Which Licorice to Choose? Root, DGL, Powder or Tea
Whole root, powder, ready-made tea or DGL extract: the licorice shelf mixes products with very different uses. Here is how to choose based on your need, without overlooking the one real contraindication.
Choosing licorice (yashtimadhu) depends above all on the intended use. For an occasional tea against an irritated throat, whole cut root for decoction remains the most traditional choice. For regular digestive use over several weeks, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) extract is clearly preferable: it keeps the soothing effect on the mucous membrane while ruling out the herb's main risk, its effect on blood pressure.
This point is worth repeating before any purchase: glycyrrhizin, present in the whole root and most powders, can raise blood pressure with excessive or prolonged intake. It is the most important buying criterion, even before the question of form.
Root, powder, DGL or ready-made tea: what are the differences?
| Form | Contains glycyrrhizin | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Whole cut root | Yes | Occasional decoction, sore throat and dry cough |
| Powder (churna) | Yes | Traditional Ayurvedic use, short course |
| DGL extract | No (removed) | Digestive comfort, longer use |
| Commercial blended tea | Variable, often yes | Check the content and the other herbs included |
| Chewable root stick | Yes | Very occasional, novelty use |
Quality criteria to check
- Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra, the traditional species, rather than a plain "licorice" mention with no detail.
- For DGL: explicitly check for "deglycyrrhizinated" or "DGL" on the label — without this wording, it is whole root with all its glycyrrhizin.
- Organic root: licorice is a root, so sensitive to soil quality; favor an organic, traceable origin.
- Blended teas: read the ingredient list to check the proportion of licorice and rule out redundant herbs with a similar effect on blood pressure.
On price, organic cut root can be found for a few dollars per 100 g at an herbalist or health-food store, while chewable DGL tablets cost a bit more per unit but are dosed more precisely.
How to choose based on your need?
- Irritated throat or occasional dry cough: cut root as a decoction, or a licorice-ginger-lemon tea along the lines of our ginger-lemon-honey tea. Short course, a few days.
- Digestive comfort and acidity, regular use: DGL extract before meals, over several weeks, avoiding the blood-pressure issue tied to glycyrrhizin.
- An evening sweet craving with no added sugar: a chewable root stick or occasional tea, never as a prolonged daily habit.
How long should you use the licorice you bought?
For all forms containing glycyrrhizin (root, powder, classic tea), the rule is no more than 4 to 6 weeks in a row, at modest doses (1 to 2 cups of tea a day). The DGL form, stripped of glycyrrhizin, lends itself to longer use, but should still be checked with a health professional for prolonged use or an associated condition.
Where to buy reliable licorice?
Favor a trustworthy Ayurvedic brand, able to state the species, the origin and, for DGL, the deglycyrrhizination process. Our article on where to buy reliable Ayurvedic products details the channels to favor.
Precautions
The main contraindication concerns blood pressure: high blood pressure, heart treatment, kidney disease, or pregnancy call for avoiding non-deglycyrrhizinated licorice, and for medical advice before any long-term DGL use. Possible interactions with diuretics, corticosteroids and blood-pressure medication. The full detail is in our article on licorice: benefits and precautions and our safety guide.
Your questions about which licorice to choose
What is the difference between regular licorice and DGL licorice?
Regular licorice contains glycyrrhizin, the molecule responsible for the effect on blood pressure in excess. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) has had it removed: it keeps the soothing effect on the digestive lining while ruling out this risk, which makes it preferable for regular use.
Should you choose whole root or licorice powder?
For an occasional decoction against an irritated throat, cut whole root is the most traditional form. Powder is more convenient to mix into warm water or milk, but contains the same glycyrrhizin and so calls for the same short courses.
Which licorice to choose for prolonged digestive use?
DGL extract is the best-suited choice for several weeks of use, since it rules out the blood-pressure risk tied to glycyrrhizin while keeping the soothing effect on the stomach lining.
How do you verify that a product is truly deglycyrrhizinated?
The label must clearly state "DGL" or "deglycyrrhizinated." Without it, the product is most likely whole root or powder containing all its glycyrrhizin, best reserved for short courses.
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