Adaptogen
Licorice
Also known as: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Licorice, Licorice Root, Gan cao
Root that inhibits cortisol breakdown, extending its effects—useful for low cortisol states.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Licorice product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complement Gut Nurture | 89 A | $1.93 |
| 2 | Thorne GI Relief | 88 A | $0.46 |
| 3 | Nutricost Licorice Root Capsules | 87 A | $0.12 |
| 4 | Thorne Stress Balance | 85 A- | $0.77 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations Epi-Integrity powder | 85 A- | $2.00 |
| 6 | Vital Nutrients DGL Powder | 85 A- | $0.09 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus | 83 A- | $0.44 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations PhytoBalance II | 82 A- | $0.47 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations ADR Formula | 82 A- | $0.77 |
| 10 | Vital Nutrients Licorice Root Extract 400mg | 81 A- | $0.32 |
| 11 | Nature's Way Licorice Root | 80 A- | $0.29 |
| 12 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Reset PM | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Licorice should I take?
The typical range is 200-400mg extract (NOT DGL). Short courses, not long-term
When should I take Licorice?
Morning. Either.
Which form of Licorice is best?
Whole root — Contains glycyrrhizin. Other forms in the catalog: DGL, Whole root extract, Standardized extract, NOT DGL.
Is Licorice safe?
Commonly reported: Raised blood pressure, Water retention, Headache. Serious warnings: Hypertension, Hypokalemia, Do NOT use if high cortisol. Can affect kidney function
Which Licorice supplement scores highest?
Complement Gut Nurture, at 89/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Adrenal support
- Low cortisol
- Digestive support
- Low cortisol support
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
How it works
- Inhibits cortisol breakdown (11β-HSD)
- Extends cortisol half-life
- Mineralocorticoid effects
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-400mg extract (NOT DGL)
- Timing
- Morning
- With food
- Either
- Duration
- Short courses, not long-term
- Special populations
- Low cortisol, adrenal fatigue (not high cortisol!)
Forms
- Whole root
- DGL
- Whole root extract
- Standardized extract
Safety
Common side effects
- Raised blood pressure
- Water retention
- Headache
Contraindications
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- HIGH cortisol
Products containing Licorice
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Licorice on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Extends cortisol action (use for LOW cortisol only)
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Adaptogen
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.