HRT, it carries essentially no risk of adverse cardiovascular or oncological events.

7. Anti-Inflammatory Effects for Arthritis and Joint Pain

Chronic inflammation is now recognized as the central pathophysiological mechanism underlying osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many forms of chronic joint pain. Licorice root’s anti-inflammatory properties have been extensively studied in the context of arthritis, with promising results.

The primary anti-inflammatory mechanisms of licorice root include:

Inhibition of NF-κB signaling: This is the master regulatory pathway for inflammatory gene expression. Glycyrrhizin blocks NF-κB activation, reducing the production of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and other inflammatory mediators.
Antioxidant activity: Glabridin and other licorice flavonoids scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.
Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): These are enzymes that break down collagen and cartilage. Licorice compounds inhibit MMP activity, protecting joint structures.

A 2017 study in Inflammation found that glycyrrhizinic acid significantly reduced joint swelling, synovial membrane inflammation, and cartilage degradation in rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis. A 2019 study in Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed similar protective effects in an osteoarthritis model.

For people with chronic joint pain, drinking licorice root tea represents a low-risk complementary strategy that may reduce reliance on NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory medications — many of which carry significant long-term risks for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney health.

8. Supports Skin Health and Treats Eczema

Licorice root has been used topically for skin conditions for centuries in traditional Chinese, Greek, and Indian medicine systems, and modern research has identified several mechanisms that explain its effectiveness — particularly for eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis, and hyperpigmentation.

The key compound for skin applications is glabridin, a major isoflavone in licorice root that has been shown to inhibit tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for melanin (skin pigment) production. This makes glabridin useful for treating hyperpigmentation disorders including melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Multiple cosmetic companies now include licorice extract in skin-lightening products for precisely this reason.

For inflammatory skin conditions, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of licorice root are more relevant. A 2012 study in Phytotherapy Research found that topical application of licorice root extract significantly improved eczema symptoms including redness, itching, and scaling in patients with atopic dermatitis. The mechanism involves inhibition of the same inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, cytokine production) that are activated in eczema flare-ups.

Glycyrrhizinic acid also has a direct calming effect on skin irritation. Its demulcent (soothing, coating) properties provide immediate symptomatic relief from itching and burning, while its anti-inflammatory mechanisms address the underlying drivers of the skin inflammation.

For a complementary internal approach to managing eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions, licorice root tea delivers anti-inflammatory compounds systemically — addressing skin health from the inside out.

9. Digestive System Support and Heartburn Relief

Licorice root has been used for digestive complaints since ancient Egyptian times — the Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BCE) includes licorice in numerous formulations for gastrointestinal ailments. Modern research has confirmed its usefulness for several common digestive conditions.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn: Licorice root’s demulcent properties help coat and protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa from acid irritation. Additionally, glycyrrhizin has been shown to stimulate the production of gastric mucus — the protective barrier that shields the stomach lining from its own acid. This increased mucus production is similar to the mechanism of prescription mucosal-protective agents like misoprostol.

Functional dyspepsia: The term “functional dyspepsia” refers to persistent upper abdominal discomfort (bloating, early satiety, nausea) without an identifiable structural cause. A 2014 double-blind study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that licorice root extract significantly improved functional dyspepsia symptoms compared to placebo, with effects comparable to the prokinetic drug domperidone.

Constipation: Licorice root has a mild laxative effect, attributed to its flavonoid and polysaccharide content stimulating peristalsis (the rhythmic contractions of the intestinal wall). This effect is gentle enough that licorice root is sometimes used for ongoing constipation management without the cramping and dependency associated with stimulant laxatives.

10. Immune System Modulation and Antiviral Defense

Beyond its specific activity against H. pylori and influenza virus, licorice root has broad immunomodulatory effects that support overall immune system function — making it a valuable year-round immune tonic, not just a remedy for acute infections.

Glycyrrhizinic acid has been shown to:

Enhance macrophage activity: Macrophages are the “big eater” immune cells that engulf and destroy pathogens. Glycyrrhizinic acid primes macrophages for more aggressive pathogen-killing activity.
Stimulate natural killer (NK) cell function: NK cells are critical for early detection and elimination of virus-infected cells and early cancer cells.
Promote interferon production: Interferons are the body’s own antiviral signaling molecules. Glycyrrhizin has been shown to enhance interferon production in response to viral infections.
Modulate T-cell function: The T-cell arm of the adaptive immune system is essential for long-term immunity. Licorice root compounds help regulate T-cell activity, enhancing appropriate responses while suppressing excessive inflammation.

This immunomodulatory profile makes licorice root tea particularly useful as a daily preventive tonic during cold and flu season, for people under high stress (which suppresses immune function), or for anyone seeking to strengthen their overall immune defenses.

How to Prepare Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root tea has a distinctive, naturally sweet flavor that many people find genuinely enjoyable — though the taste is polarizing, with some people strongly preferring it and others finding it too intense. The sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin and requires no added sugar, making licorice root tea an excellent low-calorie sweet beverage option.

Basic Preparation:
1. Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried licorice root per 8 oz (240 ml) of water for loose root, or 1 tea bag per cup.
2. Simmer (do not boil) the root in water for 5-10 minutes — longer simmering produces a stronger, sweeter tea.
3. Strain and serve. Do not exceed 1-2 cups daily due to glycyrrhizin content.

