[Sca-cooks] Rosemary & Licorice

[Lisa]

*Snip*
> Do you have some references for this? I've never heard of this, but I'd
> like to know more, especially since I'm hypertensive myself.
>
> 'Lainie
> *snip*

I'm not the original poster, but the statement got my curiosity up, so I
grabbed my copy of The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia to look up Licorice.
Without going into all the detail the book does, it lists an ability to
correct problems with the liver, adrenals, hormonal imbalances and peptic
ulcers.  It also reduces throat irritations, lung congestion, and bacteria
and is used for coughs and bronchial problems.  I finally found something
concerning high BP in the section on considerations.  it states "Although
licorice candy sounds perfectly safe, large doses can cause sodium retention
and potassium loss, leading to water retention, high blood pressure,
headaches, and shortness of breath.  In a controlled study, 3 1/2 ounces of
licorice twists daily for 1 to 4 weeks resulted in serious symptoms which
disappeared when discontinued.  The concentrated extracts in laxative
preperations can aggravate potassium loss when used daily.  Avoid if
pregnant or if you have high blood pressure or a kidney disease."

Lady Elizabeta of Rundel