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Licorice

Technical Name:	(Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Dried roots, whole extracts and "deglycyrrhizinated" extracts
Used for:	Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for chronic indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers, canker sores; whole licorice extract for menstrual and menopausal disorders and inflammatory disorders; topical whole licorice for herpes, eczema, psoriasis
Available In:	Whole licorice as roots, extracts, and topical preparations; DGL as chewable tablets, wafers, capsules, tea and powder.
Herb Drug:	Licorice products that still contain the glcyrrhizing and whole licorice taken orally may increase the effects of corticosteroids, cause sodium and water retention and increase blood pressure, increase the effect of digitalis preparations, alter the effect of estrogens/progesterone and decrease the effect of anti-hypertensives. No known interactions with DGL.
Interaction:	Avoid whole licorice or licorice root if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or heart disease, if you're using diuretics, and during pregnancy. No side effects for DGL. Do not take licorice root for longer than six weeks.
When Buying:	6-10% glycyrrhizin. DGL products should have no glycyrrhizin.
Dosage and Warning:	Follow dosage instructions accompanying whole licorice products. If using DGL extract, take two tablets chewed slowly before or between meals or one half teaspoon of the powder at the same times. DGL powder can be made into a paste or mouthwash (swish in mouth for three minutes and spit) to treat mouth ulcers.
Child Dosage:	Half the adult dosage for both whole and DGL forms

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