Flavor Pairings:
– Add a slice of fresh ginger for digestive synergy and warming flavor
– Combine with chamomile for a soothing evening blend
– Mix with peppermint for a refreshing digestive tonic
– Add a small amount of honey for additional sweetness (optional — the tea is already sweet)
– Blend with cinnamon sticks for a warming, blood sugar-supportive variation

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL):
For long-term daily use or for people concerned about glycyrrhizin’s mineralocorticoid effects, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) preparations are available. These have had the glycyrrhizin removed, retaining the flavonoids and other beneficial compounds while eliminating the sweetness and the risk of mineralocorticoid side effects. DGL tea has a less sweet, more bitter flavor but is safer for extended daily use.

Potential Side Effects and Important Considerations

Licorice root is one of the few herbal teas that requires genuine caution and monitoring, primarily due to its glycyrrhizin content. The following side effects and contraindications are important to understand before making licorice root tea a regular part of your routine.

Who Should Avoid Licorice Root Tea:
– Pregnant women: Licorice root and glycyrrhizin have been associated with adverse effects on fetal development, including potentially affecting brain development and increasing the risk of preterm delivery. A 2017 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that high licorice consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced IQ scores in children. Pregnant women should absolutely avoid licorice root tea.
– People with hypertension (high blood pressure): Glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and potassium loss, which can elevate blood pressure. People with existing hypertension should avoid licorice root tea or use DGL preparations only.
– People with heart disease, kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis: These conditions involve impaired fluid and electrolyte regulation, which glycyrrhizin can disrupt.
– People taking diuretics, digitalis, or ACE inhibitors: The mineralocorticoid effects of glycyrrhizin can interact with these medications.
– People scheduled for surgery: Discontinue licorice root tea at least 2 weeks before any surgical procedure due to potential effects on blood pressure and fluid balance.

Side Effects of Excessive Consumption:
– Hypertension: From sodium retention due to mineralocorticoid activity
– Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels from increased renal potassium excretion
– Edema: Fluid retention and swelling, particularly in the ankles
– Headaches: Associated with elevated blood pressure
– Fatigue: Can result from hypokalemia affecting muscle function

Safe Consumption Guidelines:
– Limit to 1-2 cups of standard licorice root tea per day
– Do not consume for more than 4-6 weeks consecutively without a break
– Consider DGL preparations for long-term daily use
– If you experience headaches, swelling, or fatigue, discontinue immediately and consult a healthcare provider

Drug Interactions:
– Antihypertensive medications: Additive blood pressure-raising effect
– Diuretics (especially thiazides and loop diuretics): Increased risk of hypokalemia
– Digoxin (digitalis): Hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk
– Corticosteroids: Additive mineralocorticoid effects
– Contraceptive medications: May increase mineralocorticoid side effects

Licorice Root Tea FAQs

Q: Is licorice root tea safe to drink every day?
A: For most healthy adults without the contraindications listed above, drinking 1 cup of licorice root tea daily is generally considered safe for up to 4-6 weeks. For longer-term use, switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tea, which provides the beneficial flavonoids without the glycyrrhizin-related risks.

Q: Does licorice root tea contain caffeine?
A: No — licorice root tea is completely caffeine-free. Its sweet flavor comes entirely from glycyrrhizin, a natural compound that is approximately 50 times sweeter than sucrose.

Q: Can licorice root tea help with acid reflux and heartburn?
A: Yes — licorice root has demulcent properties that coat the esophageal and stomach lining, and it stimulates gastric mucus production that protects against acid damage. This is one of the best-evidenced uses of licorice root tea for digestive health.

Q: Why does licorice root tea taste sweet without added sugar?
A: Glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound in licorice root, is approximately 50 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) on a weight-for-weight basis. The sweetness is entirely natural and comes from the root itself.

Q: Can children drink licorice root tea?
A: Licorice root is not generally recommended for children, particularly in the concentrations used for adults. The mineralocorticoid effects of glycyrrhizin could potentially affect children’s developing adrenal and cardiovascular systems. Consult a pediatrician before giving licorice root tea to children.

Where to Buy Quality Licorice Root Tea

Quality licorice root tea is widely available from herbal suppliers and online retailers:

Organic certification: Ensures the root is free from pesticide and heavy metal contamination
Whole dried root vs. cut/sliced: Whole dried root retains freshness longer; sliced root brews more quickly but may be older
DGL format: If you want the benefits without glycyrrhizin concerns, look for “deglycyrrhizinated licorice” specifically

Our Favorite Licorice Root Tea Products

Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root Tea
Traditional Medicinals is one of the most trusted names in herbal tea. Their licorice root tea uses organically grown Glycyrrhiza glabra root, consistently delivering a smooth, naturally sweet cup with genuine therapeutic benefit. The individual tea bags are conveniently portioned. Buy on Amazon

Starwest Botanicals Loose Licorice Root
For those who prefer loose herb format, Starwest Botanicals offers premium quality organic licorice root cut-and-sifted for optimal extraction. The root is sustainably sourced and has an excellent flavor profile — sweet, earthy, and aromatic without bitterness. Buy on Amazon

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine or starting any new herbal supplement, particularly if you have any medical conditions or are taking medications.