Licorice tincture is a well-known natural remedy and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The preparation is appreciated for its sweet taste and anti-inflammatory properties. However, as with many powerful herbs, its benefits also come with certain contraindications.

Wondering when licorice tincture can be useful and who can use it safely? Read on to discover its real benefits, how to administer it, and the risks you shouldn't ignore.

What is licorice?

Licorice, with the scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial plant valued in phytotherapy especially for its therapeutic properties. Native to the warm regions of Asia and the Mediterranean area, it has a herbaceous stem, with dark green compound leaves and bluish-purple flowers.

The therapeutic part of licorice is its long, woody, yellow-on-the-inside, brown-on-the-outside taproot. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and even European traditions to treat a variety of ailments. Aromatic, rich in active compounds, with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, it has been used to treat and prevent eczema, ulcers, acid reflux, and other health problems.

Among the compounds it contains are:

• Glycyrrhizic acid , responsible for the sweet taste (about 50 times sweeter than regular sugar) and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Flavonoids , with antioxidant and cell protective action.
• Polysaccharides , which play a role in supporting immunity and soothing mucous membranes.
• Triterpene saponins , which contribute to the fluidification of secretions and the expectorant effect.

What is licorice tincture?

Licorice tincture is a concentrated hydroalcoholic extract, obtained by macerating the dried root of the plant in a solution of alcohol and water. The maceration process usually lasts several weeks, during which time the alcohol effectively extracts the active compounds to obtain a product with fast action and increased bioavailability.

Typically, the tincture has a standard concentration of 1:5, is prepared with 40–50% ethyl alcohol and is most often found in 50 ml bottles, easy to dose and use. This form is especially preferred for supporting digestion, soothing irritated mucous membranes and alleviating respiratory symptoms.

Compared to tea or powder, tincture is characterized by higher bioavailability, meaning it can be absorbed more quickly. The concentration of active compounds is more stable in this form, providing a more intense effect and visible results even with lower doses.

Benefits and properties of licorice tincture

Licorice tincture is considered a complex plant extract due to its unique combination of active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Therefore, it is used both in phytotherapy and in cosmetology or to support immunity.

Its properties may vary depending on the concentration, but the benefits basically affect the respiratory system, digestive system, hormonal health, immune system, and skin health.

However, more research is needed to reach conclusive results. Always consult a healthcare professional before using licorice tincture if you have any medical conditions.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of licorice tincture

Licorice tincture is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and protect the body against oxidative stress.

Some studies have shown that glycyrrhizin and other compounds in the root can help reduce systemic inflammation, helping to relieve chronic conditions like arthritis. Meanwhile, the plant's flavonoids act as natural antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from damage.

Due to these properties, the tincture can be useful as support in conditions in which inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role, including some autoimmune diseases or in situations where the body is subjected to prolonged metabolic stress.

Benefits of licorice tincture for the respiratory system

Another known effect of licorice is its expectorant and emollient effect. Since ancient times, it has been used for coughs, bronchitis, colds and even asthma attacks. Some animal studies even associate the glycyrrhizin extract from licorice with positive results in treating asthma.

The tincture also helps to thin bronchial secretions, facilitating their elimination, and helps to soothe throat irritation due to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Licorice tincture has benefits for the digestive system

Due to its protective properties on the digestive mucosa, licorice extract has been used over time to relieve gastritis, indigestion, and gastric reflux.

The results of studies on its effects on gastric inflammation are promising, but more research is needed and it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if you are experiencing digestive problems.

Licorice tincture has antiviral and antimicrobial effects

Glycyrrhizin, one of the most important active compounds in licorice extract, has been shown in studies to inhibit the replication of viruses such as HSV (herpes), HBV (hepatitis B) and even some strains of SARS-CoV. Thanks to its antiviral and antimicrobial action, the tincture is often used as a support in the prevention of seasonal viral infections and to strengthen the immune response.

