Is Licorice Root Tea Good for Allergies?

No, licorice root tea is not a proven treatment for allergies; its warmth may soothe an irritated throat, but no effect on the allergic immune response has been established.

Is licorice root tea useful for allergies?

Licorice root tea may be comforting if allergies leave your throat feeling dry or scratchy. That comfort is different from treating the allergy: the tea has not been shown to prevent or reliably relieve symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy nose or watery eyes.

If you enjoy a warm drink, think of it as a comfort measure rather than a remedy. The guide to the best drinks for allergies offers more context on hydration and symptom comfort; drinks are not substitutes for allergy treatment.

How might licorice root tea affect allergy symptoms?

Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to a trigger, such as pollen, and releases substances including histamine. Licorice root contains plant compounds, including glycyrrhizin, but an effect of licorice root tea on this allergic response has not been established.

Drinking a warm liquid may soothe an irritated throat and help you stay hydrated. It should not be expected to block histamine, prevent exposure to an allergen or stop an allergic reaction.

Licorice root tea also does not remove allergens or “detox” an allergy. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste. Staying hydrated supports normal body function, but it does not switch off an allergy.

What is the evidence for licorice root tea and allergies?

We found no studies testing licorice root tea or licorice root for allergies. It therefore cannot establish whether the tea improves allergy symptoms, which symptoms might respond or what amount would be effective.

Research on an ingredient would not automatically prove that a tea works. An extract and a brewed tea can differ in their composition, and any effect would need to be tested for the particular allergy symptoms in people. A plausible mechanism or traditional use alone is not proof of a benefit.

The absence of evidence in this review does not prove that licorice root tea can never provide relief. It does mean there is no basis here for recommending it as an allergy treatment or giving an allergy-specific dose.

How should you use licorice root tea if you have allergies?

If you choose to drink licorice root tea and have no reason to avoid it, follow the product's brewing instructions. Do not take extra servings or use concentrated licorice root extracts in an attempt to control allergy symptoms. There is no established dose or duration for allergy relief, and package directions are not a guarantee of safety, especially with regular use.

Check the ingredient list, particularly if the product is a blend. Avoid licorice root tea if you have reacted to licorice root or another ingredient in it. If you think the tea itself is causing symptoms, stop drinking it and seek medical advice; severe symptoms need emergency care.

For recurring or bothersome allergies, a pharmacist or clinician can help you choose an appropriate treatment, such as an antihistamine or nasal corticosteroid. Reducing exposure to a known trigger may also help. Continue any prescribed medication unless your clinician advises otherwise.

Who should be careful with licorice root tea?

Licorice root can cause the body to retain salt and lose potassium, potentially leading to high blood pressure, swelling or an abnormal heart rhythm. Risk can rise with larger amounts or prolonged use, but sensitivity and the amount of glycyrrhizin in products can vary. Do not assume that a tea is safe simply because it is herbal.

Ask a clinician before using licorice root tea if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or low potassium. Also check with a clinician or pharmacist if you take diuretics, digoxin, corticosteroids or blood-pressure medicines: licorice root may worsen side effects or interfere with treatment.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a clinician before using licorice root tea. Do not give it to children without a clinician's guidance. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms such as swelling, muscle weakness or palpitations after drinking it.

See a clinician if allergy symptoms persist, disrupt sleep or daily activities, or are not controlled by your usual treatment. If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or feel faint after exposure to an allergen, call emergency services immediately. Use your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector promptly if you have one; do not rely on tea or wait for symptoms to pass.