I think it really depends on you. If it increases your blood pressure, you definitely would want to go off it for 2 to 4 weeks, at which time things should return to normal. The side effects seem to be limited to the extracts; the whole root apparently is free of them. Overdoses or long use of high doses can deplete potassium levels, but shouldn't be a problem with normal doses.
I'm taking 1500mg, split over 2 does a day. It's a veggie cap, not the whole root. I've always tended to have low blood pressure, though my last reading (after being stuck in highway traffic and then being late for the apt.) wa shigh for the first time in my life. But that was before I started the licorice.
Is it a De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract? If so, then the part that can cause high blood pressure is removed. The major constituent of licorice, glycyrrhizin, is 50 times sweeter than sucrose. It is the part of licorice root that was found to inhibit liver cancer from hepatitis, so the De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice is for digestion, not for Hep C or the liver. I personally took licorice root extract from Wise Woman Herbals for about 2 years, then quit for awhile. I didn't experience any high blood pressure from taking it. I'm thinking that maybe it depends on the diet? I don't know.
Yes, i think mine is dewhateever. So then that sounds like it's the wrong one for hep c. I miss my homeopath -- he not only told me what to take, he told me the brand and where to order it. The new woman said "Take licorice" but no specifics.
Hi Brigid13, i also take the whol root licerice for a couple months as well, my blood pressure seems to be stable. I am just reading out of the hep c help book that 20% of people have side effects, thyroid, water retention, wow i am reading from another book about it. Good stuff for hep c, hope u can keep taking it. I try to take some l theaniene before a stressful drive to dr app. I really helps me through the stresses of traffic. Stay well and safe LOL
What kind are you taking and how much?