Korean Licorice (Gamcho)

What is Korean Licorice (Gamcho)?

Korean Licorice, known as Gamcho (감초) in Korean, comes from the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis — a plant closely related to but distinct from Western licorice (G. glabra). It has been a cornerstone of Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for more than two millennia, earning the nickname 'the great harmonizer' because it was added to most herbal formulas to balance and enhance other ingredients. Today it is one of the most researched plant medicines in East Asia, with modern science confirming many of its traditional uses.

How does Korean Licorice (Gamcho) work?

Gamcho works through several overlapping pathways. Glycyrrhizin, its most studied compound, blocks enzymes that break down cortisol in the body, giving it powerful anti-inflammatory and mild cortisol-sparing effects. Flavonoids like liquiritin and glabridin calm irritated mucous membranes, reduce oxidative stress, and support gut lining integrity. The root also shows broad antimicrobial and antiviral activity, which helps explain its traditional use for respiratory infections and sore throats.

What forms does Korean Licorice (Gamcho) come in?

The most traditional form is a boiled decoction (tea) made from dried root slices, commonly added to Korean herbal blends. Standardized capsules and extracts are widely available and allow precise dosing. DGL tablets (chewable) are the preferred form for digestive issues when avoiding glycyrrhizin side effects. Topical formulations containing glabridin are used for skin brightening and eczema.

Where it comes from:

Gamcho appears in Korea's oldest medical text, the Dongui Bogam (1613), and in Chinese pharmacopoeia dating back to the Shennong Bencao Jing (circa 200 CE). It was prized not only for its own healing properties but as a synergist that made other herbs work better together — a concept now partially validated by pharmacokinetic research showing glycyrrhizin can enhance absorption of co-administered plant compounds.

What does Korean Licorice (Gamcho) help with?

• Digestive upset and stomach ulcers: Gamcho, particularly in its DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form, helps protect and repair the stomach and intestinal lining by encouraging mucus production and reducing inflammation. It is one of the most studied natural options for peptic ulcers and functional dyspepsia, with results comparable to some conventional antacid approaches.
• Sore throat and cough: Licorice root has a natural soothing, coating effect on irritated throat tissue and airways, which is why it has been used across Asia and the Middle East for coughs and sore throats for centuries. It also has mild antiviral properties that may help shorten respiratory infections.
• Inflammation and pain: Glycyrrhizin acts similarly to mild corticosteroids by slowing the breakdown of the body's own anti-inflammatory hormones. This makes Gamcho useful for conditions driven by chronic low-grade inflammation, without the side effects of pharmaceutical steroids.
• Skin irritation and eczema: Applied topically, glabridin and other licorice flavonoids reduce redness, itching, and hyperpigmentation. Clinical studies have shown licorice-based creams to be effective for eczema and melasma, making it a popular ingredient in Korean skincare.
• Adrenal fatigue and low energy: By slowing the breakdown of cortisol, Gamcho can help people who feel chronically depleted maintain steadier energy levels throughout the day. This is especially valued in Korean medicine for patterns of exhaustion combined with low blood pressure.
• Hormonal imbalance (PCOS): Compounds in licorice root appear to reduce androgen (male hormone) levels in women with PCOS, which can help with symptoms like excess hair growth and irregular cycles. It is often combined with peony root in traditional formulas for this purpose.
• Viral infections and immunity: Glycyrrhizin has shown antiviral activity against several viruses in research settings, and Gamcho is commonly included in Korean herbal formulas used during cold and flu season. It appears to support immune defense without overstimulating the immune system.
• Leaky gut and gut lining repair: Gamcho helps strengthen the intestinal barrier by reducing gut inflammation and supporting mucus layer integrity. This makes it a helpful addition to gut-healing protocols for people dealing with food sensitivities or IBS.
• Anxiety and low mood: Liquiritin, a flavonoid in licorice root, has shown antidepressant-like effects in research, possibly by supporting serotonin activity. Traditional Korean and Chinese medicine has long used Gamcho in mood-balancing formulas, and early clinical work supports this use.

What can Korean Licorice (Gamcho) help prevent?

• Recurrence of peptic ulcers (DGL form, with documented clinical evidence)
• Oral mucositis during chemotherapy (glycyrrhizin rinses, supported by clinical trials)

Which foods are rich in Korean Licorice (Gamcho)?

1. Licorice root tea (Gamcho-cha): Brewed directly from dried Glycyrrhiza uralensis root — the most traditional and concentrated whole-food source of all active compounds including glycyrrhizin and liquiritin.
2. Traditional Korean herbal teas (Ssanghwa-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang) — Classic Korean medicinal teas that almost always contain Gamcho as a harmonizing ingredient, providing meaningful doses alongside other botanicals.
3. Licorice candy / natural licorice confections: Authentic licorice candy (not anise-flavored imitations) made from real licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin, though in low and variable amounts — not a reliable therapeutic dose.
4. Fennel: Shares some overlapping digestive and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and is often used as a supportive food for the same gut and respiratory goals, though it does not contain glycyrrhizin.
5. Chamomile tea: A supportive option for the same gut-soothing and anti-inflammatory pathways Gamcho targets, with overlapping apigenin-based flavonoid activity.

Practical Tips:

Gamcho is primarily consumed as a root tea or in traditional herbal decoctions rather than as a regular food ingredient. For people who want dietary support for the same anti-inflammatory and gut-healing goals, a diet rich in polyphenol-dense foods — berries, green tea, turmeric, fermented foods, and fiber — complements Gamcho's effects well.

What are the side effects of Korean Licorice (Gamcho)?

• High blood pressure: most common concern with regular glycyrrhizin use
• Fluid retention and swelling (especially in legs)
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): can cause muscle cramps or weakness
• Headache with prolonged high-dose use
• Hormonal changes: may affect testosterone and estrogen levels with long-term use
• Rare: heart rhythm irregularities in people with existing heart conditions or low potassium
• Not recommended during pregnancy (may increase risk of preterm labor at high doses)
• DGL form avoids most of the above side effects and is safe for extended use

Good to know:

Gamcho is very safe at normal short-term doses used in food and tea. The main safety concerns arise from long-term use or high doses of glycyrrhizin-containing forms. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) forms are much safer for daily gut-support use and avoid most hormonal side effects.

How much Korean Licorice (Gamcho) should you take?

• Recommended daily: Dried root decoction: 2–9 g per day (standard Korean/TCM range). Standardized extract (glycyrrhizin 20%): 200–600 mg per day. DGL tablets for gut support: 380–1,140 mg taken before meals. Topical glabridin preparations: apply as directed per product.
• Best time of day: Decoction or tea is traditionally taken in the morning and/or evening. DGL tablets work best 20 minutes before meals for gut protection.
• With or without food: DGL is best taken before meals without food to coat the stomach lining. Root tea and extracts can be taken with or without food.
• Time to effect: Sore throat and digestive comfort: 1–5 days. Anti-inflammatory and hormonal effects: 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
• How long to take it: Limit continuous use of glycyrrhizin-containing forms to 4–6 weeks, then take a break. DGL form can be used longer without cycling. Avoid glycyrrhizin forms long-term without medical supervision, especially if you have blood pressure concerns.