Posts from — January 2009

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about peppermint oil—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. peppermint, a cross between two types of mint (water mint and spearmint), grows throughout Europe and North America. Peppermint is often used to flavor foods, and the leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas.

Common Name—peppermint oil

Latin Name—Mentha x piperita

What It Is Used For

• Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms.
• Peppermint oil is also used for headaches, muscle and nerve pain, and stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

How It Is Used

Essential oil of peppermint can be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid forms. The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

• Results from several studies suggest that peppermint oil may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• A few studies have found that peppermint oil, in combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary.
• Although there are some promising results, there is no clear-cut evidence to support the use of peppermint oil for other health conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Peppermint oil appears to be safe for most adults when used in small doses. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and heartburn.
• Capsules containing peppermint oil are often coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If they are taken at the same time as medicines such as antacids, this coating can break down more quickly and increase the risk of heartburn and nausea.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

Peppermint. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on December 28, 2006.
Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006.
Peppermint. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:297-303.

California Naturopathic Physicians

Office of Michael Rosenbaum
300 Tamal Plaza Ste.120
Corte Madera,California 94925
(P) (808) 329-2114

Tamara Dawn Trebilcock, ND
Integrative Health Institutes
1821 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica,California 90403
(P) 310-829-7339
drtrebilcock@integrativehi.com
www.integrativehi.com

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH INSTITUTES
34213 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point,California 92629
(P) 949-554-5852
www.integrativehi.com

Marco Vespignani, ND
Institute for Restorative Health
1460 Drew Ave. Ste. 300
Davis,California 95618
(P) (530) 758-4474
questions@drmarco.org
www.4irh.com

Rajesh Vyas, ND
Rajesh Vyas LCEH ND.
15575 La Honda Sur
Morgan Hill,California 95037
(P) 408-779-7000
DrVyasND@yahoo.com
www.DrVyasND.tripod.com

Shayla Waddell, ND
Chico Naturopathic Medicine
669 Palmetto Ave. Ste. B
Chico ,California 95926
(P) 530-332-9355
www.chicond.com

Paradise Center for Healthy Living
5913 Clark Rd. Ste. C
Paradise,California 95969
(P) 530-872-4325
ParadiseCenter4HealthyLiving.com

Abida Zohal Wali, ND
Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center
3257 Camino De Los Coches
Carlsbad,California 92009
(P) 760-944-9300
www.opintegrativecenter.com

Suzann Wang, ND
Natural Health California
616 University Avenue
Palo Alto,California 94301
(P) 650-327-2053
drswang@naturalhealthcalifornia.com
www.naturalhealthcalifornia.com

Natural Health California
3030 Bridgeway
Sausalito,California 94965
(P) 415-331-1823

Carolyn Weisswasser, ND
Whitewater Naturopathic Medicine
1097 E Main Street Ste. C
Grass Valley,California 95945
(P) 530-271-7123

Gregory Weisswasser, ND
Whitewater Naturopathic Medicine
1097 E Main Street Ste C
Grass Valley,California 95945
(P) 530-271-7123
wwnaturopathic@care2.com
www.whitewaternaturopathic.com

Zoe Wells, ND
1439 Marsh St.
San Luis Obispo,California 93465
(P) 805-541-2614
zoe@drzoe.net
www.drzoe.net

Lesa Werner, ND
Chiara Wellness Center
8961 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles,California 90069
(P) 310-801-9514
drlesa@drlesawerner.com
www.drlesawerner.com

9012 Burton Way
Beverly Hills,California 90211
(P) 310-801-9514

Jennifer Wicher, ND
Synergy Naturopathic Medical Clinic
698 W. Foothill Blvd
Monrovia,California 91016
(P) 626-303-3300
jen@synergymedclinic.com
www.synergymedclinic.com

Michele Wilkerson, NMD
Revolutions Natural Medical Solutions
Sacramento ,California 95762
dr_raithel@live.com
www.revolutionsdocs.com

Revolutions Natural Medical Solutions
Sacramento,California 95762
Louisa L. Williams, ND
Marin Naturopathic Medicine
2144 Fourth Street
San Rafael,California 94901
(P) (415) 460-1968
www.radicalmedicine.com

