Can I drink licorice water every day? Examining the risks, benefits, and safety guidelines

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

While licorice root is generally safe in typical food amounts, consuming concentrated licorice water every day can lead to serious adverse effects due to a compound called glycyrrhizin. The answer to 'Can I drink licorice water every day?' is complex, and for most people, the practice is not recommended.

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of licorice water is not advised due to the risk of serious health complications, primarily from the compound glycyrrhizin. Long-term intake can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and hormonal imbalances, especially in sensitive individuals.

Key Points

Avoid Daily Consumption: Consistent, long-term intake of licorice water is not considered safe for most people due to the compound glycyrrhizin.
Significant Health Risks: Excessive or prolonged licorice use may potentially cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure, low potassium (hypokalemia), and heart problems.
High-Risk Groups: Individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or kidney problems should strictly avoid licorice water.
Consider DGL as a Safer Alternative: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products have the glycyrrhizin removed and are generally considered safer for long-term use, especially for digestive issues.
Important for Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should avoid licorice, as high glycyrrhizin intake has been linked to potential negative effects on fetal development.
Drug Interactions: Licorice may potentially interfere with several medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and blood thinners.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a doctor or healthcare provider before incorporating licorice into your routine, even for occasional use.

The Potent Compound in Licorice: Glycyrrhizin

Licorice root contains hundreds of beneficial compounds, but its key active component and biggest risk factor is glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid. This triterpenoid saponin contributes to licorice's characteristic sweet taste and many of its purported health benefits, but also its most concerning side effects. Glycyrrhizin can affect the body's hormonal balance by inhibiting an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-βHSD2). This inhibition can prevent the breakdown of the stress hormone cortisol, potentially leading to an excess of cortisol binding to mineralocorticoid receptors. This process can mimic the effect of the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidneys to retain sodium and water while potentially excreting excess potassium. This effect is sometimes referred to as pseudoaldosteronism.

Potential Short-Term and Occasional Benefits

Used judiciously and in moderation, licorice water has a long history of use for several ailments. These benefits are usually linked to short-term, supervised consumption:

Digestive Aid: Licorice root may help ease symptoms of indigestion and heartburn by soothing the stomach lining and potentially promoting the secretion of digestive juices. It has also been studied for its potential role in addressing peptic ulcers associated with H. pylori bacteria.
Respiratory Relief: Licorice water may act as a demulcent, potentially coating and soothing a sore throat. It is also believed to function as an expectorant, potentially helping to loosen mucus and relieve coughs.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root may help with various conditions, from skin irritations like eczema to overall bodily inflammation.
Dental Health: Research suggests licorice root extracts may help fight bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease, potentially offering support for oral hygiene.

Significant Risks of Daily Licorice Water

While occasional consumption of a single cup of licorice tea is unlikely to cause issues for most healthy individuals, chronic or excessive daily intake carries significant risks due to the buildup of glycyrrhizin.

Potential Side Effects

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A common and serious side effect is elevated blood pressure, which can be severe and dangerous, especially for individuals with pre-existing hypertension.
Hypokalemia (Low Potassium): Excessive consumption may lead to the excretion of potassium, causing low levels that can result in muscle weakness, lethargy, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Fluid Retention (Edema): The body's retention of sodium and water can cause swelling, particularly in the legs and face. In severe cases, this could potentially contribute to congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema.
Hormonal Imbalance: Long-term use may potentially disrupt hormonal balance, affecting cortisol levels and potentially causing irregular menstruation or other issues.

Contraindications and Interactions

Several groups of people should avoid licorice water entirely or use it with extreme caution and medical supervision. These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions, those with high blood pressure, and anyone taking specific medications. Licorice may potentially interfere with drug effectiveness and safety, including medications for blood pressure, diuretics, blood thinners, and hormonal therapies.

Licorice Water vs. DGL Licorice

For individuals seeking the digestive benefits of licorice without the glycyrrhizin-related risks, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a popular alternative. The following table highlights the key differences:


Feature	Licorice Water (Standard)	DGL Licorice
Glycyrrhizin Content	Contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for most side effects	Glycyrrhizin has been removed or reduced to non-detectable levels
Risks for Daily Use	High risk, especially with long-term or high-dose use, due to glycyrrhizin accumulation	Considered much safer for daily, long-term use, particularly for digestive support
Safety for High Blood Pressure	Contraindicated; can potentially cause significant blood pressure increases	Generally considered safe, but always consult a doctor if you have hypertension
Primary Uses	Traditional remedy for respiratory and digestive issues; high-risk daily use	Primarily for digestive support (peptic ulcers, acid reflux)
Taste Profile	Naturally very sweet and distinct	Milder taste, lacking the strong licorice flavor

Safer Alternatives to Licorice Water

If you are looking for soothing or digestive remedies, consider these safe alternatives that can be consumed daily:

For Sore Throat: Chamomile tea, peppermint tea, or a simple gargle with warm salt water may provide relief without the potential risks associated with licorice.
For Digestion: Ginger tea is well-known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and aid digestion. Peppermint tea may also have a calming effect on the digestive tract.
For Inflammation: Turmeric tea contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, and is a safe option for daily use.
For General Wellness: Simple hydration with regular water infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint is a universally safe and healthy habit.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Your Herbal Choices

While licorice root is a powerful herbal remedy with a long history of traditional use, the answer to "Can I drink licorice water every day?" is a clear no for most people. The cumulative effect of glycyrrhizin in daily, long-term consumption can potentially lead to serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, including elevated blood pressure and low potassium. If you enjoy the flavor, consider deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products, which remove the problematic compound. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, especially for those with existing health conditions or taking other medications. Moderation, awareness, and medical guidance are key to enjoying the benefits of natural remedies safely. For more information on licorice root's safety and effectiveness, refer to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

Sensitivity to licorice varies, but consuming amounts of licorice that provide significant levels of glycyrrhizin over time is generally considered high intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Scientific Committee on Food have suggested limits on daily glycyrrhizin intake to potentially avoid adverse effects.

Glycyrrhizin in licorice may potentially contribute to high blood pressure by affecting the body's hormonal balance and mimicking the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate salt and water balance. This can lead to increased sodium and water retention and potentially decreased potassium levels, which may result in elevated blood pressure.

Yes, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is considered a much safer alternative for daily use as the glycyrrhizin has been removed or significantly reduced. It is often used to support digestive health, such as for acid reflux and peptic ulcers, and does not typically carry the same risk of blood pressure or potassium issues associated with standard licorice.

Early potential symptoms of consuming excessive amounts of licorice may include headaches, muscle weakness, and fatigue. More severe signs, like swelling (edema) and palpitations, can potentially follow with continued intake.

Licorice root has traditionally been used to soothe sore throats. Gargling with licorice water or sipping a warm tea may potentially coat and calm the throat due to its purported anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

No, many licorice candies, particularly in the United States, are flavored with anise oil and contain little to no real licorice root. It's important to check the ingredients to ensure you are not consuming a product with glycyrrhizin, especially if you are considering daily consumption.

For digestive issues, safer alternatives may include ginger tea, which is known for settling the stomach, and peppermint tea, which may potentially ease bloating and gas. DGL licorice is also a viable option.

Some limited studies suggest certain licorice compounds might help reduce body fat, but this research is often based on concentrated extracts rather than licorice water. Daily consumption of licorice water specifically for weight loss is not recommended due to the significant health risks associated with glycyrrhizin.