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Written by: Jessica Konopinski
Published on: 09/30/2025
One of the advantages of modern equine wellness is that we have access to an incredible variety of supplements and nutritional strategies designed to support our horses' health. But that abundance also brings a challenge of not knowing where to begin. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to determine what truly works, especially when we’re caring for animals that can’t directly communicate their symptoms or relief.
Over the past few months, our team has been especially focused on a common but complex issue: gastric ulcers. If you haven’t had a chance to explore our “Trust Your Gut” series yet, we recommend starting there. While medications can be effective, they’re often expensive and not always ideal for long-term use. That’s why many horse owners are turning toward integrative approaches that combine diet, lifestyle adjustments, and carefully chosen supplements.
Licorice root, known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial plant found in Europe and the Middle East. Its use in herbal medicine dates back more than 4,000 years. Ancient civilizations prized it not just for its naturally sweet taste, but also for its soothing and healing properties.
Traditionally used in both Eastern and Western herbal systems, licorice has long been considered a functional plant and one that supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. In recent decades, modern research has started to validate many of these traditional uses, especially when it comes to its role in gut health, respiratory wellness, and inflammation management.
One of the most promising uses for licorice root in horses is in the management of Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) which is a common condition that affects the glandular region of the stomach and is especially prevalent in performance horses. While many ulcer treatments focus on acid suppression, licorice works differently. It acts by supporting the stomach lining itself, helping it become stronger and better equipped to handle stressors.
One of the most compelling studies was conducted using a group of donkeys, some of which were treated with phenylbutazone, while others received phenylbutazone in combination with licorice root extract. After just seven days, the animals that received the combination treatment showed significant improvement in the severity of their gastric lesions, as confirmed through endoscopy.
Researchers believe this effect is largely due to licorice’s ability to increase protective compounds like corticosterone and prostaglandins in the body. These substances help buffer the stomach lining from damage, support blood flow to the gastric mucosa, and encourage cellular regeneration. Additionally, licorice appears to activate the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, helping to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
What makes this even more impressive is that licorice doesn’t just help with existing ulcers, but it may also help prevent them by making the stomach lining more resistant to stress, acid, and inflammation in the first place.
While licorice is gaining the most attention for its role in gastric support, its benefits don’t stop there. This multi-purpose herb has been traditionally used to support respiratory function, ease muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and support joint health, especially in horses that are in active work.
In horses that undergo intense exercise or regular travel, licorice may also provide additional immune and endocrine support by helping the body adapt to stress more efficiently. That makes it a useful option for performance horses, lesson horses, and even older horses dealing with chronic inflammation or seasonal respiratory challenges.
Some evidence suggests that licorice can help support healthy mucus production in the respiratory tract, ease coughing, and soothe irritation.
As with any herb, it’s important to use licorice responsibly. While it is generally considered safe when properly dosed, excessive or prolonged use of licorice especially in its whole-root form can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects. These may include fluid retention, changes in blood pressure, or imbalances in electrolytes.
For that reason, we always recommend using professional-quality formulas and consulting with your veterinarian before adding any herbal supplement to your horse’s routine. This is especially recommended if your horse is on medications or has existing health conditions.
Licorice root is much more than a sweet-tasting herb. It’s a powerhouse ingredient that offers a blend of anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties. When used thoughtfully, it can be a valuable ally in supporting your horse’s digestive health, comfort, and overall wellness.
That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every horse is unique, and what works beautifully for one may not be suitable for another. That’s why we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian, stay informed, and choose high-quality, research-backed supplements.
We'll be offering a new product in the coming months that includes licorice root among other ingredients, so stay tuned!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
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✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
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Jessica is a brand consultant who brings awareness and intention to equestrian and pet platforms. As a former collegiate equestrian athlete and animal lover, Jessica leads with passion and experience through her writing and brand work for companies who advocate for creating a difference in their space. When she's not riding her horse or walking her dog (with iced coffee in hand), you can find her sharing her love for health and wellness with others and integrating these practices in her everyday work.
