Belly Bytes  

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.

ComfiCoff with Licorice

ComfiCoff is a 100 percent safe and natural remedy containing herbal ingredients. These ingredients are combined in a syrup base to provide effective support for the throat and chest in children and adults, helping to maintain clear and open airways.

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.

• 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").
• We recommend Licorce Root from Vitabase. It has also been recommended for auto-immune conditions such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and animal dander allergies. Each capsule contains 396 mg 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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