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Licorice Root: What It Is and How to Use It

Licorice Root: What It Is and How to Use It

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is the sweet, woody root long used to flavor teas, candies, and herbal blends — its sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, a compound far sweeter than sugar. Find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, where it's a go-to for customers who want to sweeten tea blends without sugar.

Available in Bulk

We carry licorice root in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want, from a spoonful to a full bag. A little licorice root sweetens a whole pot of tea, so buying in bulk lets you take home just a small amount to experiment with — and our staff can help you find it.

What We Carry

  • Licorice root, cut and sifted — sold by weight, for teas and blending.
  • Licorice root powder — a fine grind that dissolves more readily into teas and recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does licorice root taste like?

Intensely sweet with a warm, slightly anise-like depth — quite different from the candy most people associate with the word "licorice." In tea, a small piece adds round sweetness that smooths out bitter or earthy herbs.

How do you use licorice root in tea?

Add a small piece of cut root (or half a teaspoon of powder) to your teapot along with your other herbs and steep as usual. It's a classic blender's trick for softening strong flavors like dandelion root or bitter greens — start small, since it's potent.

What is licorice root traditionally used for?

Traditional herbalists across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have used licorice root for thousands of years — in teas for the throat, in digestive blends, and as a harmonizing ingredient meant to blend other herbs' flavors together in a formula.

Are there cautions with licorice root?

Yes. The same compound that makes it sweet — glycyrrhizin — can raise blood pressure and lower potassium with heavy, long-term use. Occasional use in tea blends is the traditional pattern; anyone with high blood pressure, heart concerns, or who is pregnant should check with a doctor first, and deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) forms exist for those advised to avoid glycyrrhizin.

Did you know? The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that licorice root's remarkable sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, a compound many times sweeter than table sugar.

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff can help you find licorice root in the bulk section and suggest blending ideas.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional before using licorice root regularly, especially if you have blood pressure concerns.