I personally avoid things that will cause my body to become addicted, or that will become more of a crutch than a contributor for actually healing. I want my body to make its own hormones, cortisol, etc. I know that sometimes certain things are absolutely needed, but I only will go that route if there is no other choice.
Every time I take licorice, I feel stimulated and very energetic, but I feel that it is a false energy and is not a natural feeling. I've read somewhere that Chinese licorice is much better than American licorice.