Licorice









Licorice


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Licorice is used to help reduce the swelling associated with conditions such as lung disease and stomach ulcers.
How does it work?
Substances in the licorice root block the production of chemicals associated with the development of stomach ulcers. One of these same substances helps with the removal of secretions and fluids in the lungs.
How is it best taken?
  • Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications or natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.
  • You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Use with caution if you are taking antiarrhythmic medications or cardiac glycoside medications.
  • Use with caution if you are receiving hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy).
  • Use with caution if you have a history of estrogen-dependent tumors, endometrial cancer, stroke, or thromboembolic disease.
  • Use caution if you have a weakened heart. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that may affect blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs and supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • May decrease potassium levels. If you are taking this product, have this checked regularly by healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • You may feel sleepy, lightheaded, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this product affects you.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Changes in blood pressure.
  • Swelling.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for unusual swelling of the legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, or exercise tolerance.
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Root
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, corticosteroids, hormones, potassium-depleting drugs, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, others), aspirin, aspirin-containing products, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents
General statements
There are licorice products that have been deglycyrrhized, meaning the glycyrrhiza has been removed. These are referred to as DGL products. It is still not certain whether this product has actions similar to the traditional licorice. However, it does appear that the DGL product is relatively free of side events. If looking for the benefits discussed in “What is this natural product used for?” above, use the regular and not the DGL licorice.
  • Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
    • Children younger than 2 years of age
    • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
    • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
    • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
    • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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