Licorice tincture has hormonal benefits for women's health as well

The flavonoids in licorice can interact with estrogen receptors in the body, providing a mild estrogenic effect. Therefore, the tincture can help regulate cortisol levels and is frequently used to support the body in cases of chronic fatigue , during menopause , or in case of premenstrual syndrome.

Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, the tincture can also help relieve menstrual pain . Also, using menstrual products with 100% organic cotton , without other aggressive chemicals, can support daily comfort and hormonal balance.

Benefits of licorice tincture for the skin

Licorice is also frequently used in cosmetics for its soothing and depigmenting properties. The root of this plant contains over 300 compounds whose anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects have been demonstrated by studies.

Therefore, the tincture is present in various natural products to treat skin conditions such as acne, age spots and eczema. It is applied externally, simply diluted or integrated into lotions, creams or masks, to help even out skin tone and reduce redness.

How to use licorice tincture

Licorice tincture is a concentrated extract and can be used both internally and externally, depending on the objective. The dosage, method and period of use differ depending on the purpose, age and general health. It is important to administer it correctly in order to benefit from the therapeutic effects without risks.

Equally, you must understand that there is not yet enough scientific evidence to confirm with certainty the therapeutic effects of licorice tincture, whether consumed in the form of teas, creams, or other natural remedies, which is why you should always talk to your doctor and establish an appropriate treatment together.

Internal administration of licorice tincture

Internally, the tincture is usually consumed diluted in water and can be useful for relieving symptoms such as cough and respiratory irritation, fatigue during periods of stress and overwork, or slow digestion and gastric discomfort.

The usual dose is 10 to 30 drops diluted in water, consumed no more than 2-3 times a day, but recommendations may vary. For sensitive people, the dose is increased gradually. Treatments are recommended for short periods of 2-3 weeks, followed by periods of rest.

External use of licorice tincture

• Dilute in water and apply to inflamed skin or pigment spots
• Addition to natural creams and tonic lotions

For external use, the tincture is generally diluted in water and applied, using a cotton pad, to inflamed skin or pigment spots. It can also be mixed into cosmetic products such as natural creams, masks, serums or tonics, for a calming and even-toning effect.

Other forms of consumption of licorice tincture

In addition to the tincture that comes in liquid form, licorice can be used in numerous other forms. Some of the most common include:

• Licorice tea: pieces of dried root are added to hot water and infused for a few minutes, after which the drink can be consumed as a tea with an emollient and calming effect, to soothe respiratory or digestive symptoms.
• Capsules and tablets: suitable for concentrated and controlled administration with the aim of supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
• Licorice powder: can be added to water, juices, smoothies, soups or other beverages that allow integration into daily diet.
• Syrup and liquid extract: licorice can be used in combination with other ingredients to obtain syrups with a fragrant taste and a soothing effect on coughs or sore throats.

Precautions and contraindications regarding licorice tincture

Although it is associated with numerous benefits, licorice tincture can affect blood pressure and hormonal balance. Therefore, caution and medical guidance regarding dosage and duration of administration are required.

People for whom licorice is contraindicated include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: The safety of consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been sufficiently studied and confirmed, so it should be avoided to prevent miscarriage, premature birth, or other problems.
• People with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease: Licorice can increase blood pressure and worsen heart failure by causing more water retention.
• Patients facing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or other hormone-sensitive conditions: due to the estrogenic effect of licorice.
• Patients with kidney problems: excessive or prolonged consumption can cause kidney problems.
• People experiencing sexual problems: consumed in large quantities, licorice tincture can contribute to lower testosterone levels and worsen erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems.
• People who have allergic reactions: There are people who may develop allergic reactions and experience itching, swelling, and rashes after taking licorice.
• Patients who are about to undergo surgery: it is recommended to inform the doctor and stop consumption at least 2 weeks before the intervention to prevent the influence of licorice on blood pressure during the operation.

