Licorice Side Effects

When it comes to the plant licorice, I believe many people are familiar with it. Licorice is a root that has a slightly sweet taste, hence the name licorice. In addition, licorice is a plant with high health benefits and has very good therapeutic effects on diseases such as cough and oral ulcers. However, it is said that taking too much licorice can also bring certain side effects. So what are the side effects of licorice?

The side effects of licorice are relatively small compared to other drugs. As long as you don’t take an overdose, the side effects are generally very small. However, if you need to take a larger amount, it is best to consult a doctor in advance before taking it. Below I will give you a detailed answer to the question of what are the side effects of licorice.

Licorice Side Effects

Licorice Overview

Licorice is a leguminous plant native to Asia and some parts of Europe. The root of this plant has a sweet taste, hence its name. In addition to being used as a sweetener in candies, licorice has a wide range of health benefits. The ancient Greeks and Romans were well aware of the plant’s therapeutic uses. This herb was mentioned in the medical texts of Hippocrates, and its rhizomes were also used in ancient China to treat various ailments.

Licorice's benefits include treating coughs, stomach ulcers, mouth ulcers, ileitis, leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease. Today, licorice extract is available in both solid and liquid forms. Its main ingredient is glycyrrhizic acid, which is also the reason why licorice tastes sweet.

Licorice Side Effects

It is thought that licorice side effects are caused by consuming too high a dose. Some of the unavoidable impacts include:

1. Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice extract can cause a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, which is characterized by high levels of a hormone called aldosterone in the body. Normally, this hormone helps balance potassium and sodium levels in the body. High levels of this hormone can block sodium excretion and cause potassium to be excreted in the urine, leading to increased blood pressure and muscle damage. Loss of potassium can cause the heart and muscles to function abnormally. It also causes water retention, resulting in edema.

2. According to a 2008 EU report, excessive use of licorice can lead to increased blood pressure, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches, swelling, and decreased testosterone levels in men.

3. It is also believed that excessive use of licorice by pregnant women can cause heavy bleeding and even lead to premature birth.

4. There are also reports showing that long-term use of licorice can cause side effects such as abnormal weight gain.

People with high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or liver and menstrual problems should avoid licorice. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as men with sexual dysfunction, should also avoid this herb. People who are using angiotensin inhibitors and diuretic medications (such as aspirin, digoxin, corticosteroids, insulin, oral contraceptives, and laxatives) should also avoid licorice.

Although, consuming candies containing licorice extract is not considered harmful, excessive consumption can also have side effects. Therefore, in order to ensure your own health, it is best to consult a doctor before using licorice products and health supplements.

Suitable for

1. Suitable for patients with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, neurasthenia, bronchial asthma, and thrombophlebitis. 2. Do not take this medicine if you suffer from dampness blocking the middle part of your body, nausea, or edema.

After reading the detailed answer to the question above about what are the side effects of licorice, I believe many friends have a general understanding of the role and efficacy of licorice. The side effects of licorice mainly include edema, which can lead to premature birth in pregnant women and even cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and headache. Therefore, when taking this type of medicine, it is best to consult a doctor in advance and never take it on your own, otherwise it may cause life-threatening danger.