Natasha Wolf, ND
Vitalia Natural Medicine
640 Grand Ave Suite E
Carlsbad,California 92008
(P) 760-720-6288
drwolf@vitalianaturopathic.com
www.VitaliaNaturalMedicine.com

Kristi Lou Wrightson, ND, MS
119 N Milpas Street
Santa Barbara,California 93103
(P) 805-963-1824
drwrightson@yahoo.com

Beverly Yates, ND
Naturopathic Family Health Clinc Inc
141 Camino Alto, Suite #1
Mill Valley,California 94941
(P) 415-381-4600
DrYates@NaturalHealthCare.com
www.NaturalHealthCare.com

Darcy Marie Yent, LAc, ND, MSOM
LotusRain Naturopathic Clinic
2602 1st Ave., Suite 209
San Diego,California 92103
(P) 619 501 5654
drdarcymarie@aol.com
www.drdarcy.meta-ehealth.com

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about noni-common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Noni is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, from Southeast Asia to Australia and especially in Polynesia. Noni has been traditionally used in Polynesia as a dye.

Common Names—noni, morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple, canary wood

Latin Name—Morinda citrifolia

What It Is Used For

• Noni has a history of use as a topical preparation for joint pain and skin conditions.
• Today, people drink noni fruit juice as a general health tonic, as well as for cancer and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

How It Is Used

• Traditionally, the leaves and fruit of noni have been used for health purposes.
• Today, the fruit is most commonly combined with other fruits (such as grape) to make juice. Preparations of the fruit and leaves are also available in capsules, tablets, and teas.

What the Science Says

• In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that noni may warrant further study for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, noni has not been well studied in people for any health condition.
• Recent NCCAM-funded research includes a study on noni for cancer to determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Noni is high in potassium. People who are on potassium-restricted diets because of kidney problems should avoid using noni.
• Several noni juice manufacturers have received warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about making unsubstantiated health claims.
• Although there have been few reported side effects from using noni, its safety has not been adequately studied.
• There have been reports of liver damage from using noni. It should be avoided if you have liver disease because it contains compounds that may make your disease worse.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

Morinda. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on February 7, 2007.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on February 7, 2007.
Pawlus A, Bao-Ning S, Kinghorn A. Noni (Morinda citrifolia). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:1-8.
Mueller BA, Scott MK, Sowinski KM, et al. Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia): hidden potential for hyperkalemia? American Journal of Kidney Disease. 2000;35(2):310-312.

<strong>California Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Kristy Ratcliff, NMD
Private Health Care Now
Culver City,California 90230
(P) 480-244-6488
drkris@privatehealthcarenow.com
www.privatehealthcarenow.com

Stephenie Riley, ND
PO Box 5024
Tahoe City,California 96145
(P) 530-583-0002
stefriley@hotmail.com
www.dr-riley.com

Margaret Schenck, ND
Balance Naturopathic Healthcare
11340 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles,California 90291
(P) 310.220.9430
drmargaretschenck@yahoo.com
www.margaretschencknd.com

Shaila Schwartz, ND
The Noe Valley Clinic
3901 23rd Street
San Francisco ,California 94114
(P) 415-830-4744
www.noeclinic.com

Elspeth Gwynne Seddig, ND
Pacific Heights Naturopathic Clinic P.C.
4255 18th Street, Suite 202
San Francisco,California 94114
(P) 415-921-2123
www.naturopathic-sf.com

Keegan Sheridan, ND
Keegan Sheridan, ND
Los Angeles,California
(P) 310-402-2868
k.sheridan@evolvinghealth.com
www.evolvinghealth.com

Aimée Gould Shunney, ND
Cedar St Healing Arts Clinic
501 Cedar Street
Santa Cruz,California 95060
(P) 831-335-3500
ags@drshunney.com
www.drshunney.com

Reena Singh, ND
Portal To Healing
1770 Orange Ave.
Costa Mesa,California 92627
(P) 949-722-6797
drsingh@portaltohealing.com
www.portaltohealing.com

Shannon Sinsheimer, ND
Optimal Wellness Naturopathic Clinic
42-700 Bob Hope Dr. Suite 306
Rancho Mirage,California 92272
(P) 760.309.8620
drsinsheimer@gmail.com
www.drsinsheimer.com

