==Special Precautions of Liquorice :==*Do not use if you have hypertension, hypokalemia edema, cirrhosis of the liver, cholestatic liver disorder, and diabetes.* Long-term use of licorice can lead to fluid retention, increased blood pressure, loss of potassium and lowered libido as it contains #Redirect[[isoflavones]] (phytoestrogens). It might lower the amount of serum testosterone slightly.* Pregnant women should not use licorice at medicinal doses. There is a danger of high blood pressure or of a hormone imbalance that would harm the fetus.* Anyone with a heart problem should use licorice only under medical supervision. Potassium depletion caused by licorice is especially hazardous for such patients. Anyone with pre-existing hypokalemia (low potassium) should not take licorice.* People with [[kidney diseases]], especially the elderly, may be at increased risk of side effects from this herb.* [[Gallbladder disease]] and [[cirrhosis]] are considered contraindications for licorice. ==The benefits of Liquorice are:==* Licorice Root has been used as a laxative; to adjust blood sugar, reduce pain from ulcer and arthritis. * The compound glycyrrhizic acid, found in liquorice, is now routinely used throughout Japan for the treatment and control of chronic viral [[hepatitis]].* May be used as a topical antiviral agent for shingles, ophthalmic, oral or genital [[herpes]]* In herbalism it is used in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula, and is a considered adaptogen which helps reregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It can also be used for auto-immune conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and animal dander allergies.* Useful in irritable conditions of mucous memberane of Urinary organs. Useful in sore throat, cough, anorexia and persistent low fever.* Recent studies indicate that glycyrrhizic acid disrupts latent [[Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS)]]