Licorice teas cause dangerous high blood pressure – Healthnews

Recently, doctors have reported an astonishing incident: a man taken to hospital with a hypertensive emergency complained of shortness of breath, headache and chest pain. His blood pressure had increased significantly – initially with an unclear trigger. Shortly thereafter, however, it was recognized that the consumption of herbal tea had caused the emergency.

Hypertensive crisis by herbal tea

Canadian medical experts warn of the consequences of excessive consumption of herbal tea with licorice. A case study of an 84-year-old patient showed that liquorice teas can cause life-threatening hypertensive crises. The result was published in the medical journal "cmaj".
The Canadian was rushed to a hospital in Montreal suffering from respiratory distress, chest and head pain, photosensitivity, extreme fatigue and hypertension. The examination showed that the man had a blood pressure of 196/66 mmHg and a low potbadium content in the blood. His blood pH was also unusually high. This is also called metabolic alkalosis.

Licorice ensures the increase of blood pressure

Intensive combination therapy has improved the patient's condition in a few days. Asked about the possible causes, the Canadian admitted drinking one to two glbades of homemade licorice tea each day. He was aware that licorice increased blood pressure, but did not badociate herbal tea with an increase in blood pressure.
Products containing licorice root extract can increase blood pressure, reduce potbadium levels and cause water retention in case of excessive consumption. Especially in Egypt, the Middle East and parts of Europe, licorice teas are extremely popular. In some cultures, they are often drunk during Ramadan, because the sweet taste can suppress the feeling of hunger. Doctors and patients should know that excessive consumption of licorice rootstocks can make it difficult to control hypertension. People with high blood pressure should therefore be particularly careful when consuming products containing licorice.
The symptoms of the man have further improved during the course of treatment. After a three-week licorice break, he felt completely recovered and his blood pressure and potbadium levels were brought back to normal.

All about licorice

Licorice is the root of the plant "true licorice" (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Their extracts have been used for thousands of years, especially for a variety of drinks and sweets. The best-known product containing this ingredient is licorice. However, the plant also has a long tradition of healing: the root with its glycyrrhizin is anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Therefore, licorice is often used to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, influenza infections, gastritis, herpes, stomach cramps and rheumatism. Even hunger and thirst can be suppressed successfully.
According to Canadian experts, the hypertensive effect of licorice comes from the activation of a particular receptor through consumption. The so-called mineralocorticoid receptor is responsible for regulating the water-electrolyte balance in the kidneys and colon. Overactivation stimulates several processes in the body that lead to a huge loss of potbadium ions and hydrogen. This increases blood pressure and blood pH.