What is raw licorice? An introduction to its main side effects

Raw licorice is also known as meicao. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family. Every autumn, the pods of raw licorice split open. Then its seeds scatter everywhere with the wind. So raw licorice is a plant that reproduces naturally. Raw licorice is a tonic Chinese herbal medicine. It has many effects; it can help clear heat and detoxify, and resolve phlegm and relieve cough. But raw licorice also has side effects. Below is a detailed look at the side effects of raw licorice.

1. The side effects of licorice are caused by excessive intake. Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice extract can cause a disease called pseudohyperaldosteronism, characterized by an excessively high level of the hormone called aldosterone in the body. Under normal circumstances, this hormone helps balance potassium and sodium levels in the body. An excessively high level of this hormone can impede sodium excretion and cause potassium to be excreted in urine, thereby leading to increased blood pressure and muscle damage. Potassium loss can cause abnormal heart and muscle function. It also causes water retention, resulting in edema. Excessive use of licorice can lead to problems such as increased blood pressure, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headache, swelling, and reduced testosterone levels in men. Excessive use of licorice by pregnant women can cause heavy bleeding, and even lead to premature birth. Long-term use of licorice can also cause side effects such as abnormal weight gain.

2. Excessive use of licorice can lead to symptoms such as increased blood pressure, soft and weak muscles, increasing fatigue, headache and head pressure, and reduced testosterone levels in men.

3. Licorice is contraindicated for pregnant women. Clinical findings show that excessive use of licorice by pregnant women can cause heavy bleeding, and in severe cases can trigger premature birth.

4. Long-term use of licorice may also cause abnormal weight gain.

5. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid hormone. If this hormone is too high, it will impede sodium excretion, cause potassium to be excreted in urine, and ultimately lead to muscle damage and increased blood pressure. Potassium loss can also cause water retention, resulting in edema.

6. From the above, we can see that people with high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, pregnant women, sexual dysfunction, obesity, or problems with the liver and menstruation should all avoid taking licorice. The editor suggests that when using licorice, you should consult a doctor based on your own symptoms, to avoid harming your health!

The side effects of raw licorice are caused by taking in too much raw licorice. One extract in raw licorice is glycyrrhizic acid. If raw licorice is taken in normal amounts, it is good for our health. But if the amount taken in is too large, it will raise our blood pressure. In the end it will have the opposite effect on health. So although raw licorice has many effects, we must pay attention to the amount consumed, otherwise side effects will occur.

The above is the relevant introduction in this article. I believe that after reading it you also have a simple understanding of this. If needed, you can continue to follow Yihao Home Network to learn more information.