Licorice root, available at local health food stores in extract, capsule and dried forms, is a popular supplement for the treatment of upper respiratory congestion. This herb also is used to treat eczema topically and stomach problems when taken internally. Licorice is available with or without a naturally occurring substance called glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin can have adverse effects in some individuals, including increased blood pressure that can lead to hypertension. Check with your physician before using any herbal supplement.
About Licorice Root
Licorice root extract is used to treat upper respiratory infections, ulcers and viral infections. Topically, licorice in extract, tincture or cream forms may help decrease canker sores and eczema. Two forms of licorice, glycyrrhizinated and deglycyrrhizinated, or DGL, are available and have similar effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center, however, explains that deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract may not provide as much benefit as glycyrrhizinated extract in the treatment of stomach ulcers.
Licorice Root and High Blood Pressure
Licorice supplements that contain glycyrrhizin can cause blood pressure levels to rise. This effect occurs when your body becomes sensitive to steroid hormones produced by your body. As a result, you can develop headaches, retain fluids and experience high blood pressure. If you are already being treated for cardiovascular disease or hypertension, avoid using licorice supplements. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you use licorice extract for no more than six weeks at a time. This helps to prevent the accumulation of glycyrrhizin in your body.
Can High Blood Pressure be Irreversible?
Although most cases of high blood pressure can be reversed through changes in diet, weight loss, exercise and healthy eating, this condition can be permanent and irreversible. A 2011 article published in the journal "Critical Care" explains that chronically elevated response to steroid hormones in your body can cause a condition called malignant hypertension. This condition, although considered rare, can occur in people taking glycyrrhizinated licorice supplements. PubMed Health states that only 1 percent of the population living with hypertension develop malignant hypertension, which can occur suddenly and cause organ damage. Medication and medical treatment may help reduce blood pressure in people with malignant hypertension; however, management to maintain healthy blood pressure remains difficult.
Considerations
Licorice root supplements can cause a rise in blood pressure, although it is unlikely that effect will become permanent. Despite this fact, this supplement should be used with caution and for six weeks or less before discontinuing. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, explains that licorice also can reduce potassium levels, a condition that can lead to instability in heart rate. NCCAM adds that not enough research evidence exists to support the use of licorice supplements for any condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Licorice Root
- Medline Plus: Licorice
- "Critical Care"; Licorice Consumption as a Cause of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: a Case Report; Eduard J. van Beers, et al.; 2011
- PubMed Health: Malignant Hypertension
