Licorice Extract

What is Licorice Extract?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)ย is a sweet-tasting root that has held medicinal importance for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt and China to Greece and Rome, licorice was revered as a universal healing herb soothing everything from coughs and indigestion to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.

The plant grows widely across Europe and Asia, producing long roots that contain the main bioactive compound glycyrrhizin, along with over 300 other active substances, including:

  • Flavonoids
  • Coumarins
  • Polysaccharides
  • Phytosterols

Licorice works similarly to prescription drugs for stomach acid, butย without interfering with digestionย or increasing nutrient deficiencies like many antacids do.Today, modern extraction methods concentrate these compounds into a potent herbal supplement: Licorice Extract.

Licorice Extract is produced through a careful process that starts with harvesting mature licorice roots, which are cleaned, dried, and then either ground or soaked in a liquid (typically alcohol or glycerin).

There are two primary extract types:

  • Glycyrrhizin-containing extractย - retains the full spectrum of active compounds, best for short-term hormonal or adrenal support.
  • Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)ย - removes glycyrrhizin to avoid affecting blood pressure, ideal for long-term digestive support.

Miduty uses scientific extraction protocols that preserve the herb's potency while eliminating impurities. This results in a standardized extract, meaning each dose consistently delivers effective amounts of glycyrrhizin or other desired components.

Unlike many herbs that offer just one therapeutic action, licorice delivers multi-dimensional benefits:

  • Adaptogenic -ย supports the body's stress response by stabilizing cortisol
  • Demulcent -ย coats and soothes mucous membranes in the stomach and throat
  • Antiviral -ย interferes with viral replication, useful during colds or infections
  • Phytoestrogenic -ย gently balances hormones, especially estrogen

In other words, licorice is not just a digestive herb or a hormonal balancer itโ€™s both, and much more. It's especially valuable in people suffering from chronic stress, digestive inflammation, or hormonal fluctuations, making it a powerful tool for modern health challenges.

Why Choose Midutyโ€™s Licorice Extract?

1) Licorice extract inย Miduty Lung Detox isย apart from generic alternatives because of itsย clinical dosing, with therapeutic levels ofย glycyrrhizin. Miduty sources licorice fromย pesticide-free rootsย and uses aย clean, solvent-free extraction processย that avoids high heat and harsh chemical practices that often degrade important compounds in other products.

2) This method maintains the full integrity ofย flavonoids and polysaccharides, removesย heavy metals and microbial contaminants, and preserves both the efficacy and natural taste of the root. Withย no magnesium stearate or harmful fillers, Miduty delivers aย safe, potent, and superior-quality Licorice Extractย that truly stands out in the respiratory wellness space.

Miduty Products With Licorice Extract

Licorice Extract Uses & Benefits

Uses & Benefits Description
Immune Enhancement and Viral Defense

Licorice has broad antiviral properties that make it helpful during colds, flus, and respiratory infections. It can: [1]

  • Inhibit viral replication (especially in herpes, influenza, and RSV) [2]
  • Boost interferon activity; an important immune response to viruses
  • Reduce throat inflammation and soothe coughing
Itโ€™s often found in sore throat lozenges, immune blends, and cold-season supplements, but as a concentrated extract, it offers deeper immune regulation. Itโ€™s especially helpful when combined with zinc, echinacea, or elderberry for a full-spectrum immune protocol.
ย Reduces Inflammation and Calms the Skin

Licoriceโ€™s flavonoids and glycyrrhizin are natural anti-inflammatories, helping: [3] [4]

  • Reduce joint pain and stiffness
  • Calm inflammatory skin issues (eczema, hives, dermatitis, psoriasis) [5]
  • Redness or itching due to histamine response
  • Lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune overreactions
Some people even take licorice to manage autoimmune flares and allergy-related inflammation.
Hormonal and Adrenal Support

Licorice is one of the few herbs known to modulate cortisol, the bodyโ€™s main stress hormone. It does this by: [6]

  • Inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down cortisol (11ฮฒ-HSD2)
  • Extending the half-life of circulating cortisol
  • Supporting the adrenal glands during fatigue and chronic stress

This makes licorice ideal for:

  • Adrenal fatigue and burnout
  • Hormone-related anxiety or exhaustion
  • Women with irregular periods or perimenopausal symptoms
  • Men with low energy and hormonal imbalance
Because it also mimics mild estrogenic activity, it can support PMS, menopause, and estrogen dominance. [7]
Support for Digestive Health and Ulcers

Licorice is perhaps most famously used to support the stomach lining and digestive tract. The extract: [8] [9]ย 

  • Stimulates mucin production, forming a protective coating in the stomach
  • Reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Helps heal ulcers by reducing stomach acid and promoting regeneration
  • Relieves symptoms of GERD (acid reflux) and gastritis

Licorice is especially useful for:

  • Heartburn
  • Bloating
  • Stomach pain or burning
  • Acid reflux or GERD
  • Ulcerative conditions
  • Post-antibiotic gut damageย 
It works without blocking acid production like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), making it a gentler, more sustainable solution for digestive discomfort. Licorice works similarly to prescription drugs for stomach acid, but without interfering with digestion or increasing nutrient deficiencies like many antacids do.

