Licorice powder is remarkably versatile, with practical uses spanning skincare, digestive support, cooking, and even oral care. How you use it depends entirely on what you’re using it for, and the type of licorice powder matters more than most people realize. Here’s a breakdown of every major way to put it to work.
Two Types of Licorice Powder to Know
Before you do anything with licorice powder, you need to understand the difference between regular licorice root powder and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Regular powder contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for licorice’s signature sweetness and most of its medicinal effects. DGL has had the glycyrrhizin removed. This distinction matters because glycyrrhizin is the component that causes side effects when consumed in large amounts or over long periods. DGL is the safer option for digestive use, while regular powder is fine for skin applications, teas, and cooking where the amounts are small.
For Skin: Face Masks and Spot Treatments
Licorice powder is a popular ingredient in DIY skincare because its flavonoid compounds reduce inflammation and help even out skin tone. The chalcones in licorice root suppress inflammatory signals in the skin, which makes it useful for acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation. Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that licorice flavonoids significantly reduced levels of key inflammatory markers in both skin tissue and blood serum in acne models.
The simplest face mask recipe uses three ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon licorice powder
- 2 tablespoons raw milk (or plain yogurt as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Mix into a smooth paste, apply a thin layer to clean skin, and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. The milk provides gentle lactic acid for exfoliation while honey acts as a humectant. You can also swap the milk for rose water if you want a thinner, lighter mask. Use this one to two times per week. Do a patch test on your inner wrist first, especially if you have sensitive skin, and wait 24 hours to check for irritation before applying it to your face.
For a targeted spot treatment, mix a pinch of licorice powder with a few drops of water or aloe vera gel to form a thick paste. Dab it directly on dark spots or blemishes and leave for 10 minutes.
For Digestion: Tea and DGL Powder
Licorice root tea is the most common way people use the powder internally. Stir half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of licorice root powder into a cup of hot water, let it steep for five to ten minutes, and strain if needed. The result is a naturally sweet, slightly earthy tea. You can drink this once or twice a day to soothe mild indigestion or a sore throat. Because it contains glycyrrhizin, keep your intake of powdered root to 1 to 2 grams, three times daily at most, and avoid using it continuously for more than a few weeks.
If you’re dealing with something more specific like acid reflux, peptic ulcers, or canker sores, DGL is the better choice. The standard approach studied in clinical trials is two to four chewable DGL tablets (380 mg each) taken between meals or 20 minutes before eating. Timing matters here: taking DGL after meals produces poor results in studies. For ulcer healing, DGL is typically continued for 8 to 16 weeks depending on progress.
For canker sores specifically, you can dissolve about 200 mg of DGL powder in a cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash four times a day. Swish it around the affected area for 30 seconds to a minute before spitting it out.
In the Kitchen
Licorice powder brings an anise-like sweetness that works in both desserts and savory dishes. A little goes a long way. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust from there, because the flavor is intense and can overwhelm a dish quickly.
On the sweet side, licorice powder pairs naturally with neutral bases like ice cream, panna cotta, and whipped cream, where its bold flavor can take center stage. It also complements other strong flavors: ginger, mint, rhubarb, and raspberries all work well alongside it. Sprinkle it into cookie dough, brownie batter, or hot chocolate for something unexpected.
Savory applications are less obvious but worth exploring. Licorice powder works with game meats and pork, adding a subtle herbal sweetness that rounds out rich flavors. It pairs well with juniper and other bitter, aromatic herbs. You can add a small pinch to spice rubs, marinades, or braises. Licorice root is also a component of Chinese five-spice powder, so it already has a long history in savory cooking traditions.
For Sore Throat and Oral Health
A simple gargle is one of the easiest uses. Dissolve half a teaspoon of licorice powder in warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out. The anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe throat irritation. You can also add a pinch of licorice powder to warm water with honey and ginger for a more palatable throat-soothing drink.
Some people mix a small amount of licorice powder into homemade tooth powders alongside baking soda and a drop of peppermint oil. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a reasonable addition, though it won’t replace proper dental care.
Safety Limits and Who Should Avoid It
The glycyrrhizin in regular licorice powder is the reason you need to respect dosage limits. It blocks an enzyme in your kidneys that normally keeps cortisol in check. When that enzyme is inhibited, cortisol overstimulates receptors that control sodium and potassium balance. The result, with chronic overuse, is potassium depletion, water retention, and elevated blood pressure. This isn’t a theoretical risk: it’s well-documented and can persist even after you stop taking licorice.
The safe range for powdered licorice root is 1 to 2 grams, up to three times daily. The NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that DGL products (without glycyrrhizin) appear safe for up to four months of continuous use. Regular licorice powder should be used for shorter stretches.
Licorice interacts with several common medications. It amplifies the potassium-lowering effects of thiazide diuretics and can interfere with the heart medication digoxin. It also inhibits the metabolism of warfarin, the blood thinner, which can increase bleeding risk. If you take any of these medications, regular licorice powder is not safe for internal use. DGL, with the glycyrrhizin removed, sidesteps most of these concerns.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or low potassium levels should avoid regular licorice powder internally. Pregnant women should also avoid it. Topical use on the skin does not carry the same risks, since very little glycyrrhizin is absorbed through the skin.