American Licorice(Glycyrrhiza lepidota)
Used the same as European licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Other Names:
Wild licorice, licorice-root, dessert root, liquorice
Range:
Family:
Fabaceae - Pea or Leguma Family
Growth Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Height:
Can grow to 3 feet tall.
Leaves:
The pinnate leaves are approximately 3–6 inches long and they are arranged alternately along the stem. Each contains 9–17 leaflets which are arranged opposite along the petiole.
Stem/Trunk:
Smooth and branched
Root:
Stoloniferous Rhizome
Flower Season:
June to August
Flower Appearance:
The yellowish-white flowers are borne on short stalks and crowded on terminal spikes. They are shaped similar to alfalfa flowers.
Seed/Fruit:
The brown, leathery, seed pods are approximately 1 inch long and covered with many stout, hooked, brown spines which form a burr.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
Used the same as European licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra
strong>Habitat:
Well drained soils with full sun.
Parts Used:
Root
Culinary Uses:
Many confections and flavorings are made from licorice.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Moistening
Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses:
Arthritis, Backache, Children’s Ailments, Cough, Ear Ailments, Earache, Fever, Gastrointestinal Disturbances, Internal Ulcers, Placenta, Rheumatism, Toothache. Peptic ulcer, either duodenal or gastric between acute episodes; bronchorrhea or chronic bronchitis; sub-clinical adrenocortical deficiency; constipation from secretory suppression, oily skin, adrenal excess, marbly feces. As a demulcent in the treatment of sore throats, and as an expectorant in the treatment of coughs and bronchial catarrh. Also in the prophylaxis and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and dyspepsia. As an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of allergic reactions, rheumatism and arthritis, to prevent liver toxicity, and to treat tuberculosis and adrenocorticoid insufficiency.
Indigenous Usage:
Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Dakota, Keresan, Navaho-Ramah, Paiute, Pawnee
Usage Indictions:
Adrenal Insufficiency, Allergic Rhinitis, Allergies, Aphthous Stomatitis, Arthritis, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cough, Duodenal Ulcers, Dyspepsia, Gastric Ulcers, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gingivitis, Inflammation, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), Peptic Ulcer, Periodontitis, Pharyngitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tuberclulosis
Indications Citations
The fact that studies concerning all indications listed above have not yet been completed, does not mean said uses are invalid. The plants I have included have a long history of effective use, and most were part of the U.S. Pharmacopeia prior to the advent of allopathic medicine.
Clinical Trials:
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Chang GH, Chang PJ, Cheng YC, Wu CY, Yang YH, Lin YS, Hsu CM, Tsai MS, Tsai YT, Yang PR. Efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of licorice nasal spray in allergic rhinitis: A clinical study comparing with conventional steroid treatment. Explore (NY). 2026 Mar-Apr;22(2):103325. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103325. Epub 2026 Jan 20. PMID: 41616684.
Aphthous Stomatitis (Cold Sores): Akbari N, Asadimehr N, Kiani Z. The effects of licorice containing diphenhydramine solution on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 May;50:102401. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102401. Epub 2020 Apr 15. PMID: 32444056.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Saeedi M, Morteza-Semnani K, Ghoreishi MR. The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel. J Dermatolog Treat. 2003 Sep;14(3):153-7. doi: 10.1080/09546630310014369. PMID: 14522625.
Chronic Cough: Ghaemi H, Masoompour SM, Afsharypuor S, Mosaffa-Jahromi M, Pasalar M, Ahmadi F, Niknahad H. The effectiveness of a traditional Persian medicine preparation in the treatment of chronic cough: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Mar;49:102324. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102324. Epub 2020 Jan 21. PMID: 32147070.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Raj JP, Saxena U, Belhekar MN, Mamde A, Darak H, Pawar S. Efficacy and Safety of GutGard® in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III, Single-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res. 2025;32(1):26-36. doi: 10.1159/000543367. Epub 2025 Feb 10. PMID: 39929150; PMCID: PMC11892464.
Gingivitis: Gokul MNR, Ramesh KSV, Gautami PS, Sruthima NVS, Pasupuleti M, Mathala V. A Comparative evaluation of locally delivered licorice gel and tetracycline gel as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy in the treatment of controlled type -2 diabetic patients with periodontitis stage II and grade B - A split mouth randomized clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2025 Jul 16;22(3):530-538. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0434. PMID: 40665717.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Rostamizadeh P, Asl SMKH, Far ZG, Ahmadijoo P, Mahmudiono T, Bokov DO, Alsaikhan F, Jannat B, Mazloom Z. Effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double-blind clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2022 Oct;36(10):3949-3956. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7543. Epub 2022 Jul 3. PMID: 35785498.
Peptic Ulcer (Stomach ulcer): Yoon JY, Cha JM, Hong SS, Kim HK, Kwak MS, Jeon JW, Shin HP. Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Glycyrrhiza glabra has a beneficial effect in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Aug;98(35):e16601. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016601. PMID: 31464895; PMCID: PMC6736393.
