Licorice is an ancient European herb known for its healing effects in peptic ulcers, canker sores, eczema, dyspepsia and upper respiratory infections. It is also used for seasoning to enhance food flavoring. Licorice does have side effects like anything else. If you take prescription medications, talk to your doctor before taking this herb. Drug interactions may occur.
Common Side Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus, humans can tolerate a dose of up to 30 grams without adverse effects, but anything above this amount could be unsafe. Repeated administration of high doses of a licorice extract can cause increased blood pressure, water retention, tiredness, menstrual irregularities and diminished libido and sexual performance in men.
Hormonal Side Effects
Licorice has estrogen-like effects. It is well established that the hormone estrogen helps breast tumors to grow. For this reason, people with estrogen-dependent breast cancers should use this supplement with caution. MedlinePlus notes that licorice has additive effects with oral contraceptives such as birth control pills and therefore may disrupt birth control.
Potassium Depletion
Licorice can cause problems with the body's electrolyte balance. It depletes potassium from the body, which may lead to hypokalemia, according to the MedlinePlus. If you are being treated with potassium-depleting drugs, you should not take licorice products. Otherwise, your medications might need to be adjusted by your physician. Another licorice side effect is the development of hypertonia, an abnormal increase in muscle tension resulting from excessive loss of potassium.
Drug Interactions
There is evidence that licorice interacts with many prescription medications. It inhibits hepatic Cytochrome P450 enzyme, which stimulates the breakdown of some medications, including warfarin and ibuprofen. This may alter the way these medications work, reducing their therapeutic effects.
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