The heart pumps blood into the arteries, which then carry blood to all parts of the body. As blood from the heart flows through the arteries, it exerts a force called blood pressure against the arterial walls. When the force against the arterial walls is high enough that it may lead to health problems, it is referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension. Licorice can cause hypertension.
Prevalence
Hypertension is a condition that can affect anyone. Children and adults can acquire this disorder, however, the American Heart association reports that African Americans, people that are obese, heavy drinkers, middle-aged individuals and the elderly are more likely to have hypertension. Individuals who have kidney problems, gout or diabetes mellitus frequently have hypertension as well.
Complications
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that hypertension itself does not have any symptoms. It may constrict the arteries that supply the brain and heart with blood. This can then cause a stroke or heart attack. In hypertension, the blood vessels in the kidneys can get narrow or weak. Because of this, kidney failure, another complication of hypertension can occur. Vision loss as a result of torn blood vessels in the eyes is also a possible effect of hypertension.
Types
There are two types of hypertension--primary and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension develops over years and has no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension occurs suddenly and has identifiable causes. It could be caused by disease, medications or herbs like licorice.
.
About Licorice
Licorice is a herb that grows in areas such as Turkey and Asia. The roots and underground stems of this plant are used to make licorice supplements. Licorice is available as dry powder, liquid extracts, capsules and tablets. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia notes that licorice is used to treat digestive problems such as heartburn, chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers and colic. It is also used for conditions such as tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, liver problems, malaria and osteoarthritis.
Licorice and Hypertension
An increase in the amount of blood in the body or blood volume can cause hypertension. Long-term consumption of licorice may induce the body to retain salt and water and this could in turn cause blood volume to go up. Consequently, blood pressure rises and hypertension occurs. Licorice has this effect, because it contains a substance called glycyrrhizin that creates a condition in which the kidneys are stimulated to retain more sodium and water.
