Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Balance Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ortho Molecular Products

Balance label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Balance against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Balance is a dietary supplement by Ortho Molecular Products with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat and cough, heartburn and stomach upset, mouth ulcers and digestive complaints.Based on those ingredients, 1,142 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Licorice root extract, White Peony root extract, Chaste berry extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Balance by Ortho Molecular Products

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Balance by Ortho Molecular Products — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Balance by Ortho Molecular Products

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Balance contains three active plant extracts: licorice root, white peony root, and chaste berry (also called vitex). Licorice root has been used traditionally to support skin health and digestive comfort.

White peony root and chaste berry are included for their traditional roles in hormonal and systemic balance. The product also contains inactive ingredients: vegetable capsules, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and calcium silicate.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Licorice) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Canker sores — rated "Possibly Effective" (Licorice) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Mastalgia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitex Agnus-castus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitex Agnus-castus) (Natural Medicines).

Licorice root is possibly effective for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and canker sores, but evidence is insufficient for asthma and Addison disease support. White peony has insufficient evidence for all the conditions we have data on—aging skin, anal fissures, atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, cirrhosis, and migraines.

Chaste berry is possibly effective for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and breast tenderness (mastalgia), but possibly ineffective for fractures, and evidence is insufficient for PMDD, aging skin, and anxiety.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Licorice Peony Vitex Agnus-castus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Licorice root is generally well tolerated in food amounts, but high doses or long-term use of the active compound glycyrrhizin can cause serious problems. The most common side effects from oral licorice are headache, nausea, and vomiting; topical use may cause contact dermatitis.

White peony is generally well tolerated short-term, but safety data are limited; common side effects include abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Chaste berry is generally well tolerated, though it may cause diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irregular periods, nausea, and stomach pain.

All three ingredients should be avoided in pregnancy, and none have adequate safety data for breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Licorice Peony Vitex Agnus-castus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Peony, Licorice, Vitex Agnus-castus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,143 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before taking if you use digoxin (heart medication), warfarin or other blood thinners, birth control pills or estrogen therapy, seizure medications like phenytoin, antipsychotics like clozapine, metoclopramide (anti-nausea), dopamine agonists, chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel or cisplatin, midazolam (sedative), or any drug metabolized by your liver's CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, or CYP3A4 enzymes. All documented interactions are Moderate severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Balance may appeal to people seeking support for hormonal balance or skin health, but its three ingredients carry multiple interactions with heart, blood-thinner, seizure, antipsychotic, birth control, and other medications. If you take any prescription drugs—especially digoxin, warfarin, or any hormone-based medication—check your medications with the tool below before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor first, and avoid this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Balance, straight from the product label.

Brand Ortho Molecular Products
Barcode (UPC) 615033005788
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 23, 2018
DSLD ID 174658
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult Female (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Balance by Ortho Molecular Products, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
615033005788
IngredientAmount% DV
Licorice root extract200 mg--
White Peony root extract200 mg--
Chaste berry extract20 mg--

Other ingredients: natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Silicate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated To Be Free Of Allergens Derived From: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Precautions

Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician for further information.

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used. Please read the ingredient panel carefully prior to ingestion. Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner-seal is missing or damaged.

Do not accept if label shows signs of tampering

Storage

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

General

Product #578060 Label ID L-OMP100-578060-M V5

Seals/Symbols

Vcaps

General Statements

Learn more

Professional Strength: Not for sale through Amazon.com

Brand IP Statement(s)

VitaSecure

Because efficacy matters

Formula

Women's health

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Balance by Ortho Molecular Products label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Balance label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Balance by Ortho Molecular Products

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Licorice root extract

Interacts with
1,040 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Glycyrrhizin Complex

Licorice root is a traditional remedy used for sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints, but solid human evidence is limited for most uses. Regu...

Licorice root extract monograph & interactions

White Peony root extract

Interacts with
811 drugs
200 mg per serving

Peony root is a traditional Chinese medicine herb often used for menstrual problems, cramps, and inflammation, frequently as part of combination formu...

White Peony root extract monograph & interactions

Chaste berry extract

Interacts with
121 drugs
20 mg per serving

Vitex (chasteberry) is an herbal remedy most often used for PMS and menstrual cycle problems, and the strongest evidence is for easing some PMS sympto...

