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The Merck Manual--Second Home Edition logo
 
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Chapter 19. Medicinal Herbs and Nutraceuticals
Topics: Introduction | Chamomile | Chromium Picolinate | Cranberry | Creatine | Dehydroepiandrosterone | Echinacea | Feverfew | Garlic | Ginger | Ginkgo | Ginseng | Goldenseal | Licorice | Melatonin | Milk Thistle | Saw Palmetto | St. John's Wort | Valerian
 
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Licorice

Background: Natural licorice, which has a very sweet taste, is extracted from the root of a shrub and used medicinally. Most licorice candy made in the United States is artificially flavored and does not contain true licorice.

Medicinal Claims: Licorice is used to suppress coughs, to soothe a sore throat, and to relieve stomach upset. Applied externally, it is thought to soothe skin irritation (for example, eczema).

Possible Side Effects: Licorice may cause fluid retention. Frequently taking large amounts of licorice can result in high blood pressure (hypertension).

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