Licorice root is an herb that is used to treat many conditions. Like all herbs, it can have side effects and interact with other medications you may be taking. If you are experiencing weight gain while taking licorice root, it is important to speak with your physician because unexplained weight gain can also be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Your doctor can run tests to determine if your change in weight is due to licorice root or something else.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is used for many medicinal purposes, some of which include stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic, chronic gastritis, sore throat, bronchitis, bacterial and viral infections and arthritis. While much more research is needed, combining licorice root with other herbs, such as peppermint and chamomile, may help control the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, according to the MedlinePlus website. The substances found in licorice may help to decrease swelling, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough and increase the production of chemicals in your body that heal ulcers.
Weight Gain and Licorice Root
Licorice root can be taken in dried and powdered forms or made into capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. Some preparations of licorice root remove the glycyrrhizin, the main component of licorice, and are sold under the name DG, which stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice. While studies on licorice root are limited, it appears that glycyrrhizin can cause salt and water retention, which can contribute to weight gain. Since DGL products remove the glycyrrhizin, this side effect may not occur or may not be as severe. Taking diuretics or water pills to counteract the weight gain can cause your potassium levels to drop too low and, therefore, is not recommended.
Pseudoaldosteronism
A build up of glycyrrhizin in the body can cause pseudoaldosteronism, or a sensitivity to hormones in the adrenal cortex. Symptoms of pseudoaldosteronism include headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure and water retention, and the condition increases your risk of a heart attack. Since licorice root can contribute to fluid retention or edema, it should not be used by those with any kind of heart condition, high blood pressure, kidney problems or liver disease. The above conditions cause fluid retention on their own because they make the body less able to pump and filter fluids. Adding licorice root to the mix can make the above conditions worse, along with causing you to gain weight.
Solution
While licorice root may be effective for some medical conditions, it is best to check with your physician about the safety of taking it. Licorice root is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It also can interact with many herbal, over-the-counter and prescription medications you may be taking. If you and your doctor decide it is safe for you to take licorice root, your physician can monitor your progress and reaction to the herb so that complications can be prevented.
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