Buzz
Licorice root is often recommended for alleviating digestive discomfort and enhancing energy levels in certain individuals. Additionally, licorice root-infused tea can provide relief for sore throats and mitigate the severity of other cold symptoms. Licorice root is also commonly utilized as a sweetener in foods such as candy, but caution must be exercised as it may interact with medications and, in high doses, can pose serious health risks.
Procedures
Using Licorice Root Supplements
Differentiate between the two types of licorice root supplements. Licorice root naturally contains an extremely sweet compound called glycyrrhizin. While glycyrrhizin is safe in small, occasional doses, it can lead to health complications if consumed regularly. Hence, if you plan on taking licorice root supplements regularly, opt for a deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) supplement.
- The supplement container should specify the glycyrrhizin content in the DGL supplements, which should not exceed 2% for safe long-term use.
Alleviate Digestive Discomfort with DGL Supplements Conditions like heartburn, ulcers, and gastritis can cause significant digestive discomfort. DGL supplements can effectively reduce this discomfort.
- Take between 380 to 1200 milligrams of DGL approximately thirty minutes before meals.
- Typically available in 380 to 400 mg tablets, start with one tablet and assess symptom relief.
Revitalize Your Energy with Licorice Supplements Licorice root, containing glycyrrhizin, often termed 'whole' licorice, can temporarily combat fatigue. Prolonged cortisol production due to stress can strain the adrenal gland. Whole licorice root supplements delay cortisol breakdown, reducing the need for adrenal glands to produce more.
- Remember, regular intake of unprocessed licorice root is not advisable.
- To maintain cortisol levels, consume the supplement with breakfast and lunch, avoiding dinner.
- Gradually decrease usage of 'whole' licorice root as energy levels normalize.
Consult Your Doctor Regarding Licorice Root for Other Purposes Licorice root boasts various potential health benefits that warrant discussion with a healthcare professional, despite lacking comprehensive scientific backing. It may aid in blood sugar control, insulin resistance reduction, and potentially mitigate diabetes risk.
- Licorice root could offer dental cavity protection.
- Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, utilized in some nations for conditions ranging from allergies to infections.
Monitor Blood Pressure While Using Licorice Supplements Vigilance in blood pressure monitoring is crucial, particularly when consuming 'whole' licorice root supplements. Even with glycyrrhizin removal, daily DGL supplementation may impact blood pressure. Regular monitoring during initial supplementation is advised. Notify your physician if readings deviate from normal.
- Should blood pressure remain stable during initial treatment, reduce monitoring frequency to once or twice weekly after a few weeks.
Combatting Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections
Relieve Sore Throat with Licorice Root Tea Ready-made herbal teas, particularly those crafted to alleviate cold symptoms, commonly contain licorice root. Alongside ingredients like echinacea and goldenseal, which aid in disinfection and throat healing, licorice root and slippery elm stand out as top herbs for this purpose.
Alleviate Cold Symptoms with Licorice Root Tea Besides soothing the throat, licorice root tea can also address other cold or upper respiratory symptoms effectively. Acting as an expectorant, licorice aids in expelling excess phlegm produced during a cold.
- Licorice root may additionally reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes, facilitating clearer breathing.
Create Your Own Licorice Root Tea For a potent cold remedy or to mimic the effects of a 'whole' licorice root supplement for adrenal support, concoct your own tea using solely licorice root. Employ half an ounce of dried licorice root per cup of water. Boil the mixture and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Allow the tea to steep in the pan for five minutes after turning off the heat.
- Dried root slices and chopped root are obtainable at herb outlets and online. Weighing is the preferred method for measuring dried or chopped root.
- Add a cinnamon stick and a few ginger slices if preparing tea for a sore throat or cough.
- For children under 50 pounds (23 kg), avoid administering licorice root tea.
- Children over 50 pounds (23 kg) can have ⅓ cup up to three times daily.
- Adults should limit intake to two cups daily.
Evaluating Potential Hazards
Exercise Caution with Licorice Root While licorice root is commonly used to alleviate certain symptoms, it should not replace professional medical treatment. In essence, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting licorice root's efficacy for any specific health issue.
- Many herbalists' medicinal claims, though widely circulated and accepted, lack clinical validation.
Keep Your Doctor Informed About Herbal Supplements Always inform your doctor when using or considering complementary, integrative, or alternative health practices. Your doctor requires a comprehensive understanding of your health and management strategies to provide effective assistance. Moreover, certain combinations of medications and herbs can pose risks.
- Regular herbal usage may impact the health or functionality of some organs, prompting your doctor to conduct blood tests, especially if you frequently consume herbs like licorice root.
Avoid Licorice Root During Pregnancy Consuming licorice root in any form, including candy, during pregnancy carries potential risks to your child's health. If you are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or breastfeeding, steer clear of licorice, licorice supplements, and licorice tea.
- Children weighing under 50 pounds (23 kg) should not ingest licorice root in any form.
Helpful Tips
Important Warnings
- Avoid giving licorice root to children weighing under 50 pounds (23 kg) or pregnant women.
- Be aware that consuming licorice candy also carries health risks. For individuals aged 40 or older, consuming 2 ounces (57 g) of black licorice daily for two weeks can result in severe heart issues, such as irregular heartbeats.
- Licorice root may interact adversely with certain medications, so consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking licorice root if you are on any other medications or supplements.
