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Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) For Dogs, Cats, and People
Health Benefits of Licorice Root
I’m betting when I mention licorice, the first thing that comes to your mind is the licorice candy you had as a child. But that is a far cry from the licorice root that we can use for healing purposes. Just a quick glance at the popular licorice rope ingredients and you will probably guess I’m not a fan. Are you ready?
Ingredients: Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Glyceryl Monostearate, Malic Acid, Lecithin, Artificial Flavors, Glycerin, Salt, Red 40.
Yikes. Having our health in mind, I hope you remove any licorice from your candy drawer if it has ingredients like the ones listed above. But today, we’re talking about the health benefits of REAL licorice root. Oh, did you notice that there isn’t even licorice in that licorice rope?
Licorice Root is often used as a steroid replacement and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It also aids in stimulating digestion and relieving bowel irritations and leaky gut. It can also have a mild laxative effect and is a diuretic. Licorice root has also been used to relieve coughs, and can be used to help balance cortisol and relieve stress. Licorice root is commonly used as a “guide drug,” meaning it is used to enhance other herbals.
Licorice Leaves can also be used for their antimicrobial benefits.
Licorice Root Side Effects and Precautions: Licorice root should not be used in patients with high blood pressure, who are pregnant or nursing, or who have heart issues or kidney concerns. Licorice also lowers potassium, and can lead to increased sodium levels in the blood, increased blood pressure, and water retention. Do not use for more than a couple of weeks at a time. If your dog has any other medical issues like diabetes, liver disease or heart disease, please consult a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioner.
Internally: Giving licorice root to you or your pet orally is one way to utilize the benefits of this spice. This can be accomplished through the root, tincture, capsule or tea.
- Tincture: 10 to 20 drops per 20 pounds of body weight, up to two times a day.
- Tea: Place 1 tsp. of licorice root in a tea bag and steep in 1 cup of hot water for one hour. Use 20-40 drops of the resulting tea per every 20 pounds of body weight up to two times a day.
- Dry Powder: Up to 10 pounds of body weight = 1/8 tsp; 10-20 pounds = ¼ tsp; 20-50 pounds =1 tsp; 50-100 pounds = 2 tsp; over 100 pounds, up to 1 tbsp. Can be given twice a day.
Topically: Licorice root can be used topically to relieve inflammation and other skin conditions. This can be accomplished through a tea compress, oil infusion, sprays or salve.
- Tea Compress: Place 1 tsp. of licorice root in a tea bag and steep in 1 cup of hot water for one hour. Allow tea bag to cool, then place on the irritated skin.
- Oil Infusion: Place 2 tsp licorice root powder in a glass jar and add 1 cup almond oil. Secure jar with a lid and place in a dark place for at least 2 weeks, and up to 6. Strain the oil through cheesecloth, discard the licorice, and keep the oil in the refrigerator until needed. Apply the oil topically to the irritated skin.
- Salve: Place 5 cups of water and 2 tbsp. licorice root powder in a pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-50 minutes. Remove from burner and allow to cool. Dip a cold compress into the cooled mixture and place on skin or directly rub mixture into skin. Place any remaining mixture into a glass jar in the refrigerator for a few days.
Have you or your pet used licorice root for your health? Tell me in the comments.
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I had no idea that licorice root was good for our pup’s leaky gut! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Sure thing Rebecca. More to come. Don’t forget the limitations, and if you or your pet has gut issues, speak with your holistic vet first. 🙂
Thank you for useful sharing. I used licorice root the first time when I was a child. It is not really like candy but I it quite sweet. I like it.
It is! I love adding a licorice root tea bag into my tea mix.
Oh, it looks delicious. My cat Emma must enjoy it a lot. But I wonder does this food make my cat gain weight? She is a little bit fat.
Thanks. Actually, no. Because it’s mostly meat with some veggie/fruit they actually use the energy from the food vs just sitting in the gut. When I started home cooking for my dog, I increased from 440 kibble calories to 550-600 home cooked calories. He is beyond a happy camper.
The post is really great. Very informative and detailed. Thanks for sharing. I will give it a try for my furry family.
Awesome. Thanks, David. Good luck.
Thanks for sharing lots of useful information in this post! I haven’t known about benefits of Licorice Root until reading this post. I’ll go and find if there are any kinds of this product in the store nearby.
Thanks, Monica. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Wow i laughed at the beginning of the post you got me there. When you said licorice i was totally picturing the black candy i and i did not like that candy at all. This is a very interesting post i never known that licorice has many health benefits for pets also
LOL Thanks, Diana. I’m not a fan of licorice candy either, but I do enjoy licorice tea!
Hello! If its powder should I put water? Whats the dosage for 6kg shihtzu dog? And after 2 weeks, when can i start using it again??
Hi, Katrina. The dosing is above depending on your form you give. If you feel the need to provide for more than 2 weeks, please consult your vet on the dose and on/off times.
I have some licorice root 450 mg capsules i can open but not sure if 1 capsule is to much, i have a 18 lb maltese mix, thanks.
Hi, Brian. I would dump it out of the capsule and treat it just like the powder formula. Dry Powder: Up to 10 pounds of body weight = 1/8 tsp; 10-20 pounds = ¼ tsp; 20-50 pounds =1 tsp; 50-100 pounds = 2 tsp; over 100 pounds, up to 1 tbsp. Can be given twice a day.
About a year ago I felt severe pain in my stomach, a burning sensation. It was so intense, I almost went to the ER. Instead, I googled “stomach ulcer natural remedies.” One site stated to drink natural aloe vera and licorice root. They claimed that your stomach/gut would begin healing within 24 hours. It did! I couldn’t believe it. I used this combo for a few days and have been fine ever since. After reading your article, I’d like to give it to my cat for a short period of time. How do you suggest giving the tincture? Do you need to dilute it with water? Or maybe just add it directly to wet food? Thank you!
Hi, Kristen. I would first speak with your veterinarian to see what’s going on with your kitty. I’d look at a tincture based product and place the drops on his food.
Can Licorice Root be given with muscle relaxers to my 50# old dog who has joint pain?
I would ask your vet. I would ask a vet anytime a pet is on medical herbs or medicines. Good luck.
Will this help my cat with asthma?
Please speak with your veterinarian. It can help with asthma, but can not be given regularly. Your vet would need to consult on your cat’s other medical issues and if this would be a good addition,