Administered in large doses or for long periods, the tincture can cause adverse effects such as increased blood pressure, water retention, decreased potassium levels in the body, headaches, fatigue, palpitations, or increased hormonal sensitivity.

Therefore, licorice is only administered short-term, with breaks, avoiding combining it with alcohol and stimulants or associating it without medical recommendation with hypertensive treatments and other estrogenic products. To observe possible allergic reactions, tolerance is tested in the first few days.

Recommendations for practical use of licorice tincture

For optimal results, the tincture can be combined with a balanced diet and other herbs with complementary effects. For example, licorice can be combined with echinacea tincture to support the immune system, sage for digestive benefits, or propolis for antiviral and anti-inflammatory action.

In parallel, an anti-inflammatory and predominantly alkaline diet during administration can enhance the effects of licorice tincture. Such a diet involves avoiding sugar and ultra-processed foods, and increasing the consumption of green vegetables, fruits, and foods such as ginger or turmeric.

Alcohol is contraindicated during the treatment because it can interact with the alcoholic extracts in the tincture and overwork the liver. It is also recommended to avoid excessive coffee consumption, which can increase anxiety, dehydration and inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Licorice Tincture

Licorice tincture is a natural remedy with ancient traditional uses. But even though tradition gives it a certain charm, modern medicine today allows us to look at these preparations with more precision and certainty, evaluating their effectiveness based on available scientific data.

For most of the associated benefits, there is still not enough solid scientific evidence to fully confirm their effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to use with caution, especially if you suffer from pre-existing conditions or are undergoing medical treatment.

We hope that the answers below will help you better understand the use and contraindications of this preparation, but remember that this information does not replace the recommendations of a doctor. Before starting a cure, talk to a specialist to make sure that the tincture is suitable and safe for you.

What are the benefits of licorice tincture for cough?

Licorice tincture can act as a natural expectorant, thinning bronchial secretions and soothing throat irritation. It can be useful for relieving irritating coughs, bronchitis, colds, or mild respiratory conditions.

Is licorice tincture safe during pregnancy?

Licorice tincture is contraindicated during pregnancy because it can affect hormone levels and blood pressure, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Also, the alcohol in the tincture is not recommended for pregnant women.

How is tincture for gastritis administered?

For gastritis, the tincture can be diluted in water, in small doses and for short periods, about 30 minutes before a meal. However, it is important to note that scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic effects is limited. Administration cannot replace proper treatment and should always be discussed with a doctor beforehand.

Can licorice tincture be used for age spots?

Yes. Used externally, licorice tincture can help fade age spots, reduce redness, and soothe inflammation. It can be applied as a diluted toner, or included in creams, masks, serums, or natural lotions.

How long does a licorice tincture treatment last?

A typical course lasts about 2-3 weeks and is followed by a break period. Long-term continuous use is not recommended due to the risk of water retention and increased blood pressure.

H3: What are the contraindications of licorice tincture?

The tincture is contraindicated in cases of high blood pressure, cardiovascular or kidney disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding, allergic reactions, sexual problems, as well as before surgery.

What is the difference between tincture and liquid extract?

Tincture is a hydroalcoholic extract, obtained by maceration. The liquid extract can be non-alcoholic and sometimes more concentrated. Tincture is quickly absorbed, but is not suitable for people who avoid alcohol.

H3: Can licorice tincture increase blood pressure?

Yes. Excessive or prolonged consumption can increase blood pressure due to glycyrrhizin, which promotes water and sodium retention.

Tea or tincture – which is more effective?

Licorice tincture has higher bioavailability and works faster than tea because the active compounds are extracted in a higher concentration. However, tea is a gentler alternative, more suitable for daily use.

Can licorice tincture help with chronic fatigue syndrome?

Yes, the tincture can provide support during times of exhaustion, stress, or overexertion, as it helps regulate cortisol levels and supports the immune system. However, it does not replace medical consultation in case of persistent symptoms.

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