World Hypertension (high blood pressure) Day is on the 17 May. What does liquorice have to do with blood pressure? Is it possible that eating liquorice may affect your blood pressure? Well let’s find out!

Liquorice, although actually an herb, is a favourite sweet treat among many children and adults. If you go to the shops, you are likely to find ‘liquorice all sorts’ sweets in the sweet aisles. It is sometimes even used in toothpastes! You may really enjoy the liquorice flavour, or be among those that really don’t fancy it at all. However over the centuries it has been widely used and enjoyed in various products. It is claimed that one of the active ingredients in this herb, known as glycyrrhizin, is said to be about 50 times sweeter than sugar! So no wonder many sweets and medicines have been flavoured with liquorice. In fact the Latin name glycyrrhiza means ‘sweet root’.

Most countries use real liquorice extract (from the roots of the plant) in liquorice sweets. However American made liquorice sweets often are infused with anise. Although anise (native to North America) has a liquorice-mint like flavour, it is quite different to liquorice. Anise does not possess the same properties to liquorice.

In the East women have taken liquorice for centuries, especially to support their hormonal balance during different stages of life. To this day some supplements formulated for women, especially during and post menopause, may contain liquorice. This distinctively tasting herb is a well-known and respectfully recommended remedy in Chinese medicine.

Medical research has shown the healing effects of liquorice in supporting your liver’s health. This wonderful herb is reputed to reduce inflammation. By reducing inflammation liquorice may ease many ailments, such as arthritis and allergy flare ups. Since the 1^st Century there are records of using liquorice for duodenal and peptic ulcers. Natural remedies now utilize a special form of liquorice capsules or tablets for ulcers or acid reflux. Why a special form?

Large or long term doses of whole liquorice cause sodium retention and some other symptoms. This causes concern for your well-being, especially if you are prone to water retention, high blood pressure or kidney problems. To reduce these known side effects, many medicinal forms of this herb are now produced as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice). This helps a lot! So ingesting liquorice (without it being produced as DGL) in high doses and without guidance may cause a rise in your blood pressure! However for anyone with low blood pressure a bit of liquorice may be quiet helpful as soon as you feel a bit dizzy. Over many years remedies for healing coughs, sore throats and balancing the adrenal glands have incorporated liquorice. There is no doubt of the powerful effects liquorice holds in traditional medicines.

To recap, as this sweet treat has quite potent medicinal effects, always enjoy it in moderation and seek advice before using it as a remedy. Before being picked and processed, liquorice can be found as a short and bushy herb plant. Liquorice is said to originate from Asia and the Mediterranean areas. It has been widely celebrated for its medicinal properties, but it is its unique sweet flavour that has ensured its popularity among many generations.

We may expect for many more years to come, good ol’ liquorice sweets will still hold their space in the sweet aisles. These loyal sweets may be enjoyed by anyone (with moderation of course), and with your taste buds consent and permission. Just one last note, certain packaged sugar-free liquorice sweets are available for those on a low sugar diet or avoiding sugar. All smiles, for all sorts!

Anastacia qualified in Nutritional Medicine, and has written for newspapers and specialised publications for over ten years. Currently Anastacia is completing her counseling psychology degree. You can contact her for more personal advice and Consultations on 0793530393.