Chaste berry extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Silicate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Balance by Ortho Molecular Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Balance?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,142Drugs
1,140 Moderate 2 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Licorice root extract 1,040
White Peony root extract 811
Chaste berry extract 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Balance interact with 1,142 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Balance interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Licorice root extract White Peony root extract Chaste berry extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Balance with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Licorice root extract18 drug types · 1,040 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
In human research, licorice increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of cisplatin.
In animal research, licorice diminished the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Corticosteroids

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice and corticosteroids might increase the side effects of corticosteroids.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of licorice and oral corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can potentiate the duration of activity and increase blood levels of corticosteroids. Additionally, in one case report, a patient with neurogenic orthostatic hypertension stabilized on fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily developed pseudohyperaldosteronism after recent consumption of large amounts of black licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that licorice extract and glabridin, a licorice constituent, inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes. Licorice extract from the species G. uralensis seems to inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes to a greater degree than G. glabra extract in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6; however, these interactions have not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro, licorice extracts from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibit CYP2C19 isoenzymes in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro, licorice extract from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibits CYP2C8 isoenzymes. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of licorice on CYP2C9 enzyme activity. In vitro research shows that extracts from the licorice species G. glabra and G. uralensis moderately inhibit CYP2C9 isoenzymes. However, evidence from an animal model shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis can induce hepatic CYP2C9 activity. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP2C9 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity. However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Overuse or misuse of licorice with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Overuse of licorice might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In one case report, a 72-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, stroke, and hepatic dysfunction was hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension due to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This was thought to be provoked by concomitant daily consumption of a product containing 225 mg of glycyrrhizin, a constituent of licorice, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for 1 month.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen therapy.
Theoretically, licorice might interfere with estrogen therapy due to estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Loop Diuretics

Theoretically, loop diuretics might increase the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.
Theoretically, loop diuretics might enhance the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice by inhibiting the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone; however, bumetanide (Bumex) does not appear to have this effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease levels of midazolam.
In humans, the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin appears to moderately induce the metabolism of midazolam. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 by licorice. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of paclitaxel.
Multiple doses of licorice taken concomitantly with paclitaxel might reduce the effectiveness of paclitaxel. Animal research shows that licorice 3 grams/kg given orally for 14 days before intravenous administration of paclitaxel decreases the exposure to paclitaxel and increases its clearance. Theoretically, this occurs because licorice induces cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, which metabolize paclitaxel. Notably, a single dose of licorice did not affect exposure or clearance of paclitaxel.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Licorice seems to increase metabolism and decrease levels of warfarin in animal models. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism by licorice. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid taking licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of methotrexate.
Animal research suggests that intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin, a licorice constituent, and high-dose methotrexate may delay methotrexate excretion and increase systemic exposure, leading to transient elevations in liver enzymes and total bilirubin. This interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Licorice root extract full monograph & interactions

White Peony root extract7 drug types · 811 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, combining peony with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that peony might have antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, peony might increase the levels and clinical effects of clozapine.
In vitro research shows that peony suppresses the metabolism of clozapine via weak-to-moderate inhibitory effects on cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A2 and CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, peony might interfere with contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro and animal research shows that peony extract has estrogenic activity. Concomitant use might also increase the risk for estrogen-related adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, use of peony may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that peony suppresses the metabolism of clozapine via weak-to-moderate inhibitory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, use of peony may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that peony suppresses the metabolism of clozapine via weak-to-moderate inhibitory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of peony might interfere with hormone replacement therapy and/or increase the risk for estrogen-related adverse effects.
In vitro and animal research shows that peony extract has estrogenic activity. Theoretically, peony might compete for estrogen receptors and/or cause additive estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, peony might reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking peony root reduces levels of phenytoin. Some researchers suggest that peony root might affect cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, which metabolizes phenytoin. However, preliminary research in humans shows that peony root does not alter levels of losartan (Cozaar), which is also metabolized by CYP2C9.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
White Peony root extract full monograph & interactions

Chaste berry extract5 drug types · 121 drugs

Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with the activity of antipsychotic drugs.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as antipsychotic drugs due to its dopamine agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with oral contraceptives.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives due to possible hormone modulating activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dopamine Agonists

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with dopamine agonists.
Vitex agnus-castus might potentiate the actions of dopaminergic agonists due to possible dopaminergic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with the activity of estrogens.
Vitex agnus-castus has hormone modulating activity that can interfere with the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Theoretically, dopaminergic effects of vitex agnus-castus could interfere with metoclopramide.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as metoclopramide due to its possible dopaminergic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chaste berry extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Balance, from the product label.

