Licorice root carries a strong flavor that provides the popular ingredient in candy, as well as some cigarettes and tobacco products. Licorice also has a long history as a medicinal herb that may provide some health benefits, as well as causing certain side effects. While licorice may affect your adrenal glands, there is no evidence or indication that this herb alters the function of your salivary glands. Consult your doctor before taking licorice to treat a medical condition.
Herbal Remedy
Licorice is a common ingredient in many herbal remedies. People use licorice to treat a variety of conditions, including peptic ulcers, canker sores, eczema, dyspepsia and upper respiratory infections, although additional research is necessary to provide conclusive evidence regarding the benefits of any of these. Like many herbal remedies, licorice can cause side effects, such as edema, muscle pain and numbness in your extremities.
Adrenal Hormones
Some types of licorice contain glycyrrhizin, a substance that can cause pseudoaldosteronism, a condition that causes you to develop sensitivity to your adrenal hormones. According to Creighton University Medical Center, glycyrrhetinic acid may affect your adrenal response by inhibiting the enzyme that is responsible for metabolizing certain steroids. This action may result in mineralocorticoid excess, a syndrome that can cause an increase in your blood pressure. In addition to high blood pressure, this condition can cause headaches and fatigue, as well as increase your risk of heart attack.
Salivary Glands
Licorice is not a standard or customary herbal remedy for treating conditions that involve your salivary glands. There is no evidence that this herb has any affect on saliva production, although some remedies use licorice to help soothe and coat a sore throat.
Precautions
Some people take licorice in an attempt to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, a medical condition that may be due to low levels of certain adrenal hormones. Although glycyrrhizin may help relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, this approach can be dangerous and requires medical supervision. In addition to causing side effects, licorice can interact with some medications including certain angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretics, corticosteroids, digoxin and oral contraceptives. Avoid taking licorice if you have heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. Do not take licorice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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