22/04/2026
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
When most of us think of licorice, we think of a confectionery. But the original licorice was boiled out of this root and used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. Licorice is a wonderfully versatile herb with applications across many organ systems. As a mucoprotective and demulcent, it is perfect for gastritis and peptic ulcers. As an expectorant and antitussive, it’s fantastic for soothing a cough, bronchitis and getting congestion out of our lungs. As an adrenal tonic, it’s really helpful in physical stress and adrenal depletion. It’s soothing and healing on mouth ulcers, herpes and dermatitis, as well as being supportive in withdrawal from corticosteroid medication. It can even relieve constipation. Licorice is wonderful (and delicious).
But there are a few safety considerations to be mindful of. Licorice can also elevate blood pressure. This could be useful in those of us with low blood pressure, but definitely not appropriate for people with high blood pressure, medicated or not. In fact generally caution in the elderly and people with heart, liver or kidney issues is recommended. As well as those with oedema or taking diuretics, laxatives and some heart medications.
Herbal medicine is natural but it can still come with risks. It’s always worth talking to your practitioner to work out what is best for you.
As a side note, these roots are so good for teething babies to chew on when their teeth are cutting through. The more they chew, the better the roots taste 🥰
