Licorice root how much to take

Some licorice candy does not contain any part of the licorice plant but uses anise oil as a flavoring instead because it tastes and smells similar to licorice.

Licorice is available in many forms, including herbal teas, candies, capsules of dried herb, and liquid extract. There are more than different compounds in licorice, some of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Some clinical studies investigating the potential benefits of licorice have had promising results, particularly in the following areas:. Eczema is the term for a group of skin conditions that, according to the National Eczema Association , affect over 30 million people in the United States. Eczema can cause itching, redness, scaling, and inflammation.

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, or licorice root extract, may be effective against bacteria that can infect the skin, according to a study in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. The study showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , which can cause skin infections, such as impetigo , cellulitis , and folliculitis. In this study, the researchers used extracts from the leaves and roots of the plant.

A double-blind study found that an extract containing glabridin and glabrene, which are flavonoids present in licorice root, was effective in relieving stomach discomfort. The extract reduced nausea, stomach pain, and heartburn. Infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori can cause peptic ulcers in some people.

Research suggests that a licorice extract may help kill H. Pylori bacteria. A clinical trial of people found that the addition of licorice extract to the standard treatment significantly improved H.

Pylori eradication. Glycyrrhizin may help treat hepatitis C , a virus that infects the liver. Without treatment, hepatitis C can cause inflammation and long-term liver damage. Researchers have reported that glycyrrhizin demonstrates antimicrobial activity against hepatitis C in cell samples and may hold promise as a future treatment for this virus.

Doctors in Japan use an injectable form of glycyrrhizin to treat people who have chronic hepatitis C that does not respond to other treatments. The results of laboratory studies in Japan suggest that it may be helpful for this. Some research suggests that licorice may help kill bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay. However, although licorice has demonstrated antibacterial activity in the laboratory setting, human studies have not yet proven that it has any cavity-fighting power.

Its ability to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria means that it does have potential as a future cavity treatment though. Many people think of licorice as a sore throat remedy. A small study recruited people who were having a breathing tube inserted into their windpipe before surgery. Common Names: licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan cao, gan zao, Chinese licorice.

Latin Names: Glycyrrhiza glabra , Glycyrrhiza uralensis , Glycyrrhiza inflata. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Email: info nccih. ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public.

Email: ods nih. This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider s. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. Home Health Information Licorice Root. Licorice Root. Licorice root is cultivated throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

It is used as a flavoring in candy, other foods, beverages, and tobacco products. Anise oil, which smells and tastes like licorice, is often used instead.

With that being said, not all licorice candy is made with licorice. Many modern brands are "licorice-flavored" and are made with anise-based flavorings that do not contain any glycyrrhizin. Read more about the benefits of the dandelion root. The amounts of licorice root in different products can vary, so it's difficult to say an exact amount that's unsafe. In general, eating large amounts or consuming it over an extended period of time can cause serious health issues like increased blood pressure and decreased potassium levels.

Check with your healthcare provider before taking licorice root, particularly if you have a condition like high blood pressure or heart or kidney disease. You can get licorice root capsules, tablets, powders, teas, lozenges, and extracts in health stores and online where supplements are sold. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Licorice root. Updated December 1, An extract of glycyrrhiza glabra GutGard alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Licorice and its potential beneficial effects in common oro-dental diseases. Oral Dis. Tsao S, Yin M. Antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities of asiatic acid, glycyrrhizic Acid, and oleanolic acid in human bronchial epithelial cells. Food Chem. Isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid from licorice, blocks M2 macrophage polarization in colitis-associated tumorigenesis through downregulating PGE2 and IL Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.

Effects of licorice on relief and recurrence of menopausal hot flashes. To evaluate of the effect of adding licorice to the standard treatment regimen of helicobacter pylori. The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. Leaves antimicrobial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Penn State Hershey Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology.

Maternal licorice consumption during pregnancy and pubertal, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes in children. Am J Epidemiol. Consumer Reports. Food and drug interactions you need to know about.

Updated November 4, Winchester Hospital. Updated April 11, How to choose supplements wisely. Updated October 30, Black licorice: Trick or treat? Updated November 6, Updated August Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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