Licorice Root

There is not enough reliable data to determine whether licorice is effective for any condition.

Taking large amounts of licorice products containing glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products are thought to cause fewer side effects. Avoid licorice if you have low potassium levels, high blood pressure, or a heart or kidney disorder or disease.

The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than several weeks has not been thoroughly studied. Consult your physician if you plan on using licorice for longer.

Taking licorice together with diuretics (water pills), corticosteroids, or other medicines that reduce the body’s potassium levels could cause dangerously low potassium levels and should be avoided. You should also not use licorice if you are taking cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin). Licorice may also interact with the following agents:

• high blood pressure medications
• cisplatin
• estrogen
• midazolam
• other agents that are metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system
• warfarin
• herbs such as digitalis, and lily-of-the-valley
• stimulant laxative herbs such as manna, senna, and rhubarb

When taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body’s levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone.

Licorice may affect estrogen levels and should be avoided by people who have hormone sensitive conditions like breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. It may also worsen erectile dysfunction.

Licorice may affect your blood pressure control during or after surgical procedures. Stop taking licorice at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Pregnant people should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could increase the risk of preterm labor.

You should consult your physician if you have a liver disorder.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.