Licorice: check risks before tea or supplements

Traditional use is not confirmed treatment

Licorice, also called sweet root, is used in foods and herbal products, but high quality evidence for broad health claims is limited. One study does not justify prescribing tea for reflux, cough or children. Ordinary licorice and a preparation with glycyrrhizin removed are different products.

Why the label matters

Glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects, particularly with larger amounts or prolonged use. High blood pressure, heart or kidney conditions and medicines are important considerations. Do not design your own course lasting several weeks. If you already take a product, photograph its label and review it with a doctor or pharmacist.

A verifiable ingredient example

Forever Lycium Plus is an example of a supplement whose official description names sweet root, so its label needs checking before a use decision. This is not a recommendation for digestive or respiratory symptoms. We do not state its glycyrrhizin amount without that information on the current label. If you need to avoid licorice, this matters more than antioxidant advertising. Seek medical assessment for palpitations or other serious new symptoms.

Look for every liquorice name on the label, then show the whole product to a professional rather than an isolated plant photograph. Different extracts and blends need not contain equivalent glycyrrhizin amounts. If you have hypertension, heart or kidney disease, an unstated quantity is not reassurance of safety. Include teas, sweets and other sources you may not normally think of as supplements.

Sources: NCCIH Forever Living.