Certified Organic Licorice Root Powder for Digestion Skin Wellness

Core Product Details

• Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra (italics)
• Plant Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
• Plant Part Used: Root
• Processing Method: Micro-Powder
• Country of Origin: India
• Texture & Colour: Fine, pale golden-yellow to light tan powder with a smooth, slightly fibrous texture and a distinctly sweet aroma reminiscent of anise and caramel.

Quality & Purity

• Certified Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, GMO inputs, or chemical fertilisers. Certified by recognised organic certification bodies to ensure the highest standards of purity and environmental responsibility.
• 100% Pure & Natural: No fillers, synthetics, additives, flow agents, or preservatives.
• Vegan & Cruelty-Free: No animal-derived ingredients. Never tested on animals.
• Australian Brand: Proudly Australian-owned and operated.
• Quality Assured: Batch-tested for purity and botanical integrity.

Botanical Profile & Key Constituents

What does Licorice Root Powder smell and taste like?

Dried Licorice Root Powder releases a sweet, warm, anise-like scent and tastes naturally sweet with a subtle earthy finish.

When cut, fresh licorice root reveals a bright yellow, fibrous interior and releases a distinctively sweet taste that has made it one of the most recognisable flavours in herbal medicine worldwide. The genus Glycyrrhiza is derived from the Greek words glykos (sweet) and rhiza (root), literally meaning "sweet root". This powder embodies that heritage with its intensely sweet profile, which requires no added sweeteners in teas or blends.

• Key Constituents: Glycyrrhizin (2-25% dry weight, a triterpene saponin almost 50 times sweeter than sucrose), flavonoids including liquiritin, isoliquiritin, glabridin, and isoliquiritigenin (1-1.5%); polysaccharides, starch (approximately 30%), reducing and non-reducing sugars, resins, essential oils, and inorganic salts. Glycyrrhizin contributes soothing and sweet properties, while flavonoids provide antioxidant support.

• Traditional Heritage: Licorice root has a long history of use going back to ancient Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek, Arab, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian cultures. It was the most prescribed herb in Ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, East China, and the West from the Former Han era. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice (Gancao) appears as a main component in about 60% of all TCM prescriptions and is considered the most popular herbal medicine in TCM. This rich cross-cultural legacy underscores licorice's enduring value in traditional wellness systems worldwide.

How do you use Licorice Root Powder?

Licorice Root Powder is traditionally brewed as tea, blended into smoothies, or applied topically.

Traditional Wellness Uses

• Digestive Soothing: Licorice root is promoted as a dietary supplement for digestive, respiratory, and energy support. In Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, Glycyrrhiza glabra is used as an ulcer-protecting, anti-tussive, and expectorant medication. The root contains over 300 compounds, with glycyrrhizin as its primary active compound, responsible for its sweet taste and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Traditionally used to support comfortable digestion and soothe occasional stomach discomfort. Licorice root powder for digestion respiratory health

• Respiratory Comfort: Licorice root was used in traditional medicine for coughing, asthma, and wound healing, as well as for diseases of the lungs, liver, and arteries. According to the World Health Organization, licorice is used as a demulcent for sore throats and an expectorant for bronchial catarrh and coughs. Traditionally valued for its ability to comfort the throat and support clear breathing during seasonal changes.

Skin & Hair Benefits

• Skin Brightening & Even Tone: Licorice acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-whitening agent, displaying skin depigmentation activity. Topical application of licorice root helps fade dark spots by dispersing melanin production. The flavonoid glabridin inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin formation, making licorice a traditional favourite for supporting a more even, radiant complexion. How to use licorice root powder skin hair

• Soothing Inflammation & Redness: Glycyrrhetic acid is primarily responsible for the anti-inflammatory action attributed to licorice. Applying a gel containing licorice three times daily for 2 weeks reduces redness, swelling, and itching from eczema. Traditionally applied topically to calm irritated skin and support the skin's natural repair process.

Nutritional & Botanical Properties

• Glycyrrhizin (2-25% of root dry weight): Glycyrrhizin represents about 10% of licorice root dry weight as a mixture of potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts; it is almost 50 times sweeter than sucrose and is the primary active ingredient. Glycyrrhizin contributes to licorice's traditional use for soothing digestive and respiratory discomfort.

• Flavonoids (including glabridin and liquiritin, approximately 1-1.5%): The bright yellow colour of licorice root is provided by flavonoids, particularly liquiritin, isoliquiritin and their aglycones, which typically comprise 1-1.5% of the water soluble extract. These polyphenolic compounds act as antioxidants and support skin health.

• Polysaccharides, Coumarins & Isoflavonoids: Licorice root contains a diverse phytochemical profile including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones, and polysaccharides, each contributing to the plant's complex pharmacological profile. This chemical diversity is why licorice appears in traditional herbal formulas for digestive tonics, respiratory support, and topical applications.

Is Licorice Root Powder good for digestion?