Licorice Extract Dosage

Typical licorice extract doses are:

  • Glycyrrhizin-rich extract:ย 200-400 mg/day for short-term use
  • DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice):ย 380-400 mg, up to 3x/day for stomach relief

Duration of use depends on the form:

  • Glycyrrhizin-rich licoriceย should be used for 2-4 weeks, then cycled
  • DGLย can be used safely long-term

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated):ย Best for digestive healing without affecting blood pressure or potassium.
Full-spectrum extract (with glycyrrhizin):ย Ideal for hormonal support, adrenal fatigue, or viral illness.

When to take Licorice Extract?

For digestive health, theย timing of Licorice Extract is crucialย to maximize its coating and healing effects. The best practice is:

  • 15-30 minutes before mealsย - This allows licorice to coat the esophagus and stomach lining before exposure to acid and food.
  • If you're takingย DGLย (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), chewable tablets or capsules should be takenย 3 times a dayย before meals to combat GERD, Heartburn, Ulcerative discomfort.

This creates a mucosal barrier that protects and helps heal the stomach liningย without reducing stomach acid, which is essential for digestion.

Licorice's unique effect onย cortisol metabolismย makes it incredibly useful in stress recovery and adrenal fatigue but only when takenย at the right time.

  • Take licoriceย in the morning, ideally with breakfast.
  • This supports theย natural rise in cortisol, helping boost morning energy and mental clarity.
  • A second dose can be takenย around noon, but it's usually best toย avoid licorice in the eveningย since it may interfere with sleep if cortisol remains elevated too late in the day.

Licorice also supportsย menstrual hormone balance, so it can be used in:

  • Theย follicular phase (days 1-14)ย for PMS
  • Theย luteal phase (days 15-28)ย for hormonal mood swings or fatigue

For respiratory relief and immune defense:

  • Begin taking licorice at theย first sign of a cold or throat irritation.
  • Use itย 2-3 times a dayย during illness to reduce viral load and inflammation.

For allergy-related symptoms (sneezing, itchy throat, post-nasal drip), it works well when paired withย quercetin or vitamin Cย take one dose in theย morningย and anotherย before exposureย to allergens.

Licorice Extract Side Effects & Additional Tips

Licorice Extract isย generally safe for short-term use, especially in DGL form. However, excessive or long-term intake ofย glycyrrhizin-rich extractsย can lead to:

  • Water retention
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Low potassium (hypokalemia)
  • Headaches or fatigueย due to mineral imbalances

To avoid this:

  • Doย not exceed 400 mg of glycyrrhizin per day
  • Limit usage toย 2-4 weeksย and then cycle off
  • Drink plenty of water and consume potassium-rich foods (bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes)

You should consult your healthcare provider before using licorice if you:

  • Haveย hypertension, heart disease, orย kidney issues
  • Are pregnant or nursing (licorice may alter hormone levels)
  • Are onย diuretics, corticosteroids, or antihypertensive medications

DGL licorice, on the other hand, is safe for longer-term use and for individuals with hypertension since it lacks the glycyrrhizin compound that can raise blood pressure.

Licorice works beautifully in synergy with other herbs and nutrients. For best results:

  • For gut health:ย Combine withย L-glutamine, slippery elm, or marshmallow root.
  • For adrenal support:ย Stack withย rhodiola, ashwagandha, and B vitamins.
  • For hormone balance:ย Use withย chaste tree berry (vitex) or DIM.
  • For immunity:ย Pair withย elderberry, zinc, and echinacea.

These combinations amplify the impact of licorice while creating a full-spectrum wellness protocol.

Final Thoughts on Licorice Extract

Licorice is especially useful for people dealing with:

  • Chronic heartburn or GERD
  • Stress burnout and adrenal fatigue
  • Hormonal imbalances, PMS, or menopausal symptoms
  • Recurring viral infections or sore throats
  • Inflammatory skin issues or autoimmune flares

Its broad-spectrum action and soothing nature make it a reliable go-to for those who want to heal deeply and naturally. In a fast-paced world full of stress, poor diet, and over-reliance on medications, Licorice Extract offers a gentle yet powerful alternative.

It soothes where others irritate, calms where others overstimulate, and restores where imbalance reigns. And when it comes from a trusted brand like Miduty, you know youโ€™re getting a product thatโ€™s pure, potent, and purposefully crafted.

FAQ's on Licorice Extract

Q1. What is Licorice Extract used for?

Licorice extract, obtained from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is widely used in herbal medicine and as a natural flavoring. Itโ€™s valued for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing effects on digestive issues like heartburn and ulcers, and also supports respiratory health and skin care.

Q2. Who should avoid Licorice?

People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney issues, or low potassium levels should avoid licorice, especially in large amounts. Pregnant women and those taking certain medications should also consult a doctor before using it.

Q3. Can we take Licorice daily?

Licorice can be taken daily in moderate amounts for respiratory support, as it may help soothe the airways, reduce inflammation, and ease coughing. However, long-term use should be monitored, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

Q4. Is Licorice good for the lungs?

Licorice is known to support lung health by acting as a natural expectorant, helping to clear mucus and ease breathing. Its soothing effects also make it helpful for calming coughs, sore throats, and respiratory irritation.

Q5. Does Licorice clear mucus?

Yes, licorice can help clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Its natural expectorant properties help loosen and expel mucus, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion.