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Black licorice candies may be one of your favorite Halloween treats. But how much do you know about licorice root?
Did you know that many “licorice” products sold in the United States do not contain actual licorice? Anise oil, which smells and tastes like licorice, is often used instead. This may be an advantage because excessive consumption of candy made with real licorice can cause health problems. Licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which can cause potassium levels in the body to fall. This can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure.
Licorice root isn’t just used as a food flavoring; it’s also promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions such as digestive problems, menopause symptoms, cough, and bacterial and viral infections. Some research has been done on licorice root’s health effects, but there isn’t enough high-quality evidence to clearly support its use for any health condition. Like licorice candy, licorice root dietary supplements can have side effects, especially if consumed in large amounts or for long periods of time.
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