It also may be used to treat conditions includingeczema,bronchitis, andmenstrual cramps.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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The research is quite limited, but some studies suggest that licorice root may offer certain health benefits.
Below is a look at the science behind some of the purported uses of licorice root.
Respiratory Issues
Licorice root is believed to support and protect the respiratory system.
Illustration by Anastasia Tretiak for Verywell Health
However, although the findings seem promising, they have not yet been duplicated in human trials.
Further human research is needed to support these claims.
The group who took STW 5 reported greater relief of theirdyspepsiasymptoms than participants in the control group.
In the meantime, consult your healthcare provider for more evidence-backed treatment options for FD.
Menopause and Menstrual Symptoms
Licorice root may help relieve symptoms of bothmenstruationandmenopause.
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic the effects ofestrogenin the body.
One study from 2012 looked at 90 menopausal people withhot flashes.
However, more research is needed.
A 2016 study found that, along with standard antibiotic therapy, licorice root helped eliminateH.
pylori83% of the time.
In the study, the group that received a placebo instead of licorice root hadH.
pylorielimination in 63% of cases.
However, there was just a 20% difference between the placebo plus antibiotic and antibiotic plus licorice.
Still, the researchers concluded that licorice root was significantly more successful in eliminatingH.
Human trials on this matter have yet to be performed to confirm these study results.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before trying licorice root for a health condition.
Supplements should never replace standard care.
Does licorice root cleanse the liver?
The liver does not require cleansing.
However, licorice root in appropriate doses may help protect the liver due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are the Side Effects of Licorice Root?
In general, licorice root is considered safe and well-tolerated in adults.
In addition, taking licorice root over a long period can further increase the risk of side effects.
These side effects may be mild or severe.
Licorice root supplements are only intended for short-term use.
Taking too much licorice root may lead to side effects.
Licorice root side effects are thought to be due to an excessive buildup of glycyrrhizin in the body.
To reduce the risk of side effects,some licorice root products have removed glycyrrhizin.
Stop using licorice root and seek medical attention if you experience these and other severe side effects.
Illustration by Anastasia Tretiak for Verywell Health
Precautions
Some people should take precautions when using licorice root.
Research suggests that using licorice root while pregnant could harm the fetus.
Large doses of licorice root may cause preterm birth and issues with growth later in life.
It is unknown if licorice root is safe to use for people who are breastfeeding.
Therefore, you should avoid using licorice root if breastfeeding.
Licorice root may be safe for children to use, but in smaller amounts than adults.
Your child’s healthcare provider should be consulted regarding dosage and safety.
People with hypertension, low potassium, edema, and kidney or liver problems should avoid using licorice root.
This is because licorice root has been linked to side effects that could worsen these conditions.
Taking licorice root for long periods or in doses that are too high may cause toxicity or adverse effects.
Although licorice root toxicity has been reported in small numbers, it is still a real possibility.
Glycyrrhizin, the most active ingredient in licorice root, has been classified as moderately toxic by some researchers.
This is mostly due to its ability to cause high blood pressure and low potassium.
Interactions
Licorice root may interact with a number of medications.
These interactions may lower how well certain medications work.
Licorice root may disrupt the breakdown of several medications due to interacting with cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver.
Besides digoxin, these interactions have mostly been seen in lab tweaks and are theoretical.
Regardless, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you are taking before starting licorice root.
Dosage: How Much Licorice Root Should I Take?
Due to a lack of research, there are no universal guidelines for licorice root dosage.
It’s best to follow dosage guidelines from the supplement manufacturer or your healthcare provider.
However, taking too much licorice root may cause side effects.
Generally, you should always stay within the recommended dosage on the product label.
You should also not take licorice root supplements for an extended period.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the right licorice root dose for you.
Generally, you should keep licorice root in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight.
Typically, you do not need to refrigerate licorice root extract but follow storage directions on the product packaging.
Keep licorice root supplements out of reach of small children and pets to prevent accidental consumption.
Throw away licorice root supplements once they have reached their expiration date.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements on the market may work similarly to licorice root.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which supplement is best for you.
Supplements should never replace standard medical care.
Food Sources of Licorice Root
Licorice candy is not the same as licorice root supplements.
Unlike licorice root supplements, licorice candy contains extra ingredients likesugar, starch, and various binders.
You may find licorice root in candy, other foods, beverages, and tobacco products.
Supplement forms of licorice root include:
Licorice root is also sometimes added to topical treatments.
For best results, talk with your healthcare provider before using any licorice root product.
Speak with your healthcare provider before taking licorice root to ensure it’s safe for you.
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