Licorice Root
LUNG SOOTHING – ADRENAL TONIC – HARMONISER
Licorice is the great harmoniser—sweet, soothing and deeply nourishing to the body’s internal landscapes. Where there is dryness, irritation or depletion, it coats, restores and brings balance.
This is a herb that connects systems. It moistens the lungs, heals the gut and supports the adrenals, all while enhancing the actions of other herbs it is paired with. Gentle yet powerful, licorice builds resilience, softens inflammation and replenishes energy where it has been worn down over time.
Indications:
Respiratory support – A soothing demulcent for dry, irritated lungs, easing coughs, bronchitis and sore throats.
Digestive healing – Supports repair of the gut lining, beneficial for ulcers, reflux and inflammatory digestive conditions.
Adrenal & energy support – A gentle adaptogenic tonic helping to restore energy, reduce fatigue and support the stress response.
Anti-inflammatory action – Reduces inflammation across multiple systems, including respiratory, digestive and immune.
Antiviral support – Traditionally used to assist the body in managing viral infections.
Dosage:
As a tea…
1–2 teaspoons dried root per cup of boiling water.
Steep 10–15 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups daily.
As a decoction…
Simmer 1 tablespoon root in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes.
As a tincture…
Take 1–4ml daily (approx. 10–30ml per week of a 1:1 root tincture at low alcohol).
Most like:
Marshmallow Root – Both deeply soothing demulcents. Marshmallow is more cooling and mucilaginous; licorice adds adrenal and harmonising effects.
Slippery Elm – Another gut and lung soother. More coating and nutritive; licorice is more सक्रिय in restoring function and energy.
Ginger – Often paired together. Ginger warms and stimulates; licorice moistens and soothes.
Astragalus – A Qi tonic supporting immunity and energy. More immune-focused; licorice is broader and more harmonising.
Eleuthero – An adaptogen for stress and stamina. Less moistening; licorice is more nourishing and restorative.
Cautions:
Blood pressure – May elevate blood pressure with long-term or high-dose use due to fluid retention effects.
Potassium balance – Prolonged use may alter electrolyte balance—monitor in sensitive individuals.
Pregnancy – Avoid unless professionally guided.
Long-term use – Best used with awareness or in balanced formulas; DGL forms preferred for sensitive individuals.
LUNG SOOTHING – ADRENAL TONIC – HARMONISER
Licorice is the great harmoniser—sweet, soothing and deeply nourishing to the body’s internal landscapes. Where there is dryness, irritation or depletion, it coats, restores and brings balance.
This is a herb that connects systems. It moistens the lungs, heals the gut and supports the adrenals, all while enhancing the actions of other herbs it is paired with. Gentle yet powerful, licorice builds resilience, softens inflammation and replenishes energy where it has been worn down over time.
Indications:
Respiratory support – A soothing demulcent for dry, irritated lungs, easing coughs, bronchitis and sore throats.
Digestive healing – Supports repair of the gut lining, beneficial for ulcers, reflux and inflammatory digestive conditions.
Adrenal & energy support – A gentle adaptogenic tonic helping to restore energy, reduce fatigue and support the stress response.
Anti-inflammatory action – Reduces inflammation across multiple systems, including respiratory, digestive and immune.
Antiviral support – Traditionally used to assist the body in managing viral infections.
Dosage:
As a tea…
1–2 teaspoons dried root per cup of boiling water.
Steep 10–15 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups daily.
As a decoction…
Simmer 1 tablespoon root in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes.
As a tincture…
Take 1–4ml daily (approx. 10–30ml per week of a 1:1 root tincture at low alcohol).
Most like:
Marshmallow Root – Both deeply soothing demulcents. Marshmallow is more cooling and mucilaginous; licorice adds adrenal and harmonising effects.
Slippery Elm – Another gut and lung soother. More coating and nutritive; licorice is more सक्रिय in restoring function and energy.
Ginger – Often paired together. Ginger warms and stimulates; licorice moistens and soothes.
Astragalus – A Qi tonic supporting immunity and energy. More immune-focused; licorice is broader and more harmonising.
Eleuthero – An adaptogen for stress and stamina. Less moistening; licorice is more nourishing and restorative.
Cautions:
Blood pressure – May elevate blood pressure with long-term or high-dose use due to fluid retention effects.
Potassium balance – Prolonged use may alter electrolyte balance—monitor in sensitive individuals.
Pregnancy – Avoid unless professionally guided.
Long-term use – Best used with awareness or in balanced formulas; DGL forms preferred for sensitive individuals.