The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that over consuming black licorice may cause abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, swelling, lethargy, and congestive heart failure in some people.  The culprit appears to be  glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice root.  Click on this FDA video to learn more:

Here’s the FDA’s advice from their website about black licorice:

• No matter what your age, don’t eat large amounts of black licorice at one time.
• If you have been eating a lot of black licorice and have an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, stop eating it immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
• Black licorice can interact with some medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Consult a health care professional if you have questions about possible interactions with a drug or supplement you take.

Be well, Joan