Periodontitis: Gokul MNR, Ramesh KSV, Gautami PS, Sruthima NVS, Pasupuleti M, Mathala V. A Comparative evaluation of locally delivered licorice gel and tetracycline gel as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy in the treatment of controlled type -2 diabetic patients with periodontitis stage II and grade B - A split mouth randomized clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2025 Jul 16;22(3):530-538. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0434. PMID: 40665717.
Parkinson's Disease: Petramfar P, Hajari F, Yousefi G, Azadi S, Hamedi A. Efficacy of oral administration of licorice as an adjunct therapy on improving the symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease, A randomized double blinded clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Jan 30;247:112226. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112226. Epub 2019 Sep 28. PMID: 31574343.
Alterative, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Aperient, Bactericidal, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Immunomodulator, Pectoral
This plant has been shown, by scientific studies, to exhibit the following medicinal actions. The fact that studies concerning all of the traditional medicinal actions listed above have not yet been completed, does not mean said actions are invalid. The plants I have included have a long history of effective use, and most were part of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia prior to the rise of allopathic medicine.
Clinical Trials:
Antiviral (Common): Zendejas-Hernandez U, Alcántara-Martínez N, Vivar DT, Valenzuela F, Sosa Espinoza A, Cervera Ceballos EE. Nebulized glycyrrhizin/enoxolone drug modulates IL-17A in COVID-19 patients: a randomized clinical trial. Front Immunol. 2024 Jan 12;14:1282280. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1282280. PMID: 38283346; PMCID: PMC10811189.
Immunomodulator (Normalizes the immune system): Chang GH, Chang PJ, Cheng YC, Wu CY, Yang YH, Lin YS, Hsu CM, Tsai MS, Tsai YT, Yang PR. Efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of licorice nasal spray in allergic rhinitis: A clinical study comparing with conventional steroid treatment. Explore (NY). 2026 Mar-Apr;22(2):103325. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103325. Epub 2026 Jan 20. PMID: 41616684.
Antimicrobial: Gokul MNR, Ramesh KSV, Gautami PS, Sruthima NVS, Pasupuleti M, Mathala V. A Comparative evaluation of locally delivered licorice gel and tetracycline gel as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy in the treatment of controlled type -2 diabetic patients with periodontitis stage II and grade B - A split mouth randomized clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2025 Jul 16;22(3):530-538. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0434. PMID: 40665717.
Anti-Inflammatory (Common): Gokul MNR, Ramesh KSV, Gautami PS, Sruthima NVS, Pasupuleti M, Mathala V. A Comparative evaluation of locally delivered licorice gel and tetracycline gel as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy in the treatment of controlled type -2 diabetic patients with periodontitis stage II and grade B - A split mouth randomized clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2025 Jul 16;22(3):530-538. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0434. PMID: 40665717.
Cautions According To WebMD
Possible Side Effects:
Licorice is likely safe for most people when eaten in typical food amounts. Licorice that has had the chemical glycyrrhizin removed is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 4 months.
Licorice that contains glycyrrhizin is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts or for a long time. Eating licorice 5 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including heart attack. People who have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to it. Ingesting large amounts of licorice from candy, lozenges, or tea might also cause serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Applying gel with licorice root extract 2% is possibly safe for up to 2 weeks. It is possibly safe to use a licorice mouth rinse for up to one week.
Possible Interactions:
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with LICORICE
Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin.
Estrogens interacts with LICORICE
Licorice seems to change hormone levels in the body. Taking licorice along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogen.
Water pills (Loop diuretics) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice can decrease potassium levels. Loop diuretics can also decrease potassium levels. Taking licorice and loop diuretics together might make potassium levels drop too low.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice might increase blood pressure. Taking licorice might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice can decrease how quickly the body breaks down corticosteroids. This can increase the effects and side effects of corticosteroids.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with LICORICE
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Licorice might decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking licorice along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
Cisplatin (Platinol-AQ) interacts with LICORICE
Cisplatin is used to treat cancer. Licorice might decrease how well cisplatin works.
Midazolam (Versed) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice might increase how quickly midazolam is broken down by the body. This might decrease the effects of midazolam.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice might increase how quickly the body breaks down paclitaxel. Taking licorice with paclitaxel might decrease the effects of paclitaxel.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Licorice might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Methotrexate (Trexall, others) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice might decrease how quickly the body breaks down methotrexate. This might increase the effects and side effects of methotrexate.
Herbal Preparations For Plant
Decoction
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: 1-3 oz up to three times daily as needed
Glycerite
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: Add ¼ tsp glycerite and ¾ tsp water to a nebulizer cup and inhale up to three times daily as needed.
Infused Oil
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: Apply topically to the affected area up to three times daily as needed.
Ointment/Salve
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: Apply topically to the affected area up to three times daily as needed.
Lotion
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: Apply topically to the affected area up to three times daily as needed.
Tincture
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: 3-60 drops up to three times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: 3-60 drops up to three times daily
