Licorice, often used for medicinal purposes, can raise blood pressure levels due to the compound glycyrrhizin. Long-term use can lead to pseudoaldosteronism, causing health problems. Medicinal licorice is safe in small amounts, but black licorice candy can also raise blood pressure. Those taking certain medications or undergoing surgery should avoid licorice.
Licorice comes from the root of the legume called Glycyrrhiza glabra. While it’s often thought of as a type of candy or flavoring, people also use it for medicinal purposes and in some tobacco products. When taking or eating licorice, users should inform themselves about potential side effects. The relationship between licorice and blood pressure is potentially dangerous, as it can raise blood pressure levels when taken regularly over periods of time.
The compound glycyrrhizin underlies the adverse interaction between licorice and blood pressure. When a person eats or takes licorice every day for several weeks, the excess glycyrrhizin builds up in the body. This can lead to pseudoaldosteronism, a condition that leads to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure or high blood pressure. Once licorice consumption stops, blood pressure often returns to normal within a few weeks.
Medicinal licorice comes in several forms, such as dried root, licorice extracts, or in pill form. They can be helpful in treating ailments such as colds, asthma, indigestion, and stomach ulcers. An intake of 0.11 ounces (about 0.31 grams) per day is generally safe for adults, however, problems with medicinal licorice and blood pressure arise with long-term use for those taking an ounce (about 28 grams) or more per day. People who currently have high blood pressure may experience an increase in blood pressure when they take 0.18 ounces (about 5 grams) per day. Additionally, other related problems can arise, such as headaches and an increased risk of heart disease.
Black licorice is a candy sold in most grocery and candy stores. The relationship between black licorice and blood pressure is also negative and potentially dangerous, particularly for people who have pre-existing hypertension and are middle-aged. Eating large amounts on a daily basis can cause blood pressure to rise in people who consume this candy for more than a week.
People who are taking certain medications such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or diuretics should not take licorice to avoid negative interactions, including problems with high blood pressure. Women using oral contraceptives can also develop high blood pressure if they take licorice for extended periods. During surgery, licorice supplements can increase the risk of blood pressure-related problems. For scheduled surgeries, licorice intake should stop two weeks before the surgery date, or sooner if advised by the surgeon.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