Bryan Skinner, ND
Cypress Naturopathic Medicine
359 Middlefield Rd
Palo Alto,California 94301
(P) 650-323-7345
www.cnmhealth.com

Michael J. Slezak, ND
Michael Slezak, ND
555 Soquel Avenue, Suite 260
Santa Cruz,California 95062
(P) 831-239-2645
drslezak@sbcglobal.net
The Seven Arrows
24953 Paseo de Valencia, Suite 16C
Laguna Hills,California 92653
(P) 949-206-9090
www.CenterforHealthsc.com

Mark Stengler, ND
La Jolla Whole Health Clinic
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive
La Jolla,California 90237
(P) 858-450-7120
mark@lajollawholehealth.com
www.lajollawholehealth.com

Heather A Swallow, ND
Monterey Bay Wellness
26335 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Ste. 8
Carmel,California 93923
(P) 831-625-9999
drhaswallow@mac.com

Maki Takashima, ND
Natural Holistic Wellness Center
969 Pacific Street Suite B
Monterey,California 93940
(P) 831-920-9211
info@naturalholisticwellnesscenter.com
www.naturalholisticwellnesscenter.com
Takashima Integrative Health Inc.

Suzanne Tang, LAc, ND
Focused Integrative Therapies
3140 Bear St., #200
Costa Mesa,California 92626
(P) 714-429-0838
drtang@empoweredhealthcenter.com
www.empoweredhealthcenter.com

Denise Tarasuk, ND, RN
Dr. Denise Tarasuk, ND
51 E. Campbell Ave.
Campbell,California 95008
(P) 408-370-5291
drsunshine99@yahoo.ca
drdenisetarasuk.com

Nirvana Tehranian, ND
Empowered Vitality
910 Dover Dr.
Newport Beach,California 92660
(P) 949-836-6991
DrNirvana@DrNirvana.com
www.drnirvana.com
California
(P) 949-836-6991

Cari Thachuk, ND, MS
Bukovina Natural Health
750 Lincoln Way
Auburn,California 95603
(P) 530-885-5908
drcari@mybukovina.com
www.mybukovina.com

Sara Thyr, ND
Willowbend Natural Medicine
1476 Professional Drive
Petaluma,California 94954
(P) 707-780-6033
sara@DrThyr.com
www.DrThyr.com

Michael L. Traub, DHANP
Lokahi Health Center
75-5759 Kuakini Hwy # 202
Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(P) (808) 329-2114
michaeltraub@earthlink.net
www.balancerestored.com

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. European mistletoe—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. European mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on several types of trees in temperate regions worldwide. Where the term “mistletoe” is used in this fact sheet, it refers to European mistletoe. (European mistletoe is different from American mistletoe, which is used as a holiday decoration.)

Common Names—European mistletoe, mistletoe

Latin Name—Viscum album L.

What It Is Used For

• Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.
• Mistletoe is used mainly in Europe as a treatment for cancer.

How It Is Used

• The leafy shoots and berries of mistletoe are used to make extracts that can be taken by mouth.
• In Europe, mistletoe extracts are prescription drugs that are given by injection. In the United States, mistletoe by injection is available only in clinical trials.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe kills cancer cells and stimulates the immune system.
• The use of mistletoe to treat cancer has been studied in Europe in more than 30 clinical trials. Although improvements in survival or quality of life have been reported, almost all of the trials had major weaknesses in their design that raise doubts about the findings. For example, many of the studies had a small number of participants or did not have a control group.
• NCCAM is sponsoring a clinical trial of mistletoe, given in combination with the drug gemcitabine, for cancer. The study will look at toxicity, safety, and immune system effects of mistletoe extract when combined with this chemotherapy drug.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Raw, unprocessed mistletoe is poisonous. Eating raw, unprocessed European mistletoe or American mistletoe can cause vomiting, seizures, a slowing of the heart rate, and even death. American mistletoe is unsafe for medicinal use.
• In countries where commercial mistletoe is available by injection, such as Germany, those extracts are considered to be generally safe when used according to product directions and under the supervision of a health care provider.
• Injected mistletoe extract may cause itching or redness in the area of the injection. Less commonly, side effects may include more extensive skin reactions, low-grade fevers, or flu-like symptoms. There have been very rare reports of more serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.
• Because mistletoe has not yet been proven to be a safe and effective cancer treatment, it should not be used outside of clinical trials.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

National Cancer Institute. Mistletoe Extracts (PDQ). National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/mistletoe on July 3, 2007.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Frequently Asked Questions About the Mistletoe-Gemcitabine Study. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at http://nccam.nih.gov/mistletoe/faq.htm on July 3, 2007.
European mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on June 29, 2007.
American mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 3, 2007.
Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 28, 2007.

