ملٹھی · Glycyrrhiza glabra
Weak evidence
Sold for "adrenal fatigue", which is not a diagnosis, and it can dangerously raise blood pressure.
This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.
A sweet root long used for coughs and stomach complaints, and marketed in supplement form for stress and "adrenal support".
There is no good evidence that liquorice treats depression or anxiety. The "adrenal fatigue" idea it is usually sold under is not a recognised medical diagnosis, and reviews have found no evidence the condition exists as described.
No mood protocol exists. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice, sold for stomach symptoms, has the risky component removed.
Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.
The real concern. Regular liquorice raises blood pressure, lowers potassium and causes fluid retention, and there are reports of hospital admissions and dangerous heart rhythms from heavy use. Avoid entirely with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or in pregnancy. Interacts with diuretics, digoxin and steroids.
Mulethi is cheap and everywhere, and chewed traditionally for sore throats. Small occasional use is not the problem; daily supplement doses are.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.