Knowing the safety profile of licorice before using it to treat or prevent a medical condition is important for your overall health. Drugs.com states that allergic reactions to licorice have been reported and adverse reactions need to be reported to your doctor. If you suspect that you have an allergy to licorice, avoid the consumption of all foods and beverages that contain the herbal flavor.
Licorice Background
Licorice is an herbal root that is commonly used as a flavor but is also used to make medicine, according to MedlinePlus. While the use of licorice has not been evaluated by the FDA, traditional uses of the herb include treating gastrointestinal symptoms, coughing and heartburn. Many licorice candies do not use licorice root, but rather an artificial flavor, which will not have the same risks or benefits of the actual herb. If you intend to use licorice to treat or prevent any medical condition, talk with your doctor about he potential risks and benefits before ingesting the supplement.
Allergic Reaction
You can develop an allergy to any substance that you introduce into your body. If you're allergic to licorice root, your immune system overreacts to the substance and treats it as if it were an intruder. The immune system attacks the substance with immunoglobulin E antibodies, allergy-fighting agents, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Once IgE antibodies enter your blood stream, white blood cells release histamine to protect the body from infection, which leads to inflammation, irritation and swelling.
Symptoms
The increased amounts of histamine throughout your body may lead to a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms can affect your digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and skin. Common allergy symptoms include hives, skin rashes, skin redness, irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, nasal congestion, lightheadedness, dizziness and an increased heart rate. Not everyone experiences the same severity of symptoms from an allergic reaction, according to MayoClinic.com. Report all symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Complications
The chemicals in licorice interact with many prescription medicines. Never take licorice, including the candy, if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or if you are pregnant. Drugs.com warns that it is possible to develop a severe allergic reaction to licorice. A severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis, can lead to death if not treated promptly. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include swelling in the lips, mouth, face or throat, the inability to breathe, hives, an increased heart rate and a sudden drop in blood pressure. It's common for the body to expereince a state of shock from this type of reaction. Call 911 if you suspect that you're having anaphylactic symptoms.
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