Licorice Root
In the U.S., we may think of black licorice as candy, but licorice root (Glycerrhizza glabra) has been used in Chinese, Greek, and Roman healing for thousands of years.
Uses:
- Licorice is a potent herbal remedy used as a tonic for stress, and has been shown to reduce the risk of ulcers and to protect the liver.
- In test tubes, licorice compounds can kill cancer cells and HIV.
Forms: Tincture, capsules, tea, and "DGL licorice" (DGL stands for de-glycyrrhizinated licorice. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to increase blood pressure and water retention. DGL licorice has no glycyrrhizin.)
Cautions
- Licorice raises blood pressure and blood sodium levels, lowers potassium levels, and causes edema if used for four weeks or more. Avoid licorice if you have high blood pressure or take blood pressure pills.
- Due to potassium loss, licorice may have a laxative effect.
- Licorice is a potent hormone disrupter, which can affect insulin and sex hormones. It can reduce testosterone levels in the body, and can act like estrogen in women.
- Licorice interacts with other drugs. If you take hydrocortisone drugs, it can keep them from breaking down, so your blood levels could become toxic. Licorice can reduce blood levels of spironolactone (a water pill).
