Top 8 health benefits of liquorice

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/02/Liquorice440-e9c50d1.jpg?quality=90&resize=620,413" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/02/Liquorice440-e9c50d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=360,239 360w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/02/Liquorice440-e9c50d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=180,119 180w, " sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" width="620" height="413" class="wp-image-873188 alignnone size-landscape_thumbnail" alt="Liquorice in different forms" title="Top 8 health benefits of liquorice" /> <h2 class="p1">What is liquorice?</h2>
<p class="p1">Liquorice is the common name given to a flowering plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that grows in parts of Asia and Europe. The root of the liquorice plant is the source of a sweet, aromatic compound called glycyrrhizin, which is used as a flavouring in confectionery and drinks. The root itself may also be used as a dietary supplement.</p>
<h3 class="p1">Liquorice health benefits include:</h3>
<p class="p1">1. May ease digestive issues</p>
<p class="p1">2. May help manage menopausal symptoms</p>
<p class="p1">3. May ease coughs and sore throats</p>
<p class="p1">4. May help manage bone loss</p>
<p class="p1">5. May fight adrenal fatigue</p>
<p class="p1">6. May help manage atopic dermatitis</p>
<p class="p1">7. May protect against dental cavities</p>
<p class="p1">8. May ease upper respiratory conditions</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Discover our full range of </b><a href="/howto/guide/collection/ingredient-focus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>health benefit guides</b></span></a><b> and try some of our </b><a href="/search?q=liquorice+" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>liquorice recipes</b></span></a><b>.</b></p>
<h2 class="p1">Nutritional profile</h2>
<p class="p1">A small serving (42g) of black liquorice provides:</p>
<p class="p1">140 kcal/586kJ<br>
1.0g protein<br>
1.0g fat<br>
33.0g carbohydrate<br>
6.0g sugar<br>
1.0g fibre</p>
<h2 class="p1">Top 8 health benefits of liquorice</h2>
<p><strong>1. May ease digestive issues</strong></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31874059/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Liquorice root</a></span> is promoted as a health aid for <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7348626/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">digestive issues</span></a> including <a href="/howto/guide/the-acid-reflux-diet-what-is-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">heartburn</span></a> and peptic ulcers.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>2. May help manage menopausal symptoms</b></p>
<p class="p1">Often taken as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, liquorice may help manage <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4714869/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">menopausal symptoms</span></a><span class="s2">,</span> through a mild oestrogenic effect.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>3.</b> <b>May help ease symptoms of coughs and sore throats</b></p>
<p class="p1">Liquorice appears to ease <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29224994/#:~:text=Liquiritin%20apioside%20(1)%2C%20liquiritin,or%20glibenclamide%2C%20but%20not%20naloxone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">coughs</span></a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23921656/#:~:text=Results%3A%20The%20incidence%20of%20postoperative,%25%20at%204%20hours%2C%20respectively" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">sore throats</span></a> and other symptoms of viral infections. The active component of liquorice, called glycyrrhizin, has also shown promise in test tube studies against the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33918301/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">SARS-CoV-2</span></a> virus.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>4.</b> <b>May help manage bone loss </b></p>
<p class="p1">Glycyrrhizin may help <span class="s2">manage <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33770668/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bone loss</a></span> and tissue ageing in the elderly, according to research with animals. The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002882#:~:text=However%2C%20a%20resurgence%20of%20healthcare,and%20prevention%20of%20cellular%20senescence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">mechanisms</span></a> behind this include reducing inflammation, reducing bone breakdown and increasing protective compounds, called <a href="/howto/guide/what-sirtfood-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">sirtuins</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>5.</b> <b>May support adrenal function</b></p>
<p class="p1">One <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3498851/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">mechanism</span></a> responsible for some of the health implications of liquorice is its ability to inhibit an enzyme that inactivates the stress hormone, cortisol. This may be helpful for those with adrenal fatigue, because it helps the body regulate cortisol and supports normal adrenal function.</p>
<p class="p1">However, in a similar fashion, this same action may lead to heightened cortisol levels, disruption to <a href="/howto/guide/what-are-electrolytes-and-do-i-replenish-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">electrolyte balance</span></a> and the reabsorption of salt and fluids, which may elevate blood pressure, promote oedema (excess tissue fluids) and more. For this reason, liquorice should be taken with caution if you are predisposed to high blood pressure, fluid retention or stress-related conditions.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>6.</b> <b>May help manage atopic dermatitis</b></p>
