Quick facts
| Botanical name | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
|---|---|
| Other names | Mulethi, licorice |
| Part used | Root |
| Common forms | Root sticks to chew, powder, decoction; lozenges; part of many cough and acidity formulations. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Sweet |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Heavy, unctuous |
| Potency (virya) | Cooling |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Sweet |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Vata and Pitta |
Traditional uses
- Cough, sore throat and hoarse voice
- Acidity, gastritis and ulcers
- Mouth ulcers
- Rejuvenation (Rasayana)
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) has limited evidence for indigestion. Liquorice gargles may reduce sore throat after anaesthesia in some studies.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- High blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease
- Low potassium
- Pregnancy — large amounts
Possible interactions
- Diuretics (water tablets) and steroids — dangerously low potassium
- Digoxin and heart-rhythm medicines
- Blood-pressure medicines — reduced effect
Side effects
Regular use or large amounts cause high blood pressure, low potassium, fluid retention and muscle weakness. Short courses in normal amounts are usually safe for healthy adults.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Yashtimadhu (Liquorice) is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.