Tip of Licorice Root … Safety & Interactions
Gan Cao Shao · Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, or severe heart failure
- High-dose or prolonged unsupervised use
Cautions
- Gan Cao Shao may be used in smaller, more directional prescriptions, but it is still real licorice and can contribute to sodium retention, potassium loss, and blood-pressure elevation.
- Cumulative exposure matters ... patients may encounter licorice from multiple formulas, teas, and supplements at the same time.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop or thiazide diuretics ... additive potassium loss and arrhythmia risk | |||
| Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides ... hypokalemia may increase toxicity risk | |||
| Corticosteroids ... additive mineralocorticoid-like effects | |||
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.