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How to Use Licorice Root
Valued for its healing qualities since ancient times, herbalists and holistic health practitioners frequently prescribe licorice root for cold symptoms, indigestion, stomach ulcers and canker sores. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is more often prescribed for long-term use and for individuals with chronic disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Although licorice is safe for short-term use, serious side effects can occur with long-term use. As with all herbal remedies, you should consult with your primary care physician before using any amount of licorice root for medicinal purposes.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Drink one cup of licorice tea each day to enhance adrenal function and increase your energy level. Add a teaspoon of organic honey or a cinnamon stick to improve the taste and make the tea more palatable.
Dosage of DGL Licorice
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Take 300 milligrams to 400 milligrams of chewable deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, 20 minutes before eating to enhance digestion and help to prevent heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Gargle with a solution of licorice root powder and purified water to help relieve the discomfort of a sore throat and mouth sores. Dab a bit of powder on your canker sore to relieve pain and shorten the healing time.
How to Use Retin-A 0.05
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Apply licorice gel to the skin three times a day to treat the painful complications of shingles and prevent the spread of Varicella-zoster, the infectious virus responsible for both shingles and chicken pox.
Look for over-the-counter lotions that contain licorice extract 2. Apply the topical treatment several times each day to help sooth the irritation of rosacea, psoriasis and other types of dermatitis.
Tips
Limited evidence suggests licorice root may help to reduce body fat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warnings
Long-term use of licorice can raise blood pressure, cause water retention and lower potassium levels. Licorice root is unsafe for people who take diuretics, insulin, steroid therapies or MAO inhibitors. Pregnant or lactating women should not take licorice for medicinal purposes.
Related Articles
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Licorice Root
- University of Michigan Health System: Licorice
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Licorice root. Updated December 1, 2016.
- Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al. An extract of glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard)alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/216970
- Messier C, Epifano F, Genovese S, Grenier D. Licorice and its potential beneficial effects in common oro-dental diseases. Oral Dis. 2012;18(1):32-39. doi:10.1111/j.1601-0825.2011.01842.x
- Shi Q, Hou Y, Yang Y, Bai G. Protective effects of glycyrrhizin against β2-adrenergic receptor agonist-induced receptor internalization and cell apoptosis. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2011;34(5):609-617. doi:10.1248/bpb.34.609
- Tsao S, Yin M. Antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities of asiatic acid, glycyrrhizic Acid, and oleanolic acid in human bronchial epithelial cells. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2015;63(12):3196-3204.
- Zhao H, Zhang X, Chen X, et al. Isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid from licorice, blocks M2 macrophage polarization in colitis-associated tumorigenesis through downregulating PGE2 and IL-6. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2014;279(3):311-321. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2014.07.001
- Nahidi F, Zare E, Mojab F, Alavi-Majd H. Effects of licorice on relief and recurrence of menopausal hot flashes. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR. 2012;11(2):541-8.
- Hajiaghamohammadi AA, Zargar A, Oveisi S, Samimi R, Reisian S. To evaluate of the effect of adding licorice to the standard treatment regimen of helicobacter pylori. The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2016;20(6):534-538. doi: 10.1016/j.bjid.2016.07.015
- Irani M, Sarmadi M, Bernard F, Ebrahimi Pour GH, Shaker Bazarnov H. Leaves antimicrobial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR. 2010;9(4):425-8.
- Penn State Hershey Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Licorice.
- Omar HR, Komarova I, El-Ghonemi M, et al. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology. 2012;3(4):125-138. doi:10.1177/2042018812454322
- Räikkönen K, Martikainen S, Pesonen A, et al. Maternal licorice consumption during pregnancy and pubertal, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes in children. Am J Epidemiol. 2017;185(5):317-328. doi:10.1093/aje/kww172
- Consumer Reports. Food and drug interactions you need to know about. Updated November 4, 2018.
- Winchester Hospital. Library. Updated April 11, 2011.
- Consumer Reports. How to choose supplements wisely. Updated October 30, 2019.
- FDA. Black licorice: Trick or treat? Updated November 6, 2017.
Tips
- Limited evidence suggests licorice root may help to reduce body fat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warnings
- Long-term use of licorice can raise blood pressure, cause water retention and lower potassium levels.
- Licorice root is unsafe for people who take diuretics, insulin, steroid therapies or MAO inhibitors.
- Pregnant or lactating women should not take licorice for medicinal purposes.
Writer Bio
Susan Brassard writes about natural health-related topics, complementary and alternative medicine and issues relative to a holistic approach to the aging process. Following a career in business and finance, she obtained a Master of Arts in gerontology and several certifications in energy therapies. She is the author of a workbook and resource guide for older adults.