Dom here is what medline pluse has to say about DGL

[Guest guest]

Might be worth looking into.I cannot take nexium for it interferes

with my what part of my thyroid I have left . But this is

interesting reading.Heidi

The medicinally used part of licorice is the root and dried rhizome

of the low-growing shrub Glycyrrhiza glabra . Currently, most

licorice is produced in Greece, Turkey, and Asia.

Licorice has been used in ancient Greece, China, and Egypt, primarily

for gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and ailments of the upper

respiratory tract. Ancient Egyptians prepared a licorice drink for

ritual use to honor spirits of the pharaohs. Its use became

widespread in Europe and Asia for numerous indications.

In addition to its medicinal uses, licorice has been used as a

flavoring agent, valued for sweetness (glycyrrhizin, a component of

licorice, is 50 times sweeter than table sugar). The generic

name " glycyrrhiza " stems from ancient Greek, meaning " sweet root. " It

was originally used as flavoring for licorice candies, although most

licorice candy is now flavored with anise oil. Licorice is still used

in sub-therapeutic doses as a sweetening agent in herbal medicines,

lozenges, and tobacco products (doses low enough that significant

adverse effects are unlikely).

Licorice has a long history of medicinal use in Europe and Asia. At

high doses, there are potentially severe side effects, including

hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low blood potassium

levels), and fluid retention. Most adverse effects have been

attributed to the chemical component glycyrrhiza (or glycyrrhizic

acid). Licorice can be processed to remove the glycyrrhiza, resulting

in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which does not appear to share

the metabolic disadvantages of licorice.