What it does: Licorice supports digestive health by helping soothe the stomach lining and mucous membranes, and is also used to aid throat comfort and respiratory wellness thanks to its calming and antioxidant effects.
How it is used: It is frequently included in supplements for digestive relief, throat and respiratory ease, and blends aimed at mucosal or general soothing support.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Licorice comes from the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and is available as cut or powdered root, tinctures, liquid extracts, and standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Licorice is included to promote digestive comfort and to support throat and respiratory lining health, especially valued for its traditional and research-backed soothing properties.
What to know before use: Licorice containing glycyrrhizin can increase blood pressure or reduce potassium if used excessively; DGL forms reduce this risk and may be preferred for longer-term or higher-dose use.
Interesting Fact
Licorice: A Root with Ancient Roots
Licorice comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which has been used for thousands of years in traditional herbal practices across Europe and Asia. The sweet flavor of licorice is due to a natural compound called glycyrrhizin, which is many times sweeter than table sugar. Licorice root remains a popular ingredient in herbal teas as well as modern supplement formulas.
