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I just had a mother call me who has a 6 1/2 month old baby and a doctor wants her to take licorice root and she was wondering if it is safe to use while breastfeeding?
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KRO:
It probably depends on the dose. As the dose rises, numerous side effects have been reported, including mineralocorticoid excess, sodium and water retention, potassium loss, hypertension, edema, EKG changes, etc, etc.
If the mom uses a moderate dose, it will probably not harm this infant of 6.5 months. But there is still some risk. Some of the chemicals (Glycyrrhetinic acid) in this product have a long half-life and tend to build up in some individuals, requiring weeks to dissipate.
Personally, I doubt the efficacy of this product is worth the risk to the infant.
Tom Hale Ph.D.
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