Top 8 health benefits of liquorice

3. May ease coughs and sore throats

4. May help manage bone loss

5. May fight adrenal fatigue

6. May help manage atopic dermatitis

7. May protect against dental cavities

8. May ease upper respiratory conditions

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Nutritional profile

A small serving (42g) of black liquorice provides:

140 kcal/586kJ
1.0g protein
1.0g fat
33.0g carbohydrate
6.0g sugar
1.0g fibre

Top 8 health benefits of liquorice

1. May ease digestive issues

Liquorice root is promoted as a health aid for digestive issues including heartburn and peptic ulcers.

2. May help manage menopausal symptoms

Often taken as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, liquorice may help manage menopausal symptoms, through a mild oestrogenic effect.

3. May help ease symptoms of coughs and sore throats

Liquorice appears to ease coughs, sore throats and other symptoms of viral infections. The active component of liquorice, called glycyrrhizin, has also shown promise in test tube studies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

4. May help manage bone loss

Glycyrrhizin may help manage bone loss and tissue ageing in the elderly, according to research with animals. The mechanisms behind this include reducing inflammation, reducing bone breakdown and increasing protective compounds, called sirtuins.

5. May support adrenal function

One mechanism responsible for some of the health implications of liquorice is its ability to inhibit an enzyme that inactivates the stress hormone, cortisol. This may be helpful for those with adrenal fatigue, because it helps the body regulate cortisol and supports normal adrenal function.

However, in a similar fashion, this same action may lead to heightened cortisol levels, disruption to electrolyte balance and the reabsorption of salt and fluids, which may elevate blood pressure, promote oedema (excess tissue fluids) and more. For this reason, liquorice should be taken with caution if you are predisposed to high blood pressure, fluid retention or stress-related conditions.

6. May help manage atopic dermatitis

The natural compounds in liquorice (glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetic acid) are responsible for the root’s protective, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and are the reason it is used in a range of products, including topical skin products, that are used to manage conditions like atopic dermatitis.

7. May protect against dental cavities

Liquorice root may protect against high levels of the bacteria that promote dental cavities. A short three-week study examining the effects of liquorice (in the form of a twice-daily sugar-free lollipop) on pre-school children suggested a reduction in Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria known to be a cause of cavities. More research is needed to evaluate the optimal dose and form of liquorice that may provide this protection.

8. May ease upper respiratory conditions

Liquorice root extract as well as tea made from the root may ease respiratory conditions. Animal studies also suggest glycyrrhizin may help relieve asthma, especially when combined with modern asthma treatments. However, human studies are limited and more research is needed to assess these benefits.

Is liquorice safe for everyone?

For most of us, the liquorice found in food is generally considered safe to eat and safe when consumed as a medicine for short periods of time. However, when taken in large amounts over an extended period, it may cause potassium levels in the body to fall and this may impact your blood pressure. Some people may be particularly sensitive to these effects, such as those with heart disease, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

The component glycyrrhizin is responsible for many of these side effects and for this reason it is often removed from dietary supplements. Look for products described as “de-glycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL)”.

It’s worth knowing that even black liquorice, enjoyed as a confectionery, may interact with certain medication as well as other herbs and supplements. These medications include those used for managing blood pressure, such as diuretics and warfarin, as well as hormone replacement therapy. For this reason, if you are over 40, have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure or both, and you eat more than 57g of black liquorice a day, or supplement with liquorice, then you should be aware that this may lead to health issues, including an increase in blood pressure and potentially an irregular heartbeat. If you fall into this group, and you are on prescribed medication or supplement with other herbs, check with your GP or pharmacist before adding liquorice to your regime.

Evidence suggests that during pregnancy liquorice is safe to eat, but you should avoid liquorice root. Similarly, if you have a hormone-sensitive health condition you should be aware that liquorice may have an oestrogenic effect in the body.

Last thoughts on liquorice…

If you’re a fan of liquorice confectionery it’s worth remembering that not all ‘liquorice’ is made with the real liquorice extract, some sweets are flavoured with aniseed or other similar flavourings. This means if you enjoy liquorice, but fall into one of the aforementioned groups, you may still enjoy a similar tasting sweet. Check labels for liquorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid to confirm whether the confectionery contains liquorice.

Do you enjoy liquorice confectionery or have you used liquorice for health reasons? Share your experiences in the comments below….

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This article was reviewed on 6 February 2024 by Kerry Torrens.

Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. Find her on Instagram at @kerry_torrens_nutrition_

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