There are two kinds of licorice in pill form. One is for adrenal problems, one is for another kind of physical problem.

There are actually two species of licorice root used medicinally. I prefer Chinese licorice root (G. uralensis) over the American licorice root (G. glabra) because the Chinese species is more calming.

What you are referring to though is DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which has the steroidal component removed. It is often used to treat stomach ulcers. DGL does not have all the benefits of regular licorice root though such as the anti-inflammatory and adrenal supportive properties.  And glycyrrhizin provides a lot of the anti-ulcer effects of licorice root, so it is pretty stupid to remove it. They do this though because the glycyrrhizin is a steroidal compound and can lead toan increase of blood pressure if taken in very high amounts over many months.

There is an ingredient in licorice called glyzzherin or something similar, and you need it in your licorice pill in order to treat the adrenals but you don't want it in your licorice pill to treat the other problem (I forget what that other problem was).

Glycyrrhizin is the primary active component in licorice root. Taking it our reduces the effectiveness of the herb. 

Be aware that people are not supposed to take either form of licorice for more than 6 weeks, even if it doesn't upset their stomach. So be careful and limit your time on it.

This is a persistent myth. Licorice root can be taken long term. In order to cause the potassium depletion that leads to the high blood pressure and water retention you would have to consume 5,000mg a day for over 6 months. That is a full bottle of capsules daily for over 6 months. This would be hard to do. And even if someone takes this level the risk of high blood pressure can easily be countered by increasing potassium intake. This is why I use licorice root in formulations with herbs high in potassium.

Licorice root is a steoridal anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, antiviral, antibacterial, immune stimulant and supports the adrenals, liver and kidneys. Its support on the adrenals gives it further anti-inflammatory and immune supportive properties, as well as reducing stress,  regulating the blood pressure, stabilizing energy, preventing chronic hypoglycemia, regulating immune responses in autoimmunity........