Licorice
Adaptogen
Also known as: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Licorice, Licorice Root, Gan cao
B
Grade B💊 200-400mg extract (NOT DGL)🎯 6 primary uses🔗 1 synergy⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upStress & Mood+50 pts
Overview
Root that inhibits cortisol breakdown, extending its effects—useful for low cortisol states.
Primary Uses
Adrenal supportLow cortisolDigestive supportLow cortisol supportFatigueLow blood pressure
Frequently Asked About Licorice
How much Licorice should I take?
The typical effective range is 200-400mg extract (NOT DGL). Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Licorice?
Morning. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Licorice with food?
Either.
Does Licorice interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Blood pressure meds, Diuretics, and Corticosteroids. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Licorice.
What does Licorice pair well with?
Licorice stacks well with Pantothenic acid — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Licorice?
Licorice should be avoided or used with caution by people with Hypertension, Heart disease, and Kidney disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Licorice?
Most people tolerate Licorice well. The most commonly reported side effects are Raised blood pressure, Water retention, and Headache. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
200-400mg extract (NOT DGL)
Timing
Morning
With food
Either
Duration
Short courses, not long-term
Special Populations
Low cortisol, adrenal fatigue (not high cortisol!)
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Licoriceyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Mechanism of Action
- • Inhibits cortisol breakdown (11β-HSD)
- • Extends cortisol half-life
- • Mineralocorticoid effects
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade B
Extends cortisol action (use for LOW cortisol only)
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • Hypertension
- • Hypokalemia
- • Do NOT use if high cortisol
Contraindications
- • Hypertension
- • Heart disease
- • Kidney disease
- • HIGH cortisol
Common Side Effects
- • Raised blood pressure
- • Water retention
- • Headache
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avoid
Liver & Kidney Notes
Can affect kidney function
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Blood pressure meds
- • Diuretics
- • Corticosteroids
🧪 Supplements
- • Ashwagandha (if high cortisol, not licorice)
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Pantothenic acid
Avoid Combining With
Blood pressure medications
Best Goal Synergies
Low cortisol only
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • NOT DGL if wanting cortisol effects
Standardization Markers
Glycyrrhizin content
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • ONLY for low cortisol
- • Raises blood pressure
- • Raises blood pressure - monitor
- • NOT the same as DGL
- • Morning only, short-term use
Tags
adaptogenadrenalcortisoldigestiveblood-pressure
Top Products with Licorice
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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Licorice — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/licorice
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.