Licorice root

Useful in the right context, but whole licorice is a herb that can meaningfully raise blood pressure and lower potassium if overused.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can prolong cortisol activity and help with mucosal soothing, while DGL products are often used for upper-GI support with less mineralocorticoid activity.

• Can soothe the throat and upper GI tract
• Useful in some cough and mucosal-support formulas
• Traditionally used for fatigue and stress formulas

Short-term use is preferred. DGL chewables are commonly used before meals, while whole-root extracts require more caution.

• High blood pressure
• Low potassium
• Edema

Chronic high-dose use can cause hypertension, edema, low potassium, and dangerous drug interactions. People with heart, kidney, or blood-pressure issues should be especially careful.

Whole licorice and DGL licorice behave differently, so benefits and risks are not interchangeable across products.

• Immunity20
• Stress15
• Recovery10