Licorice or licorice root is sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Those include treating stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, infertility, fatigue, arthritis, infections, viruses and many other conditions. It can be taken in liquid or powder form in tablets, be made into a tea or used as a tincture or extract. There have not been enough studies to determine how effective licorice is in treating medical conditions. However, what is known is that it should not be taken by those with heart disease. There are various ingredients in licorice that can make heart conditions worse.
High Blood Pressure
Licorice may be safe for healthy individuals when it is taken in small doses, short term. However, taking 30 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause many serious side effects including a rise in blood pressure, Medline Plus warns. Patients with high blood pressure or at risk for high blood pressure, can develop problems with as little as 5 grams or even when using licorice-flavored products. Given this, licorice is not recommended for those with or at risk of high blood pressure.
Heart Failure
Some forms of licorice contain glycyrrhiza as the active ingredient. Glycyrrhiza is known to cause water retention, which can lead to swelling and edema in various areas of the body. This is especially dangerous for those with congestive heart failure, as it can cause even more accumulation of fluid around the heat and lungs, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Heart failure patients should not take licorice, and even healthy individuals should not consume this herb for more than four to six weeks.
Irregular Heartbeats
The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recommends checking with a health care provider before taking licorice because it is known to cause a drop in potassium levels in the body. Potassium is an electrolyte that has many functions in the body including controlling heart rate. When potassium levels get too low, the heart rate may become irregular. In severe cases this can lead to a heart attack, and it can paralyze the lungs. A blood test can be performed to detect levels of potassium in the body, so steps can be taken to raise the level if it is low.
Interactions with Heart Medications
Because licorice can negatively interact with many medications, the Cleveland Clinic suggests avoiding it if taking prescription medications such as blood thinners, diuretics or others for any reason, including treating heart disease. When taken at the same time, licorice can make medications less effective, which can increase the risk of complications.
