Choosing a licorice root supplement means navigating a world of extracts, capsules, and tinctures — each promising digestive ease, respiratory support, or adrenal balance. The wrong pick can leave you with a bottle of useless powder or, worse, unwanted side effects from poor extraction methods.
I’m Emma — the founder and writer behind Baby Bangs. I’ve spent the last decade analyzing herbal supplement supply chains, scrutinizing third-party testing protocols, and comparing extraction ratios to find what actually delivers on the label’s promise.
After reviewing the top contenders on Amazon, I’ve narrowed the field to five standout options that span liquid extracts, organic caplets, and high-potency capsules. This guide to the best licorice root supplement breaks down exactly what each product does well and where it falls short.
How To Choose The Best Licorice Root Supplement
Licorice root isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on whether you’re targeting digestive comfort, adrenal support, or respiratory health. The biggest factor separating good from great is the form — liquid extracts offer faster absorption while capsules provide convenience and measured dosing. Watch for organic certification and third-party analysis like HPTLC or HPLC, which verify potency and purity beyond the marketing copy.
DGL vs. Standard Licorice: The Glycyrrhizin Question
Standard licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that supports adrenal function but can raise blood pressure in sensitive individuals. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has that compound removed, making it safer for daily use — especially for digestive support. If you have hypertension or are on corticosteroids, DGL is the smarter route. For short-term adrenal or respiratory support, standard licorice with intact glycyrrhizin may be more effective.
Extraction Method and Bioavailability
Liquid extracts bypass the digestive breakdown that capsules require, meaning the active compounds — glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and polysaccharides — enter your system faster. Capsules, on the other hand, offer zero preparation and shelf-stable convenience. If you want quick relief for a sore throat or upset stomach, go liquid. For daily maintenance and precise dosing, capsules win.
Organic Certification and Third-Party Testing
Licorice root is a root crop grown in soil that can accumulate heavy metals and pesticides. USDA Organic certification ensures no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers were used. Third-party testing like HPTLC or HPLC confirms the herb’s identity, potency, and absence of contaminants. Without either, you’re trusting the label at face value — never a safe bet in the supplement aisle.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herb Pharm Organic Licorice Liquid Extract | Liquid Extract | Rapid absorption & endocrine support | HPTLC verified; organic root & stolon | Amazon |
| Himalaya Organic Licorice Caplets | Organic Caplet | Digestive comfort & Ayurvedic support | USDA Organic; non-DGL; 60-day supply | Amazon |
| Carlyle Licorice Root Extract 900mg | High-Potency Capsule | High-dose daily support | 900mg per serving; 300 capsules | Amazon |
| NOW Supplements Licorice Root 450mg | Standard Capsule | Budget-friendly, straightforward dosing | 450mg per capsule; 100 veg capsules | Amazon |
| THORNE GI Relief | Multi-Herb Blend | Advanced gut health & bloating relief | DGL + marshmallow root + aloe; third-party certified | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Herb Pharm Certified Organic Licorice Liquid Extract
Herb Pharm’s liquid extract is the gold standard for purity and potency in the licorice root category. Every batch undergoes High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) to verify the herb’s identity and active compound profile — a level of quality assurance most capsule products skip entirely. The certified organic root and stolon are expertly extracted in a liquid base that the body absorbs rapidly, making this ideal for acute support like soothing a raw throat or calming an irritated digestive tract.
The dropper bottle delivers flexible dosing — you can take it directly under the tongue for fast action or mix it into warm water or tea. It’s gluten-free and non-GMO, and the 1-ounce bottle provides a solid course of use for a mid-range investment. Because it contains intact glycyrrhizin, it’s best used for short-term support rather than daily long-term maintenance.
If you value third-party verified potency and want a liquid form that hits the system quickly, this is the pick that earns its spot at the top. Just be mindful of the glycyrrhizin if you have blood pressure concerns.
Why it’s great
- HPTLC-tested for potency and purity
- Rapidly absorbed liquid format
- Certified organic root and stolon
Good to know
- Small 1-ounce bottle won’t last long
- Contains glycyrrhizin — not ideal for daily long-term use
2. Himalaya Organic Licorice, 60 Day Supply
Himalaya brings a century of Ayurvedic wisdom into a convenient caplet form that targets digestive discomfort. Each caplet combines organic licorice root powder with licorice root extract — a dual approach that delivers both quick-acting and sustained support for occasional gas, bloating, and heartburn. The formula is explicitly non-DGL, meaning it retains full-spectrum glycyrrhizin for those who want the complete herbal profile.
The USDA Organic certification, vegan formulation, and absence of gluten, dairy, soy, and corn make this one of the most accessible options for people with dietary restrictions. A single bottle provides a full 60-day supply at a reasonable per-serving cost, placing it squarely in the mid-range sweet spot for value. The caplets are smooth and easy to swallow, with no bitter aftertaste.