<strong>California Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Jimmy Magiasis, ND
Inspired Health
712 D St. Suite D
San Rafael,California 94901
(P) 415-913-9097
info@inspiredhealth.net
www.InspiredHealth.net
Inspired Health
House Calls to San Anselmo & Fairfax
San Anselmo,California 94960
(P) 415-913-9097

James R. Mally, ND
Healing Arts Institute
7525 Auburn Blvd Suite 9
Citrus Heights,California 95661
(P) (916) 725-3999
jmally@healingartsinstitute.com
www.abundanthealth.com

Sherwin Mansubi, ND
Los Gatos Naturopathic Medicine
2577 Samaritan Dr. STE 860
San Jose,California 95124
(P) 408-636-6762
drmansubi@losgatosnaturopathic.com
www.losgatosnaturopathic.com
www.losgatosnaturopathic.com

Charlotte Massey, LAc, ND
Naturopathic Family Health Clinic
141 Camino Alto
Mill Valley,California 94941
(P) 415-381-4600
www.naturalhealthcare.com
Clear Center of Health
125 Throckmorton Avenue
Mill Valley,California 94941
(P) 415-388-5520

Nancy A. Mazur, ND
Desert Naturopathic Medicine
Palm Springs,California 92263
(P) 760-778-8737
nmazurnd@aol.com
www.drnmazur.com

Monique Mazza, ND
3577 4th Ave
San Diego,California 92103
(P) 619-794-0164
drmazza@calnd.org
www.drmazzand.com

Nicola McFadzean, ND, MS
RestorMedicine
1111 Fort Stockton Dr
San Diego,California 92103
(P) 619-546-4065
info@drnicola.com
www.drnicola.com

Melissa N. Metcalfe, ND
Natural Solutions
890 Hampshire Rd. Suite B
Westlake Village,California 91361
(P) 805-374-7363
dr.melissa@naturalsolutions.com
1320 Maricopa Hwy Suite H
Ojai,California 93023
(P) 805-646-5936

Lisa Miller, ND
Dr. Miller\’s Family Tree Medical Center
1368 Lincoln Avenue
San Rafael,California 94901
(P) 415-785-3347
drmiller@famtreemed.com
www.famtreemed.com

Priscilla J. Monroe, ND, RN
5025 J Street #205
Sacramento,California 95819
(P) 916-448-9927

Jaspreet Mundeir, ND
Surat Naturopathic
140 Gregory Lane, Suite 280
Pleasant Hill,California 94523
(P) (925) 812-4990
drjmundeir@gmail.com
suratnaturopathic.com

Coleen Murphy, ND, MSOM
Natural Medicine Works
4200 18th St #203
San Francisco,California 94114
(P) 415-513-7270
drmurphy@natmedworks.com
www.natmedworks.com
Natural Medicine Works
525 South 4th St.
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania 19147
(P) 215-939-1362

Maggie Ney, ND
The Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine
520 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica,California 90401
(P) 310-451-8880
drney@akashacenter.com

Gina Nick, NMD
LTP Natural Medical Center
305 North Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach,California 92651
(P) 949-715-9321
frontdesk@LTPMedical.com
www.LTPMedical.com
DrGina.com
305 North Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach,California 92651
(P) 949-715-9321

Midori Nishida, ND
11695 National Blvd.
Los Angeles,California 90064
(P) 310-481-4467
deiyamato@hotmail.com
906 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale,California 91206
(P) 818-247-7828

Lisa Ow, ND
Salinas Natural Health
680 E. Romie Lane
Salinas,California 93901
(P) 831-771-5500
reception@SalinasNaturalHealth.com
www.SalinasNaturalHealth.com

