We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Licorice Syrup?

By C.B. Fox
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,210
Share

Licorice syrup is a thick fluid that is made with licorice. It is sweetened with either sugar or honey in order to make it more palatable and may contain other herbs, depending on the medical use the syrup is intended for. Though not all the purported health effects of licorice have been verified, there are a few medical uses for which licorice syrup is effective. It is commonly used to treat coughing, congestion, and sore throat and may also be used to relieve the symptoms of some gastrointestinal disorders.

In order to make licorice syrup, liquid needs to be extracted from licorice. Depending on which parts of the licorice plant are being used, there are a few different ways to get fluid from them. Fresh plants can be crushed and juiced while dried parts of the plant and seeds may be boiled in water to form a licorice tea. The fluid is usually reduced until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. A sweetener is also added to the syrup, usually while it is still warm so that the sugar dissolves completely.

Once licorice syrup is complete, it has a distinctive licorice flavor. This herb is similar in flavor to the related plants fennel and anise, though it is stronger. Many people enjoy the flavor of licorice but it is strong and unusual, and many other people find it unpalatable.

One of the main uses for licorice syrup is in the treatment of throat and respiratory disorders. Licorice has demulcent and expectorant properties that make it particularly useful for this. As a demulcent, the herb coats the throat, protecting it from damage caused by coughing and helping to soothe the irritated tissues. The expectorant properties of licorice also help patients cough up fluid in the respiratory tract by loosening it. Respiratory infections clear up more quickly if the fluid can be expelled from the body.

Another use for licorice syrup is in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Ulcers, upset stomach, and acid reflux are often treated with a syrup made from licorice and a number of other herbs, such as chamomile and peppermint. Some patients see improvement from gastrointestinal symptoms with the use of licorice, though medical studies have not proven that it is an effective treatment. Patients should not use licorice syrup without the guidance of a doctor because licorice can also raise blood pressure, especially if it is taken for a long period of time.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Sep 15, 2013

My mother used to make my brothers and I drink licorice syrup whenever we were sick growing up. It worked great but I hated the taste. I still can't stand anything that tastes like licorice.

By stoneMason — On Sep 15, 2013

@ysmina-- I have not come across licorice syrup for baking but you can make your own fairly easily.

My husband makes homemade candies and he has made licorice candies several times. He makes the syrup himself with licorice extract, sugar and starch. It's quite good.

Plus, this way, you can ensure that there is real licorice in it and not licorice flavoring that is made from aniseed or something else.

By ysmina — On Sep 14, 2013

Is it possible to find licorice syrup that's meant to use in baking and candy-making and not as a medicinal remedy? I want to make licorice candies using licorice syrup.

Has anyone come across a product like that?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-licorice-syrup.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.