Buzz
Herbal teas are often praised for their potential health benefits, such as calming nerves and reducing stress. However, one particular tea can have the exact opposite effect when consumed in excess. Drinking large amounts of licorice root tea resulted in dangerously high blood pressure, which landed one man in the emergency room.
A case published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal detailed how an 84-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room with high blood pressure, chest pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and other distressing symptoms. Doctors traced the cause to the man’s daily habit of drinking one or two glasses of homemade licorice root tea, known as 'erk sous' in some regions.
Several factors contributed to the man’s elevated blood pressure. He had a history of hypertension, and his homemade licorice root tea was likely more concentrated than store-bought versions. Still, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the unexpected dangers of licorice, a substance commonly thought to be harmless, especially regarding its effects on blood pressure.
Licorice comes from the root of a plant called Glycyrrhiza glabra. It contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that causes the body to hold onto more water, which in turn lowers potassium levels and increases blood pressure. This ingredient is commonly found in teas and black licorice products but is generally absent from artificially flavored candies like Twizzlers. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding licorice root extract, citing potential health risks.
This issue is not rare. Adults over 40 who consume more than two ounces of black licorice for longer than two weeks are at risk of heart problems, especially if they already have existing health conditions, according to the FDA.
The patient described in the Canadian Medical Association Journal was admitted to the hospital and stopped consuming licorice. After 13 days, he fully recovered and was discharged.
The lesson here? Like most indulgent treats, it’s wise to enjoy licorice in moderation.