Karen Peters, ND
East Bay Naturopathic Clinic
514 Kains Ave.
Albany,California 94706
(P) 510-559-3640
drkpeters@gmail.com
www.eastbaynaturedoc.com

Marcus Porrino, ND
Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine
710 West Napa st. #1
Sonoma,California 95476
(P) 707-996-WELL
info@sonomanatmed.com
SonomaNatMed.com

Ellen C. Potthoff, ND, DC
Living Health Center
6528 Parkdale Plaza
Martinez,California 94553
(P) 925-603-7300
natdoc@jps.net
http://pweb.jps.net/~natdoc/

Catherine Rachel Price, NMD
Optima Wellness LLC
Sacramento,California 95831
naturopathix@yahoo.com
www.drcprice.com

Andrea Purcell, ND
Portal To Healing Naturopathic Clinic
1770 Orange Avenue
Costa Mesa,California 92627
(P) 949-722-6797
www.PortalToHealing.com

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. milk thistle—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Milk thistle is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems.

Common Names—milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle. Milk thistle is sometimes called silymarin, which is actually a mixture of the herb’s active components, including silybinin (also called silibinin or silybin).

Latin Name—Silybum marianum

What It Is Used For

Milk thistle is believed to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. Treatment claims also include:

• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
• Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

How It Is Used

Silymarin, which can be extracted from the seeds (fruit) of the milk thistle plant, is believed to be the biologically active part of the herb. The seeds are used to prepare capsules, extracts, and infusions (strong teas).

What the Science Says

• There have been some studies of milk thistle on liver disease in humans, but these have been small. Some promising data have been reported, but study results at this time are mixed.
• Although some studies conducted outside the United States support claims of oral milk thistle to improve liver function, there have been flaws in study design and reporting. To date, there is no conclusive evidence to prove its claimed uses.
• Recent NCCAM-funded research includes a phase II study to better understand the use of milk thistle for chronic hepatitis C. Additional research, cofunded by NCCAM and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, includes studies of milk thistle for chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (liver disease that occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol).
• The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Nursing Research are also studying milk thistle for cancer prevention and to treat complications in HIV patients.

Side Effects and Cautions

• In clinical trials, milk thistle generally has few side effects. Occasionally, people report a laxative effect, upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.
• Milk thistle can produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy).
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects.
Evidence Report/Technology Assessment no. 21. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2000. 01E024.
Also accessible at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/milktsum.htm.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:467-482.
Milk thistle. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 3, 2007.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), silymarin. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 28, 2007.
Milk thistle fruit. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:257-263.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003
Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/ on July 5, 2007.

California Naturopathic Physicians
Thaddeus E. Jacobs, LAc, ND, MSOM
Santa Barbara Center for Natural Medicine
34 E. Sola Street
Santa Barbara,California 93101
(P) 805-966-3003
www.sbcnm.com

Brett D Jacques, ND
Tustin Longevity Center
13422 Newport Ave
Tustin,California 92780
(P) 714-544-1521
drj@tlcmd.net
www.tlcmd.net
Susan Samueli Center
20072 SW Birch St.
Newport Beach,California 92660
(P) 949-824-5763

Julie M. Kahn, LAc, ND, MSOM, MS
Institute for Progressive Medicine
4 Hughes
Irvine,California 92618
(P) 949-600-5100
www.iprogressivemed.com

Jonathan Kalman, ND
Good Old Fashioned Medicine
5694 Mission Center Road
San Diego,California 92108
(P) 619-549-1941
DrJon@PotentFoods.com
www.GoodOldFashionedMedicine.com
Potent Foods
4702 Scholls Ferry Road
Portland,Oregon 97225
(P) 1-877-476-8368

Kannamma Kannan, NMD
San Diego Natural Medicine, LLC
9750 Miramar Road, Suite 210
San Diego,California 92126
(P) (858 )205-5152
kannamma@cox.net
www.sdnaturalmedicine.com

Dr. Dorine Karlin, LAc, ND
Well Being Medical Center
900 Wilshire Blvd. #314
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
(P) 310-395-0077
info@wellbeingmc.com
www.wellbeingmc.com

Evie Katahdin, LAc, ND, MSOM
Evie Katahdin, ND, LAc
4121 Westerly Place
Newport Beach,California 92660
(P) 949-660-1399
drkatahdin@yahoo.com
www.drkatahdin.com

