Think of your stomach lining like a non-stick coating on a frying pan. Whole licorice root acts like a gentle protective oil that keeps that natural barrier slick and resilient against harsh stomach acid [1, 3]. NOW Foods Licorice Root delivers 450 mg of pure, unadulterated root powder per capsule to support comfortable digestion and healthy adrenal stamina [2, 3].
Quick Specs Snapshot
✓Active Form & Potency: 900 mg of whole Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) per 2-capsule serving (450 mg per individual capsule).
✓Supply & Value: 50 two-capsule servings (100 vegetarian capsules total), providing an economical 25 to 50-day herbal supply.
✓Purity & Dietary Status: 100% vegan, non-GMO, allergen-screened, and packaged in an eco-friendly 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin bottle.
Buyer's Guide & Form Comparison
Choosing the right botanical format depends entirely on your personal wellness goals. Whole licorice root preserves the complete, natural synergy of the plant, including active triterpene saponins like glycyrrhizin (chemical formula: C42H62O16) [3]. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) chemically strips this compound out. While DGL focuses strictly on stomach lining comfort, whole root supports both gut mucosa and adrenal cortisol longevity [2, 3].
Never settle for cheap big-box store brands. Low-cost retail brands frequently buy commodity root powders harvested from polluted soil. Independent testing routinely discovers heavy metals, synthetic binders, and residual pesticides in discount formulas. NOW Foods verifies raw material identity and purity through advanced mass spectrometry, ensuring you receive pure botanical root with zero hidden contaminants.
Is This Formula Right for You?
Best Choice For:
✓Individuals seeking dual support for digestive mucosal comfort and natural adrenal stamina [1, 2].
✓People who want full-spectrum whole root rather than heavily processed chemical extracts [3].
✓Shoppers looking for a clean, vegetarian capsule free from animal gelatin, wheat, soy, or dairy.
Consider Another Option If:
✗You have high blood pressure or a kidney condition and need a glycyrrhizin-free DGL formula instead [4].
✗You are currently pregnant or nursing, as whole licorice root is strictly contraindicated [3].
✗You prefer chewable tablets or sweet liquids rather than swallowing traditional herbal capsules.
Store Guarantee: Backed by VitaNet®, LLC's 31-year reputation, your purchase includes an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles—letting you evaluate digestive tolerance completely risk-free[cite: 1].
How It Works in the Body
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) functions across multiple metabolic pathways. Modern biochemical research reveals exactly how its primary active compounds engage your cells:
1. Reinforcing the Stomach's Protective Shield
Think of your stomach lining like a rain jacket. Gastric acid acts like pouring rain. Licorice flavonoids stimulate the cells that produce natural mucus (mucoglycoproteins) [1, 3]. This thickens your digestive shield, protecting sensitive stomach tissues and improving cellular lifespan without shutting down vital digestive acid [3].
2. Extending Natural Adrenal Energy
Think of your stress hormone cortisol like warm water in a bathtub. Your body has an enzyme drain that constantly breaks cortisol down into inactive cortisone. The glycyrrhetinic acid in whole licorice acts like a partial drain stopper (inhibiting 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, or 11β-HSD2) [2, 4]. This keeps your natural cortisol active longer, giving overworked adrenal glands a well-deserved rest during demanding periods [2].
3. Free Radical Defense & Throat Comfort
Think of unstable free radicals like stray sparks flying inside your cells. The specialized flavonoids in licorice root, such as glabridin and isoliquiritigenin, act like microscopic fire blankets [3]. They neutralize oxidative stress across respiratory tissues and coat throat membranes with soothing botanical demulcents [1, 3].
Daily Timing, Synergy & Realistic Timelines
Best Time to Take
Take your capsules with meals. Whole licorice root contains natural botanical tannins. Consuming capsules alongside whole food cushions digestion, ensures smooth gastrointestinal transit, and optimizes botanical absorption.
Daily Schedule
Split your 2-capsule daily serving. Take 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 capsule with lunch. Because licorice sustains natural daytime cortisol activity, taking it before mid-afternoon supports natural energy while protecting your evening sleep rhythm.
Smart Pairings & Spacing
Pair licorice with Marshmallow Root or Slippery Elm Bark to build comprehensive digestive comfort. For adrenal stamina, combine it with a high-potency B-complex vitamin. Do not take licorice simultaneously with potassium-depleting water pills (diuretics) or blood pressure medications [4]. Maintain a strict 2-hour separation window from all prescription medications.
✓Months 2–3+: Long-term tissue maintenance [3]. To maintain optimal electrolyte balance, herbalists recommend using whole licorice for 4 to 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest break.
Physical Feel, Sensory Traits & Clean Ingredients
Pill Format & Ease of Use: Packaged in standard size '0' two-piece vegetarian capsules (approximately 21 mm long). The smooth vegetable cellulose shell glides down easily with a glass of water. If you dislike swallowing pills, gently pull the two capsule halves apart and stir the fine powder directly into warm water or tea.
