Licorice Root

herb Verified

Specifically for Asthma

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Why it works for Asthma:

Anti-inflammatory & immunomodulatory actions. Key licorice constituents (e.g., glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhizic acid and flavonoids like liquiritigenin/isoliquiritigenin) can dampen airway inflammation in lab and animal models by modulating pathways such as NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad, and by reducing eosinophil-recruiting signals. These mechanisms are consistent with asthma’s inflammatory biology, so they’re biologically plausible. Spandidos Publications

Bronchoprotective/expectorant history. European and Asian monographs list licorice as a traditional expectorant for cough/colds, aligning with symptomatic airway benefits (soothing mucus membranes, easing cough). This is “traditional use,” not proof for asthma control by itself. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

How to use for Asthma:

Common forms & typical adult doses (for cough/expectorant use):

Tea (herbal infusion/decoction): 1.5–2 g of cut root in ~150 mL water, 2–4×/day, short-term. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Aqueous soft/dry extracts: e.g., soft extract DER 3:1 1.2–1.5 g, 3–4×/day, short-term; other extracts at lower mg doses per EMA monograph. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Duration limits and practical tips:

Keep courses short. EMA advises ≤1 week for cough and ≤4 weeks for dyspepsia; longer use increases risk of adverse effects. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Consider “DGL” only for GI issues. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) removes most glycyrrhizin (the compound behind many side effects). However, since glycyrrhizin contributes to anti-inflammatory activity, DGL may not offer the same airway effects; it’s mainly used for GI conditions. (NCCIH notes safety differences but not asthma efficacy.) NCCIH
If you try licorice adjunctively: use small, short courses; monitor blood pressure and for edema/weakness, and avoid if you have any of the contraindications listed below. Always continue your prescribed asthma controller therapy and action plan. (General safety per NCCIH/EMA.) NCCIH

Scientific Evidence for Asthma:

Randomized controlled trial, adults (Egypt; 80 participants; 4 weeks). Aqueous licorice extract capsules (500 mg twice daily; ≈100 mg glycyrrhizin per dose) added to standard ICS/LABA were reported to improve pulmonary function metrics compared with placebo, without significant changes in potassium or blood pressure at this dose/duration. The trial is small/short and methods reporting is limited, so results need confirmation. J Adv Biomed Pharm Sci
Randomized controlled trial, children (Iran; 60 participants). An oral multi-herb tablet (Glycyrrhiza glabra + Viola odorata + Operculina turpethum; marketed as “Anti-Asthma®”) as add-on therapy improved symptom scores in mild–moderate asthma vs placebo. Because licorice was part of a 3-herb formula, it’s impossible to attribute effects to licorice alone. Directory of Open Access Journals

Supportive—but non-clinical—evidence includes computational, in-vitro, and animal studies showing glycyrrhizin targeting airway-relevant proteins and reducing airway inflammation/remodeling. These are hypothesis-generating only. Frontiers

Specific Warnings for Asthma:

Avoid if you have hypertension, cardiovascular, kidney or liver disease, or hypokalemia, or if you’re pregnant (links to preterm birth and other concerns). European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Drug interactions: Licorice can counteract antihypertensives and should not be combined with diuretics, cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin), corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives, or other drugs that worsen electrolyte imbalance. (Interaction checkers list many additional medications; discuss with your clinician/pharmacist.) European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Documented adverse events: Multiple case reports/series describe hypertensive crises and dangerous hypokalemia/arrhythmias from licorice tea, candy, or supplements; symptoms typically resolve after stopping licorice but may require treatment. CMAJ

Children: EMA does not recommend medicinal licorice preparations for those <18 years due to lack of data. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Duration: Keep use short (days to a few weeks) and do not take multiple licorice-containing products at once to avoid cumulative glycyrrhizin exposure. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

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General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Licorice root comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, native to parts of Europe and Asia. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and ancient Greek and Egyptian healing. The root contains several bioactive compounds, most notably glycyrrhizin, which gives it both its characteristic sweet flavor and many of its pharmacological properties.

Licorice root can be consumed in various forms—such as teas, extracts, capsules, or tinctures—and is often found in herbal blends designed for digestive health, respiratory support, or adrenal balance.

How It Works

The key active compound, glycyrrhizin, has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. It influences several physiological systems in the body:

Endocrine and Adrenal Support: Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which breaks down cortisol. By slowing cortisol metabolism, licorice root can enhance and prolong the effects of this hormone, potentially helping with adrenal fatigue or chronic stress.
Anti-inflammatory and Immune Effects: The compound modulates immune responses and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines. It can support conditions involving inflammation of the respiratory or digestive tract, such as sore throats, coughs, or gastritis.
Antiviral and Antimicrobial Properties: Research has shown licorice extract may inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including hepatitis C and herpes simplex virus. Its saponins and flavonoids contribute to this protective effect.
Digestive Protection: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a modified form where glycyrrhizin has been removed to reduce side effects. DGL supports mucous membrane healing, making it popular for soothing stomach ulcers, heartburn, or gastritis.

Why It’s Important

Licorice root holds importance as both a therapeutic and preventive botanical:

Adaptogenic-Like Benefits: It helps the body adapt to stress by supporting cortisol levels, improving energy, and reducing fatigue.
Respiratory Health: Traditionally used as an expectorant and demulcent, it soothes sore throats, eases coughs, and reduces irritation in the bronchial passages.
Digestive Wellness: It aids in the protection and repair of gastrointestinal tissues, which can benefit those with acid reflux or ulcers.
Liver and Skin Health: Licorice root’s antioxidant and detoxifying properties may support liver function and help manage skin conditions like eczema or acne.

Its broad range of uses makes it a cornerstone herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.

Considerations

Despite its benefits, licorice root must be used carefully due to its potency:

Glycyrrhizin-Related Side Effects: Excessive intake of glycyrrhizin can lead to a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, characterized by sodium retention, potassium loss, high blood pressure, and swelling (edema).
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) as a Safer Option: DGL provides many of the digestive benefits without affecting mineral balance or blood pressure, making it preferable for long-term use.
Interactions and Contraindications: Licorice root can interact with diuretics, corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, and certain heart medications. It is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart conditions unless supervised by a healthcare provider.
Duration of Use: Continuous use of glycyrrhizin-containing licorice for more than a few weeks is generally discouraged without medical guidance.
Pregnancy and Hormonal Effects: Licorice may affect hormone levels and is generally advised against during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development.

Helps with these conditions

Licorice Root is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Acid Reflux (GERD) 0% effective

Constipation 0% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Asthma 0% effective

Eczema 0% effective

Tooth Decay 0% effective

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Detailed Information by Condition

Acid Reflux (GERD)

0% effective

Mucosal-protective effect. Licorice contains flavonoids and other compounds that appear to stimulate mucus production and strengthen the protective mu...

0 votes Updated 1 month ago 8 studies cited

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