Elizabeth Korza, ND
Berkeley Integrative and Naturopathic Medical Group
2615 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley,California 94705
(P) 510-845-8600
drkorza@berkeley-naturopathic.com
www.berkeley-naturopathic.com
Be Well Naturally
470 Carolina Street
San Francisco,California 94107
(P) 415-637-7759

Sally LaMont, LAc, ND
300 Tamal Plaza
Corte Madera,California 94925
(P) 415-927-9450
sally@naturodoctor.com
www.naturodoctor.com

Elizabeth Jordanna Large
Elizabeth Large, ND
147 Lomita Dr. Ste. B
Mill Valley,California 94941
(P) 415-939-2504
www.lunamedicine.com

Anita M Larrow
Anita M. Larrow, ND
Novato,California 94947
(P) 415.912.9934
anita@drlarrownd.com
www.drlarrownd.com

Judy Lee, ND
Judy M. Lee N.D.
280 W. Hamilton Ave
Campbell,California 95008
(P) 408-588-0577
docjlee@sbcglobal.net
leenaturopathic.com

Jacob Leone, ND
SF On Call Medical Group
490 Post Street
san francisco,California 94102
(P) 415-732-7029
drleone@sfoncall.com
www.sfoncall.com

Marin On Call Medical Group
25 Evergreen Avenue, Suite 6
Mill Valley,California 94941
(P) 415-383-5622

Tara Levy, ND
Tara Natural Medicine
2342 Almond Avenue
Concord,California 94520
(P) 925-602-0582
drlevy@taranaturalmedicine.com
www.taranaturalmedicine.com
Oakland,California 94609
(P) 925-602-0582

Amanda Lien, ND
Amanda Lien ND
3862 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland,California 94611
(P) 510-601-0500
dramlien@yahoo.com

Anja Lindblad, ND
Creekside Clinic for Natural Medicine
1756 Lacassie Ave. Ste. 102
Walnut Creek,California 94596
(P) 925-939-0300
2602 Old 1st Street
Livermore,California 94551

Holly Lucille, ND, RN
Healing From Within Healthcare
6399 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles,California 90048
(P) 323-658-9151
donoharm@core.com
www.allheallucille.com

John Lynch, ND
John Lynch ND
7222 Owensmouth Ave. #100
Canoga Park,California 91303
(P) 818-222-2037
GetWell979@yahoo.com
www.johnlynchnd.com

Todd A. Maderis, ND, MSOM
Marin Natural Medicine Clinic
131 Camino Alto, Suite F
Mill Valley,California 94941
(P) 415.381.3888
info@marinnaturalmedicine.com
www.marinnaturalmedicine.com

Luc M Maes, ND, DHANP, DC
Maes Center for Natural Health Care
9 E Mission Street
Santa Barbara,California 93101
(P) 805-563-8660
doctor@maescenter.com
maescenter.com

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about licorice root—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid). Licorice has a long history of medicinal use in both Eastern and Western systems of medicine.

Common Names—licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan zao (Chinese licorice)

Latin Names—Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice)

What It Is Used For

Licorice root has been used as a dietary supplement for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.

How It Is Used

• Peeled licorice root is available in dried and powdered forms.
• Licorice root is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
• Licorice can be found with glycyrrhizin removed; the product is called DGL (for “deglycyrrhizinated licorice”).

What the Science Says

• A review of several clinical trials found that glycyrrhizin might reduce complications from hepatitis C in some patients. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm that glycyrrhizin has this effect.
• There are not enough reliable data to determine whether licorice is effective for stomach ulcers.

Side Effects and Cautions

• In large amounts, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products are thought to cause fewer side effects.
• The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than 4 to 6 weeks has not been thoroughly studied.
• Taking licorice together with diuretics (water pills) or other medicines that reduce the body’s potassium levels could cause dangerously low potassium levels.
• People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice.
• When taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body’s levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone.
• Pregnant women should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could increase the risk of preterm labor.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc on July 12, 2007.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York,
NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:391-399.
Licorice. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 12, 2007.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 12, 2007.
Licorice root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:233-239.

