Licorice Root Liver & Gut Soothing

Category: Liver Support

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, which potently inhibit hepatic oxidative stress and fibrosis markers. In Japan, intravenous glycyrrhizin is used medically for chronic hepatitis. The deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form removes the blood pressure-raising component while retaining gut-soothing properties.

Traditional uses & benefits

• Liver inflammation, gut lining irritation, gastritis, heartburn, leaky gut

Ingredients

• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) — DGL or standardised form (250-500 mg DGL extract or 1-2g dried root tea)

How to prepare

1. For liver support: steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried licorice root in 250ml boiling water for 5 minutes. Drink 1 cup daily. Licorice has a naturally sweet flavour — no sweetener needed. 2. For gut soothing (GERD, gastritis, leaky gut): use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) 250–500mg chewable tablets 20 minutes before meals. DGL removes the blood pressure-raising component. 3. Full licorice root tea: do not use for longer than 4–6 weeks continuously without a break. Monitor blood pressure if using daily. 4. DGL form: can be used long-term at standard doses without blood pressure concern. 5. If you have high blood pressure or take diuretics, use DGL only — avoid full glycyrrhizin-containing preparations. 6. Licorice is naturally sweet — it can replace sugar in herbal tea blends, making it a useful flavour enhancer as well as a medicinal herb.

Why it works

Glycyrrhizin inhibits hepatic NF-kB and fibrosis markers; DGL form stimulates protective GI mucus without blood pressure effects

Time to effect

Sustained liver protection with consistent use alongside dietary changes

Not right for

Not the right fit if any of these apply to you: hypertension (full licorice), heart failure, hypokalaemia, kidney disease, pregnancy. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

When to take it

preventive

Common mistakes

• Using whole licorice root daily for extended periods without monitoring blood pressure
• Confusing licorice candy with medicinal licorice root — they are not equivalent
• Using with blood pressure medications without medical supervision — glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure
• Using in pregnancy — licorice root is contraindicated in pregnancy

Sources

• Glycyrrhizin and liver protection — clinical evidence review (2003): Review of glycyrrhizin hepatoprotective mechanisms and clinical evidence including chronic hepatitis B and C applications.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.