Nutrition Diet: Why Avoid Licorice? The Hidden Health Risks

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming more than 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40. This warning highlights the critical need to understand why avoid licorice, particularly due to the compound glycyrrhizin, and its serious implications for certain individuals and health conditions.

Quick Summary

Licorice, specifically its compound glycyrrhizin, poses health risks such as elevated blood pressure, low potassium levels, fluid retention, and heart issues. It also causes harmful drug interactions and is unsafe during pregnancy.

Key Points

Cardiovascular Risk: Licorice can significantly raise blood pressure and cause dangerously low potassium levels (hypokalemia), leading to heart arrhythmias.
Kidney Impact: Individuals with pre-existing kidney disease are especially vulnerable, as licorice can worsen their condition due to altered electrolyte balance and fluid retention.
Medication Interference: The herb can interact harmfully with critical medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, warfarin, and corticosteroids.
Pregnancy Concerns: High licorice consumption is strongly linked to premature birth and potential developmental problems in children.
Glycyrrhizin is the Culprit: The primary health risks are due to the active compound glycyrrhizin, not just the flavor itself, and its effects on the body's hormonal system.
Not All Licorice is Equal: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a safer alternative because the harmful glycyrrhizin has been removed.
Moderation is Key: For otherwise healthy individuals, occasional small amounts are likely fine, but consistent, high intake should always be avoided.

While licorice root from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant has a history of traditional use, it can present significant health risks for some individuals, especially at high doses. These concerns are primarily linked to glycyrrhizin, a potent compound found in natural licorice root. Understanding the specific reasons to limit or avoid licorice is crucial for maintaining health, particularly for those with underlying medical conditions.

The Potent Compound: Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin is a very sweet active compound in licorice root that can lead to adverse effects by disrupting the body's hormonal balance. It affects an enzyme (11β-HSD2) involved in managing cortisol. When this enzyme is inhibited by glycyrrhizin, cortisol levels increase and mimic the effects of another hormone (mineralocorticoid), causing the kidneys to retain sodium and lose potassium. This imbalance underlies many health problems associated with licorice consumption.

Health Conditions Aggravated by Licorice

Individuals with certain health conditions should be particularly cautious about consuming licorice due to the potential for glycyrrhizin to worsen these issues.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Licorice can elevate blood pressure by causing the body to retain salt and water. This effect can be dangerous for individuals with hypertension, who should avoid licorice. The resulting sodium and fluid retention puts extra stress on the cardiovascular system.

Heart Disease and Arrhythmia

The decrease in potassium levels caused by licorice can result in irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). This can be a serious risk for those with heart conditions and has been linked to cardiac arrest. Organizations like the American Heart Association have warned about the dangers of black licorice for people with heart issues.

Kidney Disease

Licorice can exacerbate pre-existing kidney disease due to its impact on electrolyte balance and promotion of potassium excretion. The increased sodium and fluid retention adds further strain on kidneys that are already not functioning optimally.

Serious Drug Interactions

Licorice can interfere with the action of various medications, potentially making them less effective or increasing side effects. This is a significant reason why avoiding licorice may be necessary for those on certain prescriptions.

Digoxin: Reduced potassium levels from licorice are particularly hazardous for individuals taking digoxin.
Diuretics: Combining licorice with diuretics can lead to dangerously low potassium levels as both increase potassium loss.
Corticosteroids: Licorice may amplify the effects of corticosteroids, potentially increasing adverse reactions.
Antihypertensive Medications: The blood pressure-raising effect of licorice can counteract the intended effects of medications taken to lower blood pressure.
Warfarin: Licorice might reduce the effectiveness of this blood thinner, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots.

Pregnancy and Licorice Consumption

There are significant concerns about consuming licorice during pregnancy. High intake has been linked to hormonal disruptions, increased risk of high blood pressure (preeclampsia), and placental issues. Studies also suggest a potential link between high maternal licorice consumption and neurodevelopmental challenges in children, including lower cognitive function and a higher likelihood of ADHD. Pregnant women are advised to avoid licorice root and its extracts.

Is All Licorice Dangerous? DGL vs. Traditional Licorice

Many products with a licorice flavor do not contain glycyrrhizin, and there are safer alternatives for those who enjoy the taste or seek potential health benefits.

Anise-Flavored Products: Often, candies and foods labeled as licorice are flavored with anise oil, which tastes similar but lacks glycyrrhizin. Red licorice products typically use anise flavoring and are free of glycyrrhizin. Checking ingredient lists is important.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): DGL is an option for individuals interested in the digestive benefits of licorice without the risks associated with glycyrrhizin. DGL is processed to remove most of the glycyrrhizin, mitigating cardiovascular and electrolyte concerns. It is frequently used for conditions like peptic ulcers and acid reflux.

Comparison of Licorice Types


Feature	Traditional Black Licorice	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)	Anise-Flavored Products
Glycyrrhizin Content	High	Trace or None	None
Associated Health Risks	High blood pressure, hypokalemia, heart problems, fluid retention	Very Low	None (risks related to added sugar)
Key Uses	Historically, medicinal purposes and flavoring; today, primarily confectionery	Digestive issues (acid reflux, ulcers)	Flavoring for candies and beverages
Who Should Avoid	Individuals with heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues, pregnant women	Generally safe, but caution advised during pregnancy	Generally safe, but be mindful of sugar content

Conclusion

While occasional, small consumption of real licorice may be acceptable for healthy adults, the presence of glycyrrhizin means it should be approached with caution. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant should avoid it entirely. Reading labels to distinguish between products with actual licorice root and those flavored with anise is essential. DGL provides a safer way to potentially gain digestive benefits from licorice without the serious side effects. As with incorporating any herbal supplement, particularly if you have existing health concerns or take medications, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Examine.com provides more scientific details on licorice benefits, dosage, and side effects

Frequently Asked Questions

The main compound responsible for health problems is glycyrrhizin, also known as glycyrrhizic acid, which is found in natural licorice root.

Yes, excessive consumption of licorice can cause high blood pressure by causing the body to retain sodium and water, a condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism.

No, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid licorice root due to the risk of premature delivery, hormonal imbalances, and potential developmental issues in the child.

Traditional black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, while most red licorice products are flavored with anise oil, which does not contain the harmful compound.

Yes, licorice can interact with medications such as digoxin, diuretics, warfarin, and corticosteroids, potentially causing dangerous side effects or reducing the drugs' effectiveness.

DGL is a form of licorice from which the glycyrrhizin has been removed. It is often used for digestive issues and is considered a safer alternative to traditional licorice.

According to the FDA, for people over 40, consuming more than 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can be problematic. A safer guideline, according to the WHO, is an intake of no more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day.

Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme that regulates cortisol. This causes cortisol to act like another hormone, aldosterone, which leads to the kidneys flushing out potassium.