Licorice Dosage: How Much to Take and How to Take It
Whole root, powder or DGL (deglycyrrhizinated): licorice dosage mainly depends on the form chosen, since this is not a mild herb. Here are indicative guidelines, never a substitute for professional advice.
There is no single dose of licorice (yashtimadhu): it all depends on the form chosen and, above all, its glycyrrhizin content, the compound responsible for the effect on blood pressure described in licorice dangers. The guidelines below are given for information only, in the spirit of what is presented in licorice review, and do not replace carefully reading the product label or asking for advice when in doubt.
The main forms available and their usual doses
| Form | Indicative usual dose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tea / decoction of cut root | 1 to 2 g per cup, 1 to 2 cups per day | Contains glycyrrhizin; short-term use |
| Powder (churna) | 1 to 3 g per day, in warm water or milk | Traditional use; count toward daily glycyrrhizin total |
| DGL extract (glycyrrhizin-free) | Depends on product, generally before meals | Preferred for regular digestive use |
What research says about the safety threshold for glycyrrhizin
A review by Sabbadin and colleagues, published in 2019 in Frontiers in Endocrinology, summarizes the mechanism by which glycyrrhizin disrupts the kidneys' regulation of sodium and potassium, and notes that the risk of hypertension and hypokalemia depends directly on cumulative dose and duration of exposure, more than on a single threshold valid for everyone (see the review on Google Scholar). This is the finding that justifies sticking to modest doses and short courses, rather than seeking an "optimal" dosage to extend over time.
What time of day should it be taken?
For the throat, the tea is taken as needed, particularly in the evening for a dry cough. For the stomach, tradition favors taking it before meals, since DGL is thought to act directly on the stomach lining before food arrives.
How long should a course continue?
As detailed in our article licorice: how long to work, the rule remains 4 to 6 weeks maximum for any form containing glycyrrhizin, followed by a break. Only DGL, stripped of this compound, lends itself to more prolonged use.
Should the dose be adjusted to the goal sought?
Increasing the dose of whole root in hopes of a stronger effect on the throat or stomach brings no demonstrated benefit and directly increases the blood pressure risk. The most cautious approach is to stay within the indicative range and switch forms (moving to DGL) rather than increasing the amount of glycyrrhizin ingested.
What to do in case of a mild side effect?
Headaches, a feeling of heavy legs, or slight swelling by the end of the day should prompt reducing the dose or stopping use, and monitoring blood pressure if these signs persist. None of these signals should be ignored on the grounds that licorice is "just an herb."
Precautions
Following the indicative doses does not remove the general precautions detailed in licorice dangers: non-deglycyrrhizinated licorice is not recommended with hypertension, heart or kidney disease, pregnancy, or for people on diuretics or blood pressure medication. Prior medical advice is essential when in doubt. For general guidance, see our safety and precautions guide.
Your questions about licorice dosage
What is the usual dose of licorice?
Indicative guidelines range from 1 to 2 g of root per cup of tea, 1 to 2 cups per day, to 1 to 3 g of powder per day. The DGL form follows manufacturer instructions, generally before meals.
Why not increase the licorice dose for a stronger effect?
Because the risk to blood pressure and potassium depends directly on the cumulative amount of glycyrrhizin, with no demonstrated benefit at a higher dose. It is better to stay within the indicative range and favor DGL for regular use.
How long can licorice be taken as a course?
No more than 4 to 6 weeks in a row for forms containing glycyrrhizin, followed by a break. Only DGL, without glycyrrhizin, is suited to more prolonged use.
Should licorice be taken before or after meals?
For digestive comfort, DGL is traditionally taken before meals. For the throat, the tea is taken as needed, with no particular link to meals.
Is licorice powder more concentrated than the tea?
It depends on each product's glycyrrhizin content, which varies considerably by origin and preparation. When in doubt, check the label or choose DGL, which removes this risk.
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