Why Should One Avoid Black Licorice When On Heart Medications?

When you hear licorice, the first thing that may come to your mind is the long black ropes of licorice or black jelly beans; however, while they are called licorice, the majority of these candy products do not contain any actual licorice at all. They are really flavored by another spice known as anise oil that has a flavor and fragrance similar to licorice. While anise oil, according to the University of Michigan Health System, has no known interactions with other foods or medications, actual licorice does have side effects and can interact with a variety of heart medications. Before consuming actual licorice or using it for its medicinal properties, you should consult with your physician.

Licorice

Licorice is a natural spice used to flavor foods, beverages and tobacco and comes from the licorice plant, known as Glycyrrhiza. The three types of licorice are based on where they come from and are American licorice, or Glycyrrhiza lepidota, Chinese licorice, or Glycyrrhiza, and European licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra. The various species of licorice and its root have been used as a spice as well as medicinally for thousands of years. It has been used to treat the following conditions: asthma, lung and respiratory ailments as well as digestive issues, such as heartburn and colic, fever, osteoarthritis, lupus, malaria tuberculosis and food poisoning. True licorice does, however, interact with a variety of medications and has some possible side effects.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, or ACE, Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors, or antihypertensive drugs, are prescribed by your physician to help relax blood vessels by blocking an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. They are prescribed to patients with a history of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure and heart attacks. Some common ACE inhibitors include benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril and quinapril. According to the National Institutes of Health, licorice naturally increases blood pressure, so taking these medications while consuming licorice can decrease their effectiveness.

Diuretics

Diuretics, such as Lasix, are designed to reduce the amount of salt and water in your body to reduce the volume of blood the heart must pump; as a result, blood pressure is reduced. Unfortunately, many of these diuretics also reduce the level of potassium in your body and can result in a condition known as hypokalemia. Licorice can naturally cause a reduction in your potassium level. Consumption of licorice while taking diuretics can reduce your potassium to dangerously low levels.

Blood Thinners

Medications such as warfarin, or Coumadin, are prescribed to slow the clotting process within the blood. It is prescribed to patients who have suffered a heart attack, have replacement heart valves or irregular heartbeats to reduce the risks of blood clots. Licorice acts as a natural blood thinner. Taking licorice while on warfarin can increase your risks of bruising and bleeding.

Considerations

If licorice is a regular part of your diet, consult with your physician regarding your medications and possible interactions. Licorice on its own also can cause cardiac complications. A 2007 study published in "Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde" discussed the high consumption of licorice tea in the Netherlands and its connection to hypertension. The study showed that consumption of licorice tea, as little as a cup per day, significantly increased blood pressure. While licorice does have medicinal benefits, it does have potential side effects and interactions that you need to discuss with your physician. As for the black licorice candy, check the ingredients to see if there actually is real licorice in it.