This is the pick for someone who wants consistent digestive support with a trusted brand pedigree. The non-DGL formulation means it’s best used intermittently or cycled — not as a daily driver for those watching sodium and blood pressure.
Why it’s great
- USDA Organic and completely vegan
- 60-day supply — excellent value for mid-range
- Free from common allergens: gluten, soy, dairy, corn
Good to know
- Non-DGL — not safe for daily long-term use with hypertension
- Caplets may be less effective for acute fast relief
3. Carlyle Licorice Root Extract, 900mg, 300 Capsules
Carlyle delivers a high-potency 900mg per serving in a massive 300-capsule bottle that stretches beyond a three-month supply. This is the volume leader for anyone who already knows licorice root works for them and wants to lock in a low cost per dose without sacrificing dosage strength. The powder inside is non-GMO and gluten-free, and the capsules are free from common binders like magnesium stearate in many competitor products.
Because it’s a straight-up extract without organic certification or third-party testing verification, the label trust rests on the brand’s reputation rather than hard data. That’s acceptable for a mid-range product like this, but it means you’re relying on batch consistency from a legacy house brand. The capsules are standard size — easy to swallow but not oversized despite the high milligram count.
This bottle is built for the regular user who wants maximum capsules per purchase. Just remember that standard licorice root extract contains glycyrrhizin, so monitor your intake if you take it daily for extended periods.
Why it’s great
- 900mg per serving — potent dose for daily support
- 300 capsules supply lasts over 3 months
- Non-GMO and gluten-free formulation
Good to know
- No organic certification for the raw herb
- No third-party testing verification on label
4. NOW Supplements Licorice Root 450mg, 100 Veg Capsules
NOW Supplements is a household name in the supplement world, and their 450mg licorice root capsule is the quintessential entry point. The 100-capsule bottle gives you a solid 50-day supply at a standard 2-capsule serving, making it the most accessible option for someone trying licorice root for the first time. The veg capsule shell is clean and dissolves reliably, and the herbal powder inside is free from artificial additives.
The 450mg dose is conservative compared to Carlyle’s 900mg offering, which means you have room to adjust upward if needed — but it also means you need to take two capsules to reach a meaningful therapeutic level for most applications. The lack of organic certification or published third-party testing means you’re buying on brand trust and industry reputation rather than verifiable batch data.
For the budget-conscious shopper who wants a trusted brand name at the lowest possible entry cost, this bottle delivers exactly what it says. It won’t knock your socks off with potency, but it will give you a clean, reliable baseline to evaluate whether licorice root works for your body.
Why it’s great
- Trusted NOW brand with decades of market presence
- Low entry cost for first-time users
- 100 veg capsules — clean capsule formulation
Good to know
- 450mg dose is low — need two capsules for potency
- No organic certification or third-party testing details
5. THORNE GI Relief — Multi-Herb Digestive Support
THORNE’s GI Relief is a premium multi-herb formulation that pairs deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) with marshmallow root, aloe vera gel, and slippery elm bark. This isn’t a standalone licorice root supplement — it’s a targeted digestive protocol built around DGL’s soothing properties. The DGL form removes glycyrrhizin entirely, making this safe for long-term daily use even for those managing blood pressure or on corticosteroid therapy.
The third-party certification and THORNE’s reputation for clinical-grade quality place this at the premium end of the market. The 180-capsule bottle lasts a full 90 days at the recommended 2-capsule serving, and the combination of four different demulcent herbs delivers a broader soothing effect than licorice root alone. The capsules are smaller than typical supplement pills and easier to swallow for those with sensitivities.
If your primary goal is chronic digestive comfort — bloating, occasional heartburn, gut lining support — this blend outperforms single-herb licorice capsules. Just know you’re paying a premium for the multi-herb synergy and third-party validation, not for a high dose of licorice specifically.
Why it’s great
- DGL formula — safe for daily use and blood pressure management
- Third-party certified for purity and potency
- Multi-herb synergy beyond just licorice root
Good to know
- Not a standalone licorice supplement — lower licorice dose per serving
- Premium price point reflects multi-herb formulation
FAQ
Is DGL licorice root safe for daily use with high blood pressure?
How do I know if a licorice root supplement is third-party tested?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best licorice root supplement winner is the Herb Pharm Organic Liquid Extract because it combines rapid absorption with third-party HPTLC verification and certified organic sourcing — the trifecta of quality in this category. If you want convenient daily digestive support with a trusted Ayurvedic lineage, grab the Himalaya Organic Licorice Caplets. And for a premium, multi-herb gut protocol that’s safe for long-term use, nothing beats the THORNE GI Relief.