Herbal tea have a reputation for offering wellness benefits , like soothe the boldness and easing stress . But at least one form can have just theoppositeeffect , specially if it ’s consume in excess . drink too much liquorice root afternoon tea led to a bust ofhigh blood pressurethat shore one humans in the emergency room .
In a casechronicledin theCanadian Medical Association Journal , an 84 - yr - old man was admit to a local emergency way for noble-minded blood pressure sensation , chest of drawers pain , vexation , light sensitivity , and other very non - relaxing ailments . Physicians identified the source of the problem as the affected role ’s habit of drinking one or two glasses daily of homemade licorice root tea , called“erk sous ” in some theatrical role of the world .
There were contributing factors to the serviceman ’s spindle in blood pressure . He had already been suffering from hypertension and his consumption of homemade beverage derived from licorice root were likely far more concentrated than commercial production . But the case does illustrate the ability of licorice — often seen as a harmless substance — to have grave effects on blood pressure .
Licorice is the root of a plant known asGlycyrrhiza glabra . It stop a compound called glycyrrhizin , or glycyrrhizinic Elvis , that induces the body into continue more water , diluting potassium levels . That leads to a salary increase in blood pressing . The element is used in afternoon tea and dark licorice Cartesian product but is n’t typically establish in swear out and artificially flavour candy like Twizzlers . In 2017 , the Food and Drug Administration issue awarningthat products contain licorice root extract could potentially leave in health complications .
It ’s not rare , either . Adults over the years of 40 who have two ounces or more of inglorious liquorice for more than two weeks are vulnerable to heart job , especially if they have preexisting condition , the FDA said .
The patient profile in theCanadian Medical Association Journalwas admit to the hospital and abstain from any more licorice consumption . After 13 day , he made a full retrieval and was discharged .
The lesson ? It ’s best to bask licorice the same way you enjoy most indulgences : in moderation .
[ h / tGizmodo ]
