Licorice root is one of the
most popular medicinal herbs used in modern naturopathy. As an herbalist, I
recommend deglycyrrhizinated licorice for people coping with ulcers, heartburn,
and certain hormone imbalances. Although deglycyrrhizinated licorice is
generally safe when used as directed, under the guidance of a health care
provider, it can cause several side effects-- particularly when combined with
certain herbs, supplements and medications.
Licorice
supplements interact dangerously with several other medicinal herbs. As a
general rule, you should not combine herbal supplements with one another unless
a qualified health care provider recommends the combination, since they can
cause unpredictable and hazardous interactions. Here are some herbs that you
should not use if you are taking licorice supplements.
Foxglove
Foxglove
Also
known as digitalis, foxglove is a plant that acts as both a very potent
medicine and a poison. When used by prescription-- as an FDA-approved medicine
called Crystodigi-- foxglove is safe and effective. However, homemade digitalis
preparations can cause severe heart damage. Because licorice can also stress the
heart, the two herbs should never be combined.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Topical
aloe vera, used mostly to treat burns, is perfectly safe for people using
licorice supplements. Oral aloe vera, on the other hand, is not. Aloe vera
supplements can act as powerful laxatives, upsetting the balance of
electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Licorice can also reduce electrolyte
levels, so it should not be used in combination with aloe vera.
Cascara Sagrada
Like aloe
vera, cascara sagrada is a strong stimulant laxative capable of depleting
levels of potassium. Licorice also reduces potassium levels, and the
combination of both herbs could cause a serious interaction. Severe declines in
potassium levels can cause fatigue, heart problems, disorientation and even
death.
Senna
Senna
Another
popular herbal laxative, senna causes bowel movements by irritating the lining
of the bowels and causing the expulsion of waste. Large doses of senna can
cause diarrhea, which can in turn cause the loss of electrolytes. Because of
this side effect, senna is not appropriate for people using licorice. The two
herbs could lead to potassium deficiency when used in combination with one
another.
Rhubarb
The leaves and stems of the rhubarb plant are highly effective stimulant laxatives, but can cause several side effects for the bowels and heart. Like licorice, rhubarb reduces potassium levels and may damage the liver, kidneys and heart. Both herbs are relatively safe when used in isolation, but should not be used together.
Castor Oil
The leaves and stems of the rhubarb plant are highly effective stimulant laxatives, but can cause several side effects for the bowels and heart. Like licorice, rhubarb reduces potassium levels and may damage the liver, kidneys and heart. Both herbs are relatively safe when used in isolation, but should not be used together.
Castor Oil
Derived
from the castor bean, castor oil is an extremely powerful laxative that acts as
both a stimulant-laxative and bowel lubricant. It causes a near-complete flush
of the bowels within just minutes after consumption. Potassium deficiency is
one common side effect associated with castor oil, and licorice could greatly
increase the risk of this serious side effect. Do not take castor oil if you
are also taking licorice.
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