- Generic Name: licorice
- Dosage Forms: n.a.
- Other Brand Names:
What is Licorice?
Licorice is a plant also known as Acide Glycyrrhizique, Alcacuz, Bois Doux, Bois Sucré, Gan Zao, Glabra, Glycyrrhiza, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Isoflavone, Jethi-Madh, Kanzo, Lakritze, Liquiritiae Radix, Liquirizia, Mulathi, Orozuz, Phytoestrogen, Racine de Réglisse, Régalissse, Regaliz, Regliz, Subholz, Sussholz, Sweet Root, Yashtimadhu, Yashti-Madhu, Yashti-Madhuka, Zhi Gan Cao, and many other names.
Licorice is a common flavoring agent and food product. When used as a food product, licorice is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, licorice may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.
Licorice has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn when combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation. Licorice may also be possibly effective in treating symptoms of eczema (itching, swelling, redness) when applied to the skin.
Other uses not proven with research have included treating psoriasis, canker sores, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, muscle cramps, cancer pain, arthritis, bleeding, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions.
It is not certain whether licorice is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Licorice should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Licorice is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Licorice may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.