Natural Aroma, Taste & Color: Opening the bottle reveals a warm, earthy, sweet-herbal scent. When tasted outside the capsule, the powder is pleasantly sweet with a signature anise flavor (glycyrrhizin is roughly 50 times sweeter than table sugar) [3]. The root powder displays a natural light golden-tan to warm-brown color. Subtle shade variations between bottles are completely normal.
Other Ingredients Explained
✓Hypromellose (Cellulose Capsule): A 100% plant-derived shell made from pine tree cellulose that dissolves within minutes in stomach fluid.
✓Stearic Acid (Vegetable Source): A natural plant-based fatty acid used as a clean flow agent during encapsulation, preventing botanical powder from sticking to machinery.
Proper Storage: Keep the bottle tightly capped in a cool, dry pantry away from sunlight and steam. Avoid storing supplements in humid bathrooms.
Manufacturer Quality & Lab Testing Standards
Root botanicals grow underground, making them prone to absorbing soil contaminants like lead and cadmium. Cheap commodity brands often skip laboratory testing to cut costs. NOW Foods operates one of the most advanced analytical complexes in the supplement industry, performing over 19,000 comprehensive tests every month across their ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
✓ICP-MS Heavy Metal Clearance: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry screens every raw harvest down to parts-per-billion for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, beating California Prop 65 safety rules.
✓HPTLC Botanical Identification: High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography verifies the exact chromatographic fingerprint of authentic Glycyrrhiza glabra root, ensuring zero species substitution or cheap fillers.
✓Pesticide & Solvent Screening: Advanced GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS mass spectrometers test raw materials against hundreds of agricultural pesticides, herbicides, and toxic chemical residues.
✓Microbiological Pathogen Safety: Automated PCR testing guarantees finished capsules are completely free of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and mold spores.
These rigorous pharmaceutical-grade controls ensure that every bottle of NOW Licorice Root provides pure, active botanicals completely free from toxic adulterants.
Complete Supplement Facts Panel
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules | Servings Per Container: 50
Description
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value
Total Carbohydrate
<1 g
<1%*
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (Root)
900 mg
†
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule) and Stearic Acid (vegetable source).
Allergen Statement: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Caution: For adults only. Not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Consult physician if taking medication or have a medical condition (including high blood pressure or kidney condition). Keep out of reach of children.
Product Notes: Natural color variation may occur in this product. Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Family owned since 1968. This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Scientific References & Clinical Studies
Raveendra, K. R., Jayachandra, Srinivasa, V., Sushma, K. R., Allan, J. J., Goudar, K. S., Shivaprasad, H. N., Venkateshwarlu, K., Geetharani, P., Sushma, G., & Agarwal, A. (2012). An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 216970. PMID: 21747893.
Armanini, D., Fiore, C., Mattarello, M. J., Bielenberg, J., & Palermo, M. (2002). History of the endocrine effects of licorice. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, 110(6), 257–261. PMID: 12373628.
Murray, M. T. (2020). Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). In: Pizzorno, J. E., Murray, M. T. (eds) Textbook of Natural Medicine, 5th edition, Churchill Livingstone / Elsevier, pp. 641–647. PMCID: PMC7348626.
Stewart, P. M., Wallace, A. M., Valentino, R., Burt, D., Shackleton, C. H., & Edwards, C. R. (1987). Mineralocorticoid activity of liquorice: 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency comes of age. The Lancet, 330(8563), 821–824. PMID: 2889033.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open the capsules and make licorice root tea?
Yes. The vegetarian capsules easily twist apart. Stir the golden root powder into 6 to 8 ounces of hot water to brew an instant, naturally sweet herbal tea. This liquid method coats your throat and upper esophagus directly.
What is the primary difference between whole licorice root and DGL?
Whole licorice root retains natural glycyrrhizin, which supports both the stomach's protective mucus layer and healthy adrenal cortisol metabolism. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) removes glycyrrhizin, targeting only digestive lining comfort for individuals sensitive to blood pressure changes.
Why is it best to avoid taking licorice root late in the evening?
Whole licorice slows the breakdown of active cortisol in your bloodstream. Cortisol should naturally taper down in the evening to prepare you for sleep. Taking your capsules with breakfast and lunch supports steady daytime energy without disrupting nighttime rest.
Will taking NOW Licorice Root break an intermittent fast?
A full 2-capsule serving contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrate and negligible calories. Taking it with water will not spike blood glucose or trigger an insulin surge. However, because botanicals absorb best with food, taking capsules with your first meal is ideal.
How long can I continuously take whole licorice root before cycling off?
Clinical herbalists recommend using whole licorice root containing glycyrrhizin for 4 to 6 consecutive weeks, followed by a 2-week break. This cycling strategy allows your body to reset its natural mineral balance while maintaining the herb's long-term restorative benefits.