Ortho Molecular Products

See all Ortho Molecular Products products
Name
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
Street Address
1991 Duncan Place
City
Woodstock
State
IL
ZipCode
60098
Web Address
OrthoMolecularProducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Balance by Ortho Molecular Products: Common Questions

Does Balance by Ortho Molecular Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Balance has a known interaction with 1,142 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Balance contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is chaste berry used for in this product?
Chaste berry (vitex) is included for its traditional role in hormonal balance. It's possibly effective for premenstrual syndrome and breast tenderness, though evidence for other uses is insufficient or not yet established.
Can I take Balance if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Licorice root is unsafe in pregnancy—the active compound glycyrrhizin has been linked to harmful effects. White peony is possibly unsafe in pregnancy, and chaste berry is possibly unsafe during pregnancy and lactation. All three lack adequate safety data for breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
What are the most common side effects?
From licorice: headache, nausea, and vomiting. From peony: abdominal bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite—diarrhea occurred in about 5% of people in one study. From chaste berry: diarrhea, fatigue, headache, irregular periods, nausea, and stomach pain. Skin irritation has also been reported with chaste berry.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
All three ingredients are processed by your liver and can slow or speed up how your body breaks down certain drugs. Licorice and peony affect multiple liver enzyme systems (CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and others), and all three have hormone-like effects that can interfere with birth control, estrogen, and dopamine-related medications.
Is licorice root safe to take long-term?
Licorice is generally fine in small amounts found in food, but high doses or long-term use of licorice supplements—especially those containing glycyrrhizin—can cause serious problems. The product facts advise caution; talk to your pharmacist about how long is safe for you.
What skin conditions does this help?
Licorice root is possibly effective for eczema (atopic dermatitis) and canker sores. Evidence for the other ingredients on aging skin is insufficient. If you have a skin condition, discuss with your doctor whether Balance is right for you and how it fits with any other treatments.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Balance label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Balance’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Licorice

Interacts with 1,040 drugs

Licorice root is a traditional remedy used for sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints, but solid human evidence is limited for most uses. Regular licorice contains glycyrrhizin, whic...

Read the full Licorice monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Peony

Interacts with 811 drugs

Peony root is a traditional Chinese medicine herb often used for menstrual problems, cramps, and inflammation, frequently as part of combination formulas. Human evidence for most uses is lim...

Read the full Peony monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitex Agnus-castus

Interacts with 121 drugs

Vitex (chasteberry) is an herbal remedy most often used for PMS and menstrual cycle problems, and the strongest evidence is for easing some PMS symptoms. It is generally well tolerated by ma...

Read the full Vitex Agnus-castus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Balance's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 130 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Licorice 92 references
  1. Farese RV Jr, Biglieri EG, Shackleton CH, et al. Licorice-induced hypermineralocorticoidism. N Engl J Med 1991;325:1223-7. PubMed
  2. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Ragnarsson J, Franzson L, Sigurdsson G. Is blood pressure commonly raised by moderate consumption of liquorice? J Hum Hypertens 1995;9:345-8.
  3. Armanini D, Lewicka S, Pratesi C, et al. Further studies on the mechanism of the mineralocorticoid action of licorice in humans. J Endocrinol Invest 1996;19:624-9. PubMed
  4. Zhang YD, Lorenzo B, Reidenberg MM. Inhibition of 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase obtained from guinea pig kidney by furosemide, naringenin and some other compounds. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1994;49:81-5.
  5. Strandberg TE, Jarvenpaa AL, Vanhanen H, McKeigue PM. Birth outcome in relation to licorice consumption during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:1085-8. PubMed
  6. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Franzson L, Manhem K, et al. Liquorice-induced rise in blood pressure: a linear dose-response relationship. J Hum Hypertens 2001;15:549-52. PubMed
  7. Amato P, Christophe S, Mellon PL. Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause 2002;9:145-50. PubMed
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Vitex Agnus-castus 23 references
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