How to Use Licorice Extract
Licorice, when it is used as a medicine, may be taken in a variety of forms, such as tablets or capsules, teas and extracts. Composed of almost 8 percent glycyrrhizin, licorice can help rid the body of mucus and relieve inflammation. The root of the licorice plant can be used to treat peptic ulcers, skin conditions, canker sores and upper respiratory infections. As an extract, licorice may come in a form without glycyrrhizin, which is known to produce side effects. This type of extract may be a better choice for stomach ulcers. Determine dosage based on the licorice extract selected.
Things You'll Need
- Licorice tincture
- or
- Licorice extract, standardized to 20 percent glycyrrhizinic acid
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract
Instructions
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1
Use licorice as a tincture, in a proportion of 1 to 5, several times daily. Take 2 to 5 mL per use.
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Take a licorice extract which has been standardized to contain 20 percent glycyrrhizinic acid. Use 250 to 500 mg, three times daily.
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Use licorice in a deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract. Take 0.4 to 1.6 grams several times daily for peptic ulcers. Chew 300 to 400 mg of the 4:1 version of DGL extract 20 minutes prior to meals, several times daily.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use licorice in the above doses for more than a week without consulting your doctor. Do not use any licorice product for longer than 4 to 6 weeks.
Too much glycyrrhizin can cause a condition marked by headache, high blood pressure and fatigue. Heart attacks may also be possible, as well as water retention.
Side effects from taking licorice may still occur with modest amounts of licorice. Numbing in the arms and legs is one such symptom.
Those with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, hypertension, heart disease and fluid retention should not take licorice.
Pregnant women should not take licorice.
Watch for interactions with other drugs, namely diuretics, digoxin, corticosteroids, insulin and oral contraceptives.
References
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