Licorice Root
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We all know what licorice is, right? Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid). Well, the root of this treat has many benefits:
A Remedy...
- Licorice Root is one of the most widely used remedies in all herbal systems.
- Licorice root has been used as a dietary supplement for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.
Improves libido...
- Licorice Root is used to improve eyesight, physical strength, sexual potency and libido.
Calms...
- Licorice calms down sensitive tissues and helps to reduce seasonal sneezing and congestion.
Preserves...
- Licorice Root preserves the effect of the body's hormone, cortisol, allowing it to maintain longer anti-inflammatory action.
Promotes skin health...
- Licorice Root is a major for skin health, and it protects the liver.
Balances blood sugar...
- A blood sugar balancer, Licorice Root soothes indigestion and heartburn, or a sore throat.
Find Licorice Root
- Peeled licorice root is available in dried and powdered forms.
- Licorice root is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
- Licorice can be found with glycyrrhizin removed; the product is called DGL (for "deglycyrrhizinated licorice").
Recommended Licorice Root Supplements
- Licorice Root Herbal Dietary Supplement -- Provides respiratory support, supports the liver, helps balance other herbs
- Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice -- Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice provides nutritional support for the mucosa of the stomach. In the deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice, glycyrrhizin (a compound associated with high blood pressure) has been removed from the extract.
Side Effects and Cautions of Licorice Root
- In large amounts, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products (above) are thought to cause fewer side effects.
- The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than 4 to 6 weeks has not been thoroughly studied.
- Taking licorice together with diuretics (water pills) or other medicines that reduce the body's potassium levels could cause dangerously low potassium levels.
- People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice.
- When taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body's levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone.
- Pregnant women should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could increase the risk of preterm labor.
- Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including licorice root. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
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