For several thousand years licorice has been used in both western and eastern medicine to treat constipation, stomach problems, chest congestion and even malaria. Thanks to modern extraction methods, licorice... *
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* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
For several thousand years licorice has been used in both western and eastern medicine to treat constipation, stomach problems, chest congestion and even malaria. Thanks to modern extraction methods, licorice-based remedies are now safe and effective for daily use.
Interest in licorice started during the Second World War when a Dutch doctor treating stomach ulcers with licorice, saw many of his patients suffer from severe swelling of the face and limbs. The side effect was later identified to be due to a natural chemical in licorice, known as glycyrrhizin. Subsequent studies have shown that glycyrrhizin causes headache and fluid retention which can result in a rise in blood pressure. Modern licorice remedies have the glycyrrhizin removed, and the product is then known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DCL) and carries no risk of side effects.
Health Benefits
Heals an Ailing Gut: Licorice in its DGL form is a very effective healing agent for ulcers that occur in the stomach, intestines, and mouth. Compared to modern ulcer healing drugs, DGL stimulates the intestinal lining producing a protective barrier to digestive enzymes and acids. Under the influence of DGL the cells lining the gut multiply and grow over the ulcerated area. As they do so, licorice protects against the irritant effects of digestive juices.
In other cases of gut upsets, such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), DGL can help reduce inflammation and protect the sensitive lining from further irritation from digestive acids.
Helps Fight Viral Infections: There have been many medical indications for licorice. However, they rely on the glycyrrhizin content of the herb, which is unfortunately associated with adverse side effects. Some of these actions include antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus and HIV infection.
May Balance Hormones: Other organic compounds in licorice such as isoflavones may have hormone-balancing effects that could help explain some of the reports relating to its traditional use in the treatment of menopausal and menstrual problems.
How to Take Licorice
Licorice in the form DGL is the preferred type. It is best to chew the DGL tablets very well since the activation of salivary enzymes and chemicals magnifies the healing powers of the licorice. The standard dose is 2 to 4 tablets of DGL (380 mg) chewed up and swallowed half an hour before food. This should be continued for at least 8 weeks but it may take up to 16 weeks for recovery to be complete.
It is not recommended to chew or take the pure licorice root due to the high glycyrrhizin content.
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Directions
Take 2 capsules per day with a large glass of water.
Ingredients
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - 450 mg
Cautions
Do not take Licorice if you have chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, or any disease that impedes the flow of bile from the liver. Avoid it also if you have abnormal muscle tension, poor kidney function, or low potassium levels in your blood.
When taken in high dosages for an extended period of time, Licorice Root may lead to excessive loss of salt from the blood, water retention, high blood pressure, and heart irregularities. Because of the possibility of these side effects, limit your use of Licorice to 6 weeks. The side effects disappear after the drug is discontinued.
Licorice can increase the potassium loss caused by the other drugs, such as diuretics that flush excess water from the body (Diuril, Zaroxolyn, others). This potassium loss can, in turn, increase your sensitivity to drugs containing digitalis, such as the heart medication Lanoxin.
Licorice may also increase the effects, and unwanted side effects, of steroid medications such as prednisone (Deltasone).
Do not take Licorice preparations during pregnancy.
Toxicity
Licorice in the DGL form is free from toxic side effects. High dose DGL may cause a loose stool.
Drug-Herb Interactions
Pure licorice may increase the loss of potassium when taken in conjunction with thiazide diuretics and increase the sensitivity to cardiac glycosides. This is due to the high glycyrrhizin content. However the use of DCL has practically eliminated any drug interactions.
Additional Information
Herb-Xtra is committed to the manufacture of high quality, standardized and guaranteed natural health products and supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
