Licorice Reviews: What Users Really Report

Reviews of licorice (yashtimadhu) mostly converge on two uses: throat comfort (cough, hoarseness, irritation) and digestive comfort (acidity, a sensitized digestive lining), with an effect often described as fast for the throat and more gradual for digestion. The most common letdowns concern the taste, which many find overpowering, and a frequent mix-up between the whole root and the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) version — which have neither the same use nor the same safety profile.

Here is an honest summary of what users report, kept separate from what tradition and sound safety practice actually require.

What positive reviews report most often

• A soothed throat: this is the most praised use, as a tea or lozenge, with an effect often felt from the very first doses on irritation and a dry cough.
• Digestive comfort: several users report better tolerance with acidity or a sensitive stomach, especially with the DGL version taken before meals.
• A naturally sweet taste: appreciated by some as an alternative to bitter teas, since licorice is naturally very sweet with no added sugar.
• Good tolerance over a short course: most positive reports concern use lasting a few days to two weeks, not extended courses.

The most common letdowns

Reported letdown	Likely explanation
"The taste is too strong, I can't keep taking it"	Licorice has a very pronounced, lingering anise-like taste; diluting the tea further or pairing it with other herbs usually helps.
"I didn't know it wasn't the same thing as DGL"	A common mix-up at purchase: the whole root contains glycyrrhizin, DGL does not, and the two have different uses and precautions.
"Disappointing effect on my reflux"	Persistent reflux usually calls for medical advice rather than a single herb; licorice supports digestive comfort, it doesn't treat a medical condition.
"My blood pressure rose during the course"	A known effect of the whole root with prolonged use or high doses, documented in our dedicated article on the dangers of licorice.

Whole root or DGL: what reviews don't always specify

Many online reviews don't mention which form was used, which makes them hard to interpret. The whole root contains glycyrrhizin, active on the throat but responsible for the blood-pressure risk with prolonged use; DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has had this compound removed and is better suited to regular digestive use. A review describing daily use over several months without mentioning the form deserves to be read with caution.

How to spot a trustworthy licorice review

A credible review specifies the form used (root, DGL, tea, lozenge), how long it was used, and stays measured in its conclusions: "throat relief within a few days" is more credible than "complete detox" or "cure." Be wary of reviews praising extended daily use that never mention blood pressure — a well-documented point of caution for this herb.

Timelines reported in practice

For the throat, an effect is often reported from the very first doses of hot tea. For digestive comfort, consistent reports point to one to two weeks of regular use before a clear effect, with DGL usually taken before meals. Beyond a few weeks of continuous use, it's best to take a break, as detailed in our article on licorice dangers and contraindications.

Precautions

Licorice is not a harmless herb over the long term: the whole root is not advised for people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or during pregnancy. Interactions with diuretics and blood-pressure medication call for a doctor's or pharmacist's advice before any extended use. Full details are in our article on licorice dangers, blood pressure and contraindications and our safety guide.