Tag: Glycyrrhizin toxicity

Ancient Egyptians revered licorice root, using it to create a sweet drink with perceived health benefits. Today, many people still wonder, 'Is Egyptian licorice tea healthy?' The answer is complex, as this herbal beverage offers potential therapeutic effects but also carries significant health risks, especially with excessive or long-term use.

According to a 2012 review, the daily consumption of licorice is not recommended long-term due to the risk of adverse outcomes from chronic intake. Consuming too much licorice can lead to a condition known as glycyrrhizin toxicity, which affects the body's electrolyte balance and can cause a range of serious health issues.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, consuming large amounts of licorice tea, particularly over long periods, can lead to serious adverse effects like irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. This is because the herbal beverage contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can have significant impacts on your body's electrolyte balance and blood pressure.