Licorice Root

Description

One ingredient. Dried licorice root. That’s it.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the oldest and most-studied herbs in the digestive and respiratory herbal toolkit. The active compound glycyrrhizin is traditionally associated with supporting the gastric mucosal lining, soothing respiratory irritation, and supporting adrenal function. It’s been used for over 2,000 years across Chinese, Greek, and European herbal traditions — and modern research keeps circling back to the same conversations. Human-grade, organically sourced, one pure ingredient. There are real use cautions with licorice root — we’ll get to those clearly.

What is licorice root used for in horses?

Licorice root is traditionally used to support gastric mucosal health (especially in horses with ulcer history or gastric sensitivity), respiratory comfort, mild adrenal support, and general digestive soothing. It’s a favorite in ulcer management and travel-stress management programs, and is one of the primary herbs associated with supporting the stomach lining’s natural protective layer.

Is licorice root safe for competition horses?

Important competition warning: Licorice root is prohibited in several competition jurisdictions, including FEI. Glycyrrhizin and its metabolites are treated as controlled substances. If your horse competes, verify your discipline’s current rules and withdrawal times before any use. Some owners use licorice only during off-season or with strict withdrawal protocols.

Are there other use cautions?

Yes — licorice root is a powerful herb and deserves respect. Long-term or high-dose licorice use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels (a condition called pseudoaldosteronism). It is not recommended for horses with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney disease, or for pregnant mares. It should also not be combined with certain medications — including corticosteroids and potassium-depleting diuretics — without veterinary oversight. Licorice is best used in cycles rather than as a daily indefinite supplement.

Is licorice root safe for metabolic horses?

Yes for the metabolic side — single-ingredient licorice root contains no added sugar (the sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, which is not a sugar and does not affect blood glucose), no salt, no copper, and no electrolytes. It is generally safe for horses with insulin resistance (IR), Cushing’s disease (PPID), equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), and laminitis from a blood-sugar standpoint — but the cardiovascular cautions above still apply. Always work with your vet on licorice timing and duration.

How do I give licorice root to my horse?

Licorice root can be top-dressed on feed or brewed tea-style. Most owners use it in shorter courses — typically 2–6 weeks — rather than indefinitely daily. Common protocols include gastric support alongside scheduled vet treatment, pre-hauling gastric prep, and post-travel digestive recovery. Your vet or equine nutritionist can advise on specific dosages and duration for your horse’s situation.

What’s in it

• Organic dried licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). That is the complete ingredient list.
• Human-grade. Organically sourced.
• Made in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.

What’s NOT in it

• No added sugar (glycyrrhizin’s natural sweetness is not a blood-sugar sugar)
• No salt, no copper, no electrolytes
• No fillers, no gums, no “natural flavors,” no synthetic sweeteners
• No DGL processing (this is whole licorice root, not the de-glycyrrhizinated form)

Who it’s safe for

Horses with gastric ulcer history or gastric sensitivity (short-term courses with vet oversight). Horses in travel/show-stress management. Horses with insulin resistance (IR), Cushing’s disease (PPID), equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), and laminitis (with attention to the cardiovascular cautions). NOT recommended for horses with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney disease, pregnant mares, horses on corticosteroids or potassium-depleting diuretics, or competition horses without proper withdrawal protocols. Part of the Farmily — with the same cautions across species.

Pairs well with

Licorice root is featured in Ready Roadie (apple + licorice root + fenugreek + oat flour) — our travel and gastric-support hydration mix. It also appears in the Digestive Pack, Stress Pack, and Respiratory & Muscle Recovery Pack.

Improve Equine is made in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Licorice root has 2,000 years of use and a few serious cautions. We give you the pure herb and the full picture.

Important: This product is a health-supportive food-grade botanical. It is not a medicine, is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Licorice root is prohibited in several competition jurisdictions — verify your discipline’s rules. Not recommended for horses with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney disease, or pregnant mares. Do not combine with corticosteroids or potassium-depleting diuretics without veterinary oversight. Best used in shorter cycles rather than continuous long-term daily use. Always consult your veterinarian before starting.