What it does: Licorice extract supports healthy digestive function by soothing and protecting mucous membranes, helps maintain throat comfort, and influences the body's stress response by interacting with adrenal hormones.
How it is used: It is often used in supplements for digestive health, throat and respiratory soothing, and as an adaptogen to help the body cope with occasional stress. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is preferred for digestive support when reduced glycyrrhizin is desired.
Natural sources and supplement forms: The extract is obtained from Glycyrrhiza glabra roots and used in powders, tinctures, capsules, and standardized DGL forms.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Licorice extract is included for its ability to calm the digestive lining, support mucous membrane health, and for traditional use in stress and respiratory support blends.
What to know before use: Licorice with glycyrrhizin can contribute to increased blood pressure or altered potassium levels; those with hypertension or using related medications should seek medical advice before use.
Interesting Fact
Licorice Root: A Plant with a Sweet Secret
Licorice extract comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and is prized for its naturally sweet flavor—about 30–50 times sweeter than table sugar, thanks to a compound called glycyrrhizin. Beyond its taste, licorice extract is often included in supplement blends and herbal teas, where it supports diverse plant-based formulations with its unique profile of phytochemicals.
