Contraindications

1) Avoid prolonged usage or high doses of this herb which may result in oedema and facial swelling, due to potassium loss and sodium retention.
2) Do not combine this herb with high blood pressure or heart problems due to the sodium/potassium balance.
3) Do not use this herb where there is kidney insufficiency/oedema or osteoporosis due to sodium/potassium balance.
4) Avoid use of this herb during pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effect. E.
5) Do not use this herb with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis due to its choleretic effects. E. Although some success is claimed in treating chronic hepatitis B with glycyrrhizin.
6) Do not use this herb with ex-alcoholics due to the seemingly greater sensitivity to liquorice's adverse effects, especially myopathy due to potassium loss.
7) Avoid use of this herb with overweight persons, due to the higher risk of hypertension, diabetic and cardiovascular problems.
8) Avoid use of this herb with diabetics, since insulin treated diabetics appear to be pre-disposed to hypokalemia and sodium retention.
9) Do not combine this herb with cardiac glycosides, as this herb may potentiate their toxicity. E.
10) Do not combine this herb with the use of laxative medication, due to the increased loss of potassium.
11) Similarly do not combine this herb with diuretics, which also increase the loss of sodium.
12) Do not combine this herb with corticoid treatment, as this herb is known to potentiate the corticoid effect through the component aglycone glycyrrhehnic acid, including its antibody lowering effect.
13) Do not combine this herb with topically applied hydrocortisone treatment since the component aglycone glycyrrhehnic acid potentiates the local effects.
14) Do not combine this herb with Digoxin, as liquorice lowers potassium levels thereby increasing the toxicity of Digoxin.

The information contained in these pages is an indication of possible contraindications, but if you are at all concerned about any herb and its suitability for personal use please contact a herbal practitioner in your area or contact us.