Licorice

Also Known As:

• Glycyrrhiza glabra, Spanish licorice, sweet root

Benefit:

• Improves GERD, gastric and duodenal ulcer healing

Mechanism of Action:

• Demulcent, offers mucoprotection of esophagus and stomach

Side Effects:

• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplement should be used since the phytochemical glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) has mineralocorticoid properties that may cause pseudoaldosteronism (headaches, fatigue, hypertension, hypokalemia, edema and heart attack)

• DGL also has phytoestrogen properties

Available Forms:

• DGL extract 4:1 dosed 380mg, three times daily, 20-30 minutes prior to meals

• Standardized extract: 250-500mg, three times daily, standardized to contain 20% glycyrrhizinic acid

• Dried root: 1-5g as an infusion, three times daily, Licorice 1:5 tincture: 2-5mL, three times daily