I think the problem with taking alternative therapies is their unreliability.  How would you know how much licorice to consume to get "x" amount of salt retaining qualities out of the stuff and would one piece of licorice be the same as the next?  One brand to another must have different levels of real licorice.  Unless you could get tablets.  To my mind there would be no difference in taking that or the florinef.  Atleast you would get a consistent and guaranteed dose of the stuff with florinef.  To my mind if your child is not prescribed florinef, then you should not be playing around with alterntive’s to it really.  I am sure there is a legitimate reason why some kids don;t need it and taking licorice may just cause high blood pressure in some children and growth problems.

I’d avoid it in pregnancy calso as it could cause water retention if it REALLY has any qualities similar to aldosterone.  That and blood pressure probs.

Your also at risk of premature babies and early labour with it... it is a common occurence in Europe in fact where they consume more licorice.