Is licorice root in tea safe?

The Safety of Licorice Root in Tea: A Closer Look
Licorice root, a popular herbal ingredient known for its sweet flavor and potential health benefits, has been used for centuries in various forms, including teas. However, the safety of consuming licorice root, particularly in tea, warrants careful consideration due to its associated risks.
Health Benefits and Uses
Licorice root is often praised for its medicinal properties. It is believed to help alleviate ailments such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and even cavities. Many people enjoy licorice root tea for its soothing effects on the digestive system and its potential to relieve symptoms of stress and fatigue. The root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that is thought to contribute to these benefits by influencing cortisol levels in the body.
Moderation is Key
While licorice root tea can be safe and beneficial when consumed in moderation, excessive intake poses significant health risks. Studies indicate that consuming large amounts of licorice root can lead to increased blood pressure and decreased potassium levels, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. For instance, there have been reports of individuals experiencing severe health issues, such as high blood pressure and low potassium, after consuming licorice root tea in large quantities.
Vulnerable Populations
Certain groups should exercise caution when considering licorice root tea. Pregnant individuals, for example, are advised against consuming large amounts of licorice due to potential complications. Additionally, those with heart disease, kidney disease, or hypertension are more susceptible to the adverse effects of licorice root. The variability in the composition of licorice products further complicates matters, as not all licorice teas are created equal, and some may contain higher concentrations of glycyrrhizin than others.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In summary, licorice root tea can be a delightful and healthful beverage when enjoyed in moderation. However, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive consumption. For those with underlying health conditions or who are pregnant, consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating licorice root tea into their diet is highly recommended. By taking these precautions, individuals can safely enjoy the benefits of this ancient herbal remedy without compromising their health.

Is it OK to drink licorice tea everyday?

One cup of licorice tea is unlikely to cause side effects. However, in rare cases, drinking high amounts of licorice root tea every day could cause hypertension and low potassium levels, which may require hospitalization.

What is the best tea to lower blood pressure?

The researchers noted that both green and black teas could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, green tea provided a greater reduction in blood pressure levels.

Does licorice root increase estrogen?

Licorice root components Liquiritigenin and L3 can effectively stimulate estrogen-responsive gene expression at high concentrations. The dose-response profiles shown in Fig. 4 reveal that Liq and component L3 show a similar dose-dependent stimulation of these ERα target genes.

Is licorice root bad for your liver?

Accumulating lines of evidence show that licorice has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-microbial effects [1, 4, 7–9]. In particular, recent studies on hepatoprotective effects of licorice suggest that it can reduce liver injury by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity [7, 10].

Is licorice root bad for the kidneys?

Kidney disease: Consuming large amounts of licorice could make kidney disease worse. Sexual problems: Consuming large amounts of licorice can lower interest in sex. It can also worsen erectile dysfunction (ED) by lowering levels of testosterone.

Can I drink licorice root tea every day?

One cup of licorice tea is unlikely to cause side effects. However, in rare cases, drinking high amounts of licorice root tea every day could cause hypertension and low potassium levels, which may require hospitalization.

How much licorice root in tea is safe?

Licorice tea allows you to access the herb without all the crap in candy, but a study of 33 brands found such varying levels of glycyrrhizin that the safe daily dose ranges from just a tenth of a cup up to 20 cups a day.

Does licorice root in tea raise blood pressure?

The effect of liquorice on blood pressure should be kept in mind when diagnosing and managing hypertension. Excessive consumption of liquorice tea can induce hypertension in previously normotensive patients, and present with a clinical picture similar to primary hyperaldosteronism.

Why do they put licorice root in tea?

It was used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions, including lung, liver, circulatory, and kidney diseases. Today, licorice root is promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions such as digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, cough, and bacterial and viral infections.

Who should not drink licorice root tea?

People with the following conditions should not take licorice:

• Heart failure.
• Heart disease.
• Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer.
• Fluid retention.
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.