Liquorice Powder Benefits, Uses & Side Effects Guide

June 9, 2025

Learn how liquorice powder helps skin, digestion & more. Discover its uses, dosage & side effects in this easy guide.

Liquorice powder comes from the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Liquorice powder is known for its sweet taste and healing properties. It has a strong reputation as a versatile herbal remedy. From soothing the stomach to brightening the skin, it offers numerous health and beauty benefits.

In this guide, we will look at what you need to know about liquorice powder. We will cover its benefits, uses, dosage, and side effects in simple terms.

What is Liquorice Powder?

Liquorice powder is made by drying and grinding the roots of the liquorice plant. This plant contains several natural compounds, including:

Glycyrrhizin – helps with inflammation and digestion
Glabridin – known for skin lightening and anti-aging
Flavonoids – support immune health and reduce oxidative stress
Saponins – soothe cough and respiratory discomfort

This herbal powder can be consumed as a tea, used as a face mask, or added to herbal formulas.

Top Benefits of Liquorice Powder

1. Supports Digestion and Gut Health

Liquorice powder soothes the stomach lining and helps reduce symptoms of:

Acid reflux
Indigestion
Heartburn
Bloating
Gastric ulcers

It forms a protective coating in the stomach, calming irritation and promoting faster healing.

How to use: Mix ½ teaspoon of liquorice powder in warm water and drink 30 minutes before meals.

2. Relieves Cough and Cold

Liquorice acts as a natural expectorant, loosening mucus in the lungs and calming a dry cough. It is particularly useful in cases of:

Sore throat
Cold and flu
Bronchitis
Asthma

Tip: Mix ½ tsp liquorice powder with honey and consume once or twice daily.

3. Brightens and Soothes Skin

Liquorice powder is a natural skin brightener. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help:

Reduce dark spots
Lighten pigmentation
Soothe redness and acne
Heal sun damage

Face Pack Recipe: Mix liquorice powder with rose water to make a paste. Apply to clean skin, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

4. Helps with Women’s Hormonal Health

Liquorice powder contains plant-based estrogen-like compounds, which may help balance hormones in women. It is often used to ease:

Irregular periods
Menstrual cramps
PCOS symptoms
Menopausal symptoms

Always consult your doctor before using liquorice for hormonal support.

5. Boosts Immunity

The antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects of liquorice powder make it great for building immunity. It helps the body fight:

Infections
Viruses like the cold and flu
Inflammatory conditions like arthritis

Regular use may reduce how often you get sick.

6. Protects Liver Health

Liquorice may help improve liver function by reducing liver inflammation and supporting detoxification. It helps flush out toxins and protects against liver damage.

7. Supports Oral and Dental Health

Thanks to its antibacterial effects, liquorice powder can help prevent:

Mouth ulcers
Bad breath
Gum infections

Tip: Gargle with liquorice water or apply it gently to ulcers for quick relief.

How to Use Liquorice Powder

Purpose	How to Use	How Often
Digestion & ulcers	Mix ½ tsp in warm water, drink before meals	1–2 times daily
Cough and cold	Combine with honey and take directly	Once or twice daily
Skin brightening	Apply as a face pack with rose water	2–3 times per week
Hormonal support	Mix with milk or herbal tea after the doctor’s advice	Once daily
Immunity boost	Add to warm water, tea, or soups	As needed

Liquorice Powder for Skin: A Natural Glow Booster

Using liquorice powder in your skincare routine can make your skin look clearer, brighter, and more even.

Easy Skincare Tips:

A. Skin Brightening Face Pack

1 tsp liquorice powder
1 tsp sandalwood powder
2 tsp rose water

Mix to form a paste. Apply to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse.

B. Spot Treatment

1 tsp liquorice powder
1 tsp honey

Apply directly on dark spots or acne marks. Leave for 10–15 minutes, then wash off gently.

This reduces pigmentation and evens out skin tone naturally.

Liquorice Powder for Hair Health

Liquorice also supports scalp and hair health by reducing dandruff and strengthening roots.

Benefits for Hair:

Soothes an itchy scalp
Reduces dandruff
Prevents hair fall
Promotes healthy hair growth

How to use: Mix liquorice powder with yogurt and apply as a hair mask once a week.

Side Effects of Liquorice Powder

Though natural, overuse of liquorice powder can cause side effects, especially when taken in high doses for long periods.

Common Side Effects:

High blood pressure
Headaches
Water retention or swelling
Low potassium levels
Muscle weakness
Fatigue

These issues mostly occur due to glycyrrhizin, the active compound responsible for most medicinal effects.

Who Should Avoid Liquorice Powder?

Avoid or use caution if you:

Have high blood pressure
Have kidney or heart disease
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Take diuretics or blood pressure medications
Have low potassium levels

What is DGL Liquorice?

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice) is a safer option. It’s processed to remove glycyrrhizin and is mostly used for stomach problems. It has fewer side effects and is ideal for long-term use.

Storage Tips

Store liquorice powder in an airtight jar
Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
Best used within 6–12 months

Final Thoughts

Liquorice powder is a wonderful herbal remedy with proven benefits for the skin, digestive system, immunity, and hormonal balance. Whether used as a face pack, a digestive tonic, or an immune booster, this humble root delivers powerful results.

To use liquorice powder safely:

Keep the dosage small
Choose high-quality, organic powder
Avoid long-term use without advice
Monitor your body’s response

Adding liquorice to your routine can improve your health naturally — but always use it with care and respect for its strength.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can liquorice powder be used daily?

Yes, but stick to small doses. For regular use, ½ teaspoon once or twice a day is generally safe.

2. Does liquorice lighten the skin?

Yes. The glabridin in liquorice helps reduce pigmentation and gives a brighter, even skin tone.

3. Is liquorice safe during pregnancy?

No. It may affect hormones and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.