<p class="p1">The natural compounds in liquorice (<span class="s2">glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetic acid</span>) are responsible for the root’s protective, antimicrobial and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7012004/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">anti-inflammatory properties</span></a> and are the reason it is used in a range of products, including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14522625/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">topical skin products</span></a><span class="s2">,</span> that are used to manage conditions like atopic dermatitis.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>7.</b> <b>May protect against dental cavities</b></p>
<p class="p1">Liquorice root may protect against high levels of the bacteria that promote dental cavities. A short <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21108917/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">three-week study</span></a> examining the effects of liquorice (in the form of a twice-daily sugar-free lollipop) on pre-school children suggested a reduction in <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, a bacteria known to be a cause of cavities. More research is needed to evaluate the optimal dose and form of liquorice that may provide this protection.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>8.</b> <b>May ease upper respiratory conditions</b></p>
<p class="p1">Liquorice root extract as well as tea made from the root may ease respiratory conditions. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3957157/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Animal studies</span></a> also suggest glycyrrhizin may help relieve <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4085675/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">asthma</span></a>, especially when combined with modern asthma treatments. However, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4085675/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">human studies</span></a> are limited and more research is needed to assess these benefits.</p>
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<h2 class="p1">Is liquorice safe for everyone?</h2>
<p class="p1">For most of us, the liquorice found in food is generally considered safe to eat and safe when consumed as a medicine for short periods of time. However, when taken in large amounts over an extended period, it may cause potassium levels in the body to fall and this may impact your blood pressure. Some people may be particularly sensitive to these effects, such as those with heart disease, kidney disease and high blood pressure.</p>
<p class="p1">The component glycyrrhizin is responsible for many of these side effects and for this reason it is often removed from dietary supplements. Look for products described as “de-glycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL)”.</p>
<p class="p1">It’s worth knowing that even black liquorice, enjoyed as a confectionery, may <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/can-eating-too-much-black-liquorice-be-bad-for-you/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">interact with certain medication as well as other herbs and supplements</span></a>. These medications include those used for managing blood pressure, such as diuretics and warfarin, as well as hormone replacement therapy. For this reason, if you are over 40, have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure or both, and you eat more than 57g of <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/can-eating-too-much-black-liquorice-be-bad-for-you/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">black liquorice</span></a> a day, or supplement with liquorice, then you should be aware that this may lead to health issues, including an increase in blood pressure and potentially an irregular heartbeat. If you fall into this group, and you are on prescribed medication or supplement with other herbs, check with your GP or pharmacist before adding liquorice to your regime.</p>
<p class="p1">Evidence suggests that during <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">pregnancy</span></a> liquorice is safe to eat, but you should avoid liquorice root. Similarly, if you have a hormone-sensitive health condition you should be aware that liquorice may have an oestrogenic effect in the body.</p>
<h2 class="p1">Last thoughts on liquorice…</h2>
<p class="p1">If you’re a fan of liquorice confectionery it’s worth remembering that not all ‘liquorice’ is made with the real liquorice extract, some sweets are flavoured with aniseed or other similar flavourings. This means if you enjoy liquorice, but fall into one of the aforementioned groups, you may still enjoy a similar tasting sweet. Check labels for <i>liquorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid</i> to confirm whether the confectionery contains liquorice.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Do you enjoy liquorice confectionery or have you used liquorice for health reasons? Share your experiences in the comments below….</b></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1"> </span></p>
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<p><em>This article was reviewed on 6 February 2024 by Kerry Torrens.</em></p>
<p><em>Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition &amp; Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. Find her on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kerry_torrens_nutrition_/?hl=en">@kerry_torrens_nutrition_</a></em></p>
<p><em>All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact  your local healthcare provider. See our website <a href="https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terms and conditions</a> for more information.</em></p>