Licorice Root: Traditional Uses, Modern Evidence and the Blood Pressure Caution Everyone Should Know

Licorice root is in countless throat, digestive and wellness formulas. Here is what glycyrrhizin does, the evidence for soothing and digestive use, the deglycyrrhizinated form and why people with high blood pressure must be careful.

An Ancient Soothing Root

Glycyrrhiza glabra root has been used in Chinese, Ayurvedic and European medicine for thousands of years for coughs, sore throats and stomach complaints. Its main active compound, glycyrrhizin, is fifty times sweeter than sugar and has anti-inflammatory and mucosa-protective effects in laboratory and small clinical studies. Licorice also contains flavonoids with antioxidant activity.

Evidence for Use

Small trials support licorice lozenges or gargles for post-operative sore throat and licorice-containing formulas for functional dyspepsia and reflux symptoms. Laboratory studies show glycyrrhizin has activity against several viruses, which supplement marketers often cite, but human trials for infection are lacking and such claims are not supported.

The Blood Pressure Problem

Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme that normally inactivates cortisol in the kidney, so cortisol acts like aldosterone: the body retains sodium and water and loses potassium. The result is raised blood pressure, fluid retention and, in extreme cases, dangerously low potassium and heart rhythm problems. Regular intake above about 100 mg of glycyrrhizin a day, found in as little as 50 g of real licorice sweets, can do this within weeks. People with hypertension, heart or kidney disease, or on diuretics or digoxin should avoid regular glycyrrhizin.

DGL and Small Amounts

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL, has the glycyrrhizin removed and keeps the soothing flavonoids; it is the form for digestive use without blood pressure risk. Small amounts of whole licorice extract in a multi-ingredient capsule are far below the problem threshold for healthy adults, but a label that includes licorice should carry the caution, and people with blood pressure concerns should ask their doctor.

Where Reviralis Fits

Licorice Root Extract is one of Reviralis Complete's botanicals. Our review page carries the blood pressure and potassium caution in its ingredient card, usage steps, FAQ and safety notice, and advises anyone on blood-pressure medication to check with their doctor. Read the full breakdown on the Reviralis official website, including ingredients, customer reviews and current pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Glycyrrhizin soothes mucosa and has lab anti-inflammatory effects.
• Human evidence supports throat and digestive comfort, not infection treatment.
• Glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure and lowers potassium via cortisol.
• DGL removes the risk; small amounts need a label caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much licorice is too much?

Regular intake above ~100 mg glycyrrhizin daily, about 50 g of real licorice sweets, can raise blood pressure within weeks.

Is licorice safe in pregnancy?

Regular glycyrrhizin intake in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes; avoid it.

Does Reviralis contain licorice?

Yes, licorice root extract in an unstated amount; our review flags the blood pressure caution clearly.

Sources

• NCCIH: Licorice Root
• PubMed: Glycyrrhizin hypertension hypokalemia