Licorice Root
Glycyrrhiza glabra — also: Liquorice, Gan Cao (TCM)
Useful demulcent with real soothing action, but whole licorice carries serious dose-dependent risks; DGL avoids the main hazard.
One of the most-used herbs in Chinese medicine (a 'harmonizer') and a classic Western remedy for cough and stomach complaints.
Demulcent/expectorant for cough and sore throat; DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form studied for indigestion/ulcers.
Glycyrrhizin soothes and is anti-inflammatory but causes mineralocorticoid effects (sodium/water retention, potassium loss).
- Soothing for cough/sore throat
- DGL for indigestion
Some human data for cough and (as DGL) dyspepsia/ulcers.
- Whole-root risk profile
- Best limited to short-term/DGL
- Raises BP, lowers potassium, fluid retention
- Strong drug interactions
- Pregnant people; anyone with high BP, heart, or kidney disease
Glycyrrhizin can RAISE BLOOD PRESSURE, lower potassium, and cause fluid retention and heart-rhythm problems with regular/high use.
Dangerous with diuretics, digoxin, blood-pressure and corticosteroid medications; depletes potassium.
Avoid in pregnancy (preterm-birth association), hypertension, heart, kidney, or potassium disorders.
Use short-term and modest amounts; choose DGL for ongoing digestive use to avoid glycyrrhizin.
Effective and ancient — but whole licorice is one of the riskier common herbs for blood pressure and potassium; reach for DGL and keep it short-term.