The Root of Liquorice, Marshmallow & Glycine

Benefits of Deglycyrrhizinised Liquorice Extract (DGL)

Hormone balance	DGL has been used traditionally by women to balance hormones during menstruation and menopause.
Respiratory system	DGL is believed to ease sore throats and treat ulcers as well as respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
Acid reflux	Some researchers recommend DGL as an acid reflux treatment. DGL can promote mucus production which is essential in protecting tissue from acid in the stomach and allowing it to heal.
Heartburn	DGL could provide relief from heartburn
Fatigue	DGL was originally used for adrenal support as well so DGL can help with fatigue.

Risks of Deglycyrrhizinised Liquorice Extract (DGL)

DGL should not be taken with diuretics, corticosteroids or other medication that lowers the body’s potassium
Pregnant women should not take DGL extract

Those with heart disease and high blood pressure should be cautious when taking DGL

(however, is does not pose as much of a risk as glycyrrhizinised liquorice) DGL is less likely to interact with other medications than normal liquorice extract

Benefits of Marshmallow Root

Coughs and colds	Marshmallow root could relieve coughs from colds and bronchitis. It seems to act as an enzyme to loosen mucous and inhibit bacteria. Marshmallow root could help reduced irritation in the throat.
Skin irritation	Marshmallow root is anti-inflammatory so could reduce skin inflammation caused by furunculosis, eczema, and dermatitis (an ointment containing 20% marshmallow extract is recommended, it is important to carry out a patch test).
Wound healing	Marshmallow root is antibacterial and is most effective against gram positive bacteria (commonly develop in antibiotic-resistant bacteria). Marshmallow root could speed up healing and reduce inflammation.
Skin health	It could improve the appearance to skin exposed to UV light.
Pain relief	Studies have shown that marshmallow root could act as an analgesic particularly for conditions that cause irritation (e.g. a sore throat).
Diuretic	Marshmallow root could help to flush out excess fluid, cleansing the bladder and kidney. It can also reduce irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract.
Digestion	Marshmallow root could help to treat constipation, heartburn and intestinal colic as well as stomach ulcers.
Gut lining repair	It could reduce irritation and inflammation in the gut lining but creatin a protective layer of tissue on the lining of the digestive tract and promoting cell regeneration.
Heart health	It could potentially help treat lipemia, platelet aggregation and inflammation and these are sometimes associated with cardiovascular disease. Marshmallow root may increase HDL levels, reducing cholesterol and decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis and therefore, other heart conditions.
Antioxidant	Marshmallow root could act as an antioxidant and protect against free radical damage.
Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia)	Xerostomia can increase cavaties, gum disease and dental infection. The cause can be antihistamines, blood pressure medication, neurological problems or autoimmune diseases. Marshmallow root lozenges could help to improve this.

Risks of Marshmallow Extract

Stomach upset
Dizziness
Should only be taken for 4 weeks at a time
Could cause skin irritation (carry out a patch test first)
Has been found to interact with lithium and diabetes drugs
It may coat the stomach and interfere with the absorption of some medication
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take marshmallow root
Diabetics should not take marshmallow root

Those scheduled to have surgery within two weeks should not take marshmallow root

Benefits of L-Glycine

Glutathione production	Glycine (along with two other amino acids) is required to make glutathione which is important in protecting cells against oxidative damage from free radicals, protecting against oxidative stress. Supplementing glycine is particularly beneficial when we age as glutathione levels fall.
Creatine	Glycine is one of three amino acids required to make creatine which is a compound that provides muscles with energy to perform short bursts of activity. Creatine may also be beneficial for bone health, brain function, and neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s).
Collagen production	Glycine is the main amino acid in collagen (the most abundant protein in the body). Collagen provides strength for muscles, skin, cartilage, bones, blood and ligaments.
Sleep quality	Glycine can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, enhance sleep quality, lessen daytime sleepiness and improve cognition as it has a calming effect on the brain.
Liver health	Glycine could prevent alcohol-induced liver damage as it can prevent inflammation and stimulate the metabolism of alcohol by the stomach instead of the liver (prevents the development of fatty liver and alcoholic cirrhosis-when liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue). Glycine could even reverse liver damage as it may improve the recovery process.
Heart	It may protect against heart disease as it can reduce cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. It may also improve the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide which increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure.
Type 2 diabetes	Glycine may improve insulin response and higher levels of glycine have been linked to lower glycine levels.
Muscle loss	Glycine has been found to stimulate muscle growth which is particularly beneficial in preventing muscle wasting which is caused by ageing, malnutrition or when the body is under stress (for example, with cancer or severe burns).