What does eating licorice do to you? A detailed look at the effects and health risks

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, eating just two ounces of real black licorice daily for two weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40. Understanding what does eating licorice do to you is crucial, as the natural compound it contains can have significant effects on your health. This is a look into the dual nature of this ancient herb, exploring both its traditional uses and its modern-day risks.

Quick Summary

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and irregular heart rhythms with excessive intake, especially in sensitive groups. Its effects depend on the type and quantity consumed.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the key compound: The health effects of real licorice come from glycyrrhizin, a natural chemical that can be dangerous in large quantities.
Risks include high blood pressure and low potassium: Excessive consumption can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
Heart health is at risk: Low potassium can cause irregular heart rhythms and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Check your licorice: Many candies labeled as 'licorice' are flavored with anise oil, which does not contain glycyrrhizin, but genuine black licorice does.
DGL is a safer option: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a safe alternative, as the glycyrrhizin has been removed.
At-risk groups need caution: Individuals with heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, and pregnant women should be especially careful with their licorice intake.

The Chemical Culprit: Glycyrrhizin

At the heart of licorice's health effects is a compound called glycyrrhizin. This natural chemical, extracted from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is significantly sweeter than sugar and is what gives genuine black licorice its distinctive flavor. However, it is also the source of the potential health risks associated with overconsumption.

The glycyrrhizin in licorice acts as a powerful inhibitor of an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down the stress hormone cortisol in the kidneys. By inhibiting this process, glycyrrhizin causes cortisol to remain at high levels in the kidneys, where it can mistakenly activate mineralocorticoid receptors. This mimics the effect of another hormone, aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating salt and water balance in the body. This biochemical chain reaction leads to the body retaining sodium (salt) and water while simultaneously causing a loss of potassium.

Serious Side Effects of Excessive Licorice Consumption

For most healthy adults, an occasional piece of genuine licorice poses little risk. However, