Licorice root comes in several forms, and how you take it depends on what you’re using it for. The most important decision is whether you need whole licorice root (which contains the active compound glycyrrhizin) or deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), a processed version with glycyrrhizin removed. That choice shapes everything from timing to safety.
Whole Licorice vs. DGL
Whole licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for both its therapeutic effects and its side effects. It’s one of the most widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, used for everything from sore throats to upper respiratory issues. But glycyrrhizin is also what makes licorice risky in large or prolonged amounts.
DGL is licorice with the glycyrrhizin stripped out. Its active components are flavonoids, and it works through a completely different mechanism than whole licorice. Rather than suppressing stomach acid the way antacids do, DGL strengthens your stomach’s own defenses. It increases blood flow to damaged tissue in the stomach lining, boosts the number of cells producing protective mucus, increases how much mucus those cells make, and extends the lifespan of intestinal cells. If you’re taking licorice for digestive issues like stomach ulcers or acid reflux, DGL is generally the better and safer choice.
Available Forms
You’ll find licorice root sold as dried root (for tea), capsules, liquid extract, lozenges, chewable wafers, and topical creams. DGL specifically is available in capsules, lozenges, wafers, and liquid. For skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, licorice is used in topical creams and serums. The form you choose matters less than getting the right type (whole vs. DGL) and following the right timing.
When and How to Take It
For digestive purposes, licorice root is traditionally taken 20 to 30 minutes before meals. This timing allows it to coat and protect the stomach lining before food and acid arrive. In Chinese medicine, this pre-meal window is standard practice for treating gastric ulcers.
If you’re using DGL specifically for ulcers, chewable forms (wafers or lozenges) appear to work better than capsules. Research suggests DGL needs to mix with saliva to be fully effective. Saliva may contain compounds that, when combined with DGL, stimulate the growth and regeneration of stomach and intestinal cells. Swallowing a capsule whole bypasses this step. If capsules are your only option, you can open them and let the powder dissolve in your mouth before swallowing.
For licorice root tea, some people find it most effective first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, then eating breakfast afterward. This mirrors the traditional pre-meal timing and gives the compounds time to interact with your digestive system before food enters the picture.
How Long You Can Use It
DGL products (without glycyrrhizin) appear safe for up to 4 months of continuous use, according to the National Institutes of Health. Whole licorice root containing glycyrrhizin should be used for shorter periods. Topical licorice products are considered safe for short-term use, though they can cause skin irritation in some people.
The key distinction here is that DGL’s safety profile is dramatically better than whole licorice. Because the glycyrrhizin has been removed, the compound responsible for the most serious side effects simply isn’t present. If you need to take licorice regularly for a digestive issue, DGL is the form that allows longer use without the risks described below.
Side Effects of Whole Licorice
Glycyrrhizin’s side effects stem from a specific mechanism in the kidneys. Normally, an enzyme converts active cortisol into an inactive form, preventing cortisol from triggering certain receptors. Glycyrrhizin blocks that enzyme. The result is a buildup of active cortisol that mimics the effects of having too much aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water balance. This leads to sodium retention, potassium loss, and elevated blood pressure.
In mild cases, this means bloating, water retention, and slightly higher blood pressure. In severe or prolonged overuse, potassium can drop to dangerously low levels, causing muscle weakness, heart rhythm problems, and blood pressure that’s difficult to control even with medication. These effects are dose-dependent and build over time, which is why duration of use matters so much with whole licorice.
Who Should Avoid Whole Licorice
Because glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and potassium loss, it can be dangerous when combined with medications that have similar effects. People taking diuretics (water pills) should avoid whole licorice, since both deplete potassium. The same applies to anyone on fludrocortisone or other medications with mineralocorticoid effects, as licorice amplifies those same pathways. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, whole licorice root adds risk you don’t need.
DGL sidesteps all of these interactions. Since the glycyrrhizin has been removed, it doesn’t affect cortisol metabolism, potassium levels, or blood pressure. For people who want the digestive benefits of licorice but take medications that interact with glycyrrhizin, DGL is the practical alternative.
Licorice Root for Skin
Licorice root contains several compounds that inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for producing melanin in your skin. This makes it a common ingredient in cosmetic creams targeting dark spots and uneven skin tone. Compounds like glabridin and isoliquiritigenin are the ones doing the work, and they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll find licorice extract in serums, moisturizers, and spot treatments marketed for hyperpigmentation. Topical use carries far less systemic risk than oral use, though some people experience mild skin irritation.