<strong>California Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Jon Dunn, ND
North County Naturopathic Health Care
700 Garden View Court
Encinitas,California 92024
(P) 760-632-1665
Jon@DrJonDunn.com
www.DrJonDunn.com

Pamela Durgin, ND
12144 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90066
(P) (310) 397-6001

David R. Field, LAc, ND
46 Doctors Park Dr.
Santa Rosa,California 95405
(P) 707-576-7388
www.doctordavidfield.com

Micaela Finlayson, ND
Natural Roots Medicine
2769 W Broadway Street
Los Angeles,California 90041
(P) 818-484-5185 Alt: 323-256-6443
miki@naturalrootsmedicine.com
www.Naturalrootsmedicine.com

Bianca Maria Garilli, ND
OC Natural Medical Practice
27405 Puerta Real, Ste 150
Mission Viejo,California 92691
(P) 949-350-1199
info@ocnmp.com
www.ocnmp.com

Dennis Godby
Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center
2530 “J” Street, Suite 100
Sacramento,California 95816
(P) 916-446-2591
www.drgodbynd.com

Moses D. Goldberg, ND
Integrative Medical Clinic
Santa Rosa,California 95403
(P) 707-284-9200
docmosesnd@yahoo.com
www.docmoses.com
Phoenix WellCare
3417 Valley Verde
Napa,California 94558
(P) 707-255-4172

Pamela Gould
1029 3rd St.
Santa Rosa,California 95404
(P) 707-486-1964

David Graves, ND
Family ND, Naturopathic Medicine
2435 Forest Ave.
San Jose,California 95128
(P) 408-230-3320
gravesnd@gmail.com
www.familynd.com

Mischa Grieder, ND
San Francisco Preventive Medical Group
345 West Portal Ave
San Francisco,California 94127
(P) 415-566-1000
drgrieder@swisshealing.com
www.sfpmg.com

Bronner M Handwerger, ND
Integrative Health Solutions
3268 Governor Drive
San Diego ,California 92122
(P) 1-858-254-5433
www.docbron.com

Carl S. Hangee-Bauer, LAc, ND, MA
San Francisco Natural Medicine
1615 20th St.
San Francisco,California 94107
(P) 415-643-6600
Carl@SFnatmed.com
www.sfnatmed.com

Cecilia Hart, ND
Berkeley Integrative & Naturopathic Medical Group
2615 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley,California 94705
(P) (510) 499-2297
OfficeManager@drceciliahart.com
www.drceciliahart.com

Connie S. Hernandez, ND, MPH, MA
Pacific Naturopathic
4153-B El Camino Way
Palo Alto,California 94306
(P) 650-857-0226
pacnat@earthlink.net
www.pacificnaturopathic.com
Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center
P.O. Box 510
Honokaa,Hawaii 96727
(P) 808-775-1505

Marcel J Hernandez, ND, MA
Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center
47-4628 Waipio Road
Honokaa,Hawaii 96727
(P) 808-775-1505
hawaiind@BigIsland.net
naturopathicretreatcenter.com
Pacific Naturopathic Clinic
4153-B El Camino Way
Palo Alto,California 94306
(P) 650-857-0226

David Hogg, ND
Naturopathic Wisdom
1101 S. Winchester Blvd
San Jose,California 95128
(P) 408-297-6877
drdavid@naturally4health.com
www.naturally4health.com

Kasia Hopewell, ND
Hopewell Naturopathic Family Medicine
1601 El Camino Real
Belmont,California 94002
(P) 650-591-WELL (9355)
www.hopewellmedicine.com

Belinda Icenhower, ND
Holistic Elements
704 Forest Ave Ste D
Pacific Grove,California 93950
(P) 831-648-8048
dricenhower@ndaccess.com
www.holisticelementsnmc.com
Home visit
Monterey,California 93940

Darin Ingels, ND
New England Family Health Associates
2425 Post Road, Ste. 100
Southport,Connecticut 06890
(P) 203-254-9957
nefha@nefha.com
www.nefha.com
New England Family Health Associates
851 Fremont Avenue, Ste. 104
Los Altos,California 98024
(P) 650-229-1010

Christian Issels, NMD
Issels Medical Center
5464 Carpenteria Ave
Carpenteria,California 93013
(P) 805-566-2126
www.drissels.com