That’s an excellent question. The phrase “Licorice injections for digestive health” has floated around wellness circles and alternative medicine forums, but how much truth is behind it? At Sangdo Woori Internal Medicine, we’ve seen trends come and go, but when it comes to patient care, Dr. Yoo Du-yeol and our clinical team always focus on what’s safe, effective, and evidence-based. So, let’s take a clear-eyed look at the real story behind licorice and digestion.

What Is Licorice and How Does It Work in the Body?

Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a plant whose root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia and Europe. In Korea, it’s long been a part of herbal remedies for coughs, digestive discomfort, and fatigue. The main active ingredient is glycyrrhizin, along with various flavonoids like glabridin and isoliquiritigenin. These compounds have shown anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucosal-protective effects in laboratory and animal studies.

More specifically, glycyrrhizin is thought to enhance the production of protective mucus in the stomach lining. This mucus acts as a barrier against stomach acid, potentially helping heal minor erosions and ulcers. Additionally, licorice compounds may help modulate gut bacteria and reduce oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract. These mechanisms sound promising, especially for conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or functional dyspepsia.

But there’s a gap between laboratory promise and clinical proof—and that’s where things get tricky.

Is There Scientific Support for Licorice as a Digestive Remedy?

To be fair, there is some evidence that licorice, particularly in the form of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), can offer mild benefit for digestive complaints. DGL is a processed version of licorice where the glycyrrhizin is largely removed to minimize side effects. Some small studies have found that DGL may help with ulcer healing, reduce gastric discomfort, and ease symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

However, these studies are typically small, poorly controlled, or short-term. There is no large-scale, high-quality clinical trial confirming that licorice—especially in injectable form—is a reliable or superior treatment for digestive conditions. At Sangdo Woori Internal Medicine, we emphasize patient safety, and we believe treatments should be based on solid clinical evidence, not marketing claims or internet hype.

That brings us to the idea of licorice injections. The theory is that by injecting licorice extract or glycyrrhizin, you can achieve faster and more potent therapeutic effects. In reality, this is far from proven. In countries like Japan, injectable glycyrrhizin has been explored for liver diseases, particularly chronic hepatitis. But these uses are highly specialized, regulated, and far removed from over-the-counter digestive support.

Injecting licorice for digestion? There’s virtually no scientific foundation for this practice. It’s not recognized by major gastroenterological societies, nor is it part of Korea’s standard internal medicine practice. At best, it’s experimental; at worst, it’s dangerous.

Risks and Side Effects: Why Licorice Isn’t Harmless

One of the most important things to understand about licorice is that it’s not as gentle as it seems. Glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound, can significantly impact the body’s electrolyte balance. When taken in excess—especially via concentrated forms like injections—glycyrrhizin can lead to a condition known as pseudoaldosteronism. This causes the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, leading to:

• High blood pressure

• Muscle weakness or cramps

• Swelling (edema)

• Fatigue

• Irregular heart rhythms

In severe cases, licorice-induced hypokalemia (low potassium) can result in hospitalization or worse. These aren’t just theoretical risks. Every year, cases of licorice-related toxicity are reported globally, particularly among people consuming herbal extracts, teas, or supplements without medical supervision.

At Sangdo Woori Internal Medicine, Dr. Yoo Du-yeol has seen firsthand how unregulated supplement use can complicate chronic disease management. For patients with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney conditions—licorice can make things worse, not better. That’s why we strongly advise against high-dose licorice in any form, and especially against intravenous use outside of tightly controlled clinical settings.

Why People Turn to Licorice Despite the Risks

To be honest, we understand why people seek out natural options. There’s a real desire to avoid long-term medication, especially when it comes to digestion. Acid-suppressing drugs like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) have their own risks when used chronically, and many patients are looking for gentler, holistic alternatives.

In Korean culture, herbal medicine is deeply rooted. Many patients grew up seeing their grandparents use traditional decoctions, and there’s often a strong belief in the power of nature-based healing. That belief is not wrong—but it needs to be balanced with current medical knowledge.

What people often overlook is that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Some of the most potent pharmaceuticals in the world come from plants. Just like ginseng or St. John’s Wort, licorice can interact with medications, alter blood pressure, or stress the kidneys. So while it’s tempting to try a “quick fix” via licorice injection or concentrate, the risks far outweigh the unproven benefits.

What We Recommend Instead: A Balanced Approach

At Sangdo Woori Internal Medicine, our philosophy is built around long-term health management and personalized care. Dr. Yoo Du-yeol often reminds patients: “The best medicine is one that works for your body, fits your lifestyle, and does no harm.”

For digestive complaints, especially chronic ones like GERD, gastritis, or functional indigestion, we recommend a tiered, thoughtful approach:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: Through careful history, physical exam, and sometimes gastroscopy, we identify the root cause of symptoms.
2. Evidence-Based Treatments: We may start with dietary modifications, acid-reducing medications, or gut-protective agents.
3. Complementary Therapies: If a patient is interested in herbal options like DGL, we explore it together, ensuring there are no contraindications.
4. Monitoring and Support: We track your progress, adjust treatments, and focus on sustainable health habits.

In rare cases, when a patient has already been using licorice supplements, we take the time to explain the risks and check relevant lab values (electrolytes, kidney function, blood pressure). Our goal isn’t to shame or dismiss their choices—it’s to protect them with better information.

Beyond Licorice: Other Herbal Aids and Digestive Myths

Final Thoughts: Treat the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

Digestive discomfort is one of the most common reasons people visit a clinic. And it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options—probiotics, herbal blends, detox kits, injections. But here’s what our experience at Sangdo Woori Internal Medicine has taught us: healing starts with understanding.

If you’re considering licorice for digestion, ask yourself:

• Do I know exactly what’s in this product?

• Am I aware of the potential side effects?

• Is this being recommended by a medical professional who knows my history?

If the answer is no, then it might be time to pause.

Dr. Yoo Du-yeol and our team are here to guide you through safe, individualized care—where herbs, if used at all, are just one part of a larger, evidence-based plan. Let’s work together to treat the cause, protect your health, and give your digestion the long-term support it truly needs.