Licorice root has been traditionally used for centuries to support digestive comfort and soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Glycyrrhiza glabra has been traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders, stomach ulcers, rheumatism, skin diseases, and jaundice. Evidence indicates that licorice in combination with other herbs provides relief from symptoms of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. While licorice is valued in traditional wellness, always consult a healthcare practitioner before using it to address specific digestive concerns.

Is Licorice Root Powder safe to take every day?

Licorice root should not be consumed daily for extended periods without professional guidance.

The World Health Organization and European Scientific Committee recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day. Some practitioners say licorice should not be used every day and should be avoided by those with hypertension; it appears helpful for acute situations like a cold but should not be taken in large doses regularly. Always consult a qualified health practitioner before beginning any daily herbal regimen.

What does Licorice Root Powder taste like?

Licorice Root Powder has a naturally sweet, mildly earthy flavour with a smooth, slightly woody aftertaste.

Licorice root has a naturally sweet, smooth, slightly earthy flavour. The sweet taste comes from glycyrrhizin, which is said to be 50 times sweeter than refined sugar. The powder dissolves easily in hot water, releasing a golden infusion with a pleasant, licorice-candy-like sweetness. If you find the flavour intense, blend it with ginger, cinnamon, or peppermint to balance the taste profile.

Where to Buy

Where can I buy Certified Organic Licorice Root in Australia?

purelyBlack offers Certified Organic Licorice Root Powder with free shipping Australia-wide, available directly at purelyblack.com.

Every batch is micro-powdered to preserve bioactive compounds, sourced from trusted Indian growers, and packaged in Australia with transparency and care. purelyBlack is proudly Australian-owned, and shopping online ensures you receive premium botanicals delivered directly to your door, no matter where you live.

Licorice Root Powder Suggested Serving

• Traditional suggested serving: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 1-2 grams) of powder per cup of tea, steeped for 5-10 minutes. This amount provides traditional wellness support while keeping glycyrrhizin content within safe ranges for occasional use.

Master Class: How to Make Licorice Root Tea

1. Measure 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Licorice Root Powder into your favourite mug or teapot.
2. Boil 250ml of fresh filtered water and let it cool for 1-2 minutes to approximately 90-95°C.
3. Pour the hot water over the powder and stir gently to help the fine particles disperse and release their naturally sweet, golden essence.
4. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes; the longer you steep, the sweeter and more concentrated the flavour becomes without bitterness.
5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer, add a slice of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick if desired, and sip slowly to enjoy the soothing, naturally sweet warmth traditionally used for throat comfort and digestive ease.

Licorice Root Smoothie & Food Uses

• Digestive Wellness Smoothie: Blend 1/4 teaspoon Licorice Root Powder with 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon almond butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour into a glass and enjoy a naturally sweet, soothing smoothie.

• Golden Wellness Latte: Whisk 1/4 teaspoon Licorice Root Powder with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 cup warm oat milk. Sweeten with honey if desired for a comforting adaptogenic latte.

• Herbal Broth Booster: Add 1/4 teaspoon Licorice Root Powder to homemade vegetable or bone broth during the last 10 minutes of cooking to impart subtle sweetness and traditional wellness benefits.

DIY Topical Application

• Soothing Face Mask: Mix 1/2 teaspoon Licorice Root Powder with 1 tablespoon raw honey and 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt. Apply to cleansed skin, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. For external use only.

• Brightening Skin Toner: Steep 1 teaspoon Licorice Root Powder in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes, strain thoroughly, cool completely, and transfer to a spray bottle. Mist onto cleansed skin and allow to air dry. Refrigerate and use within 5 days. For external use only.

Pairs Well With

• Ginger Root Powder
• Marshmallow Root Powder

General Safety Guidelines

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always consult a qualified health practitioner before use, especially if you are taking medication, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are managing heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or low potassium levels.

• Medication Interactions: Licorice may interact with 148 medications including diuretics, blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors like lisinopril), corticosteroids, digoxin, and warfarin. Licorice can lead to dangerously low potassium levels when taken with diuretics, and can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Some experts believe licorice has activity similar to MAO inhibitor antidepressants and may intensify adverse effects of these medications. Do not use licorice if you are taking any of these medications without medical supervision.

• Safe Storage: Store in a cool, dark, airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight. When stored properly, dried licorice root powder maintains potency for 12-24 months.

Specific Precautions

• Pregnancy & Nursing: Licorice is unsafe during pregnancy and may cause miscarriage or early delivery; eating about 250 grams of licorice per week increases the risk of preterm delivery. Little is known about whether licorice is safe while breastfeeding. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid licorice products entirely.

• Children: Insufficient data exists to support the safety of licorice root in children and adolescents under 18 years. Not recommended for use in children without professional guidance.

• Sensitive Individuals: Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause serious adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, especially when consumed in large amounts or long term. People who have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to licorice; eating 5 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including heart attack. Do not use if you have hypokalemia (low potassium), hormone-sensitive cancers, or cardiovascular conditions.

• Duration & Dosage: Do not drink licorice tea for more than one week consecutively, as drinking it longer can cause negative, potentially dangerous side effects. The World Health Organization and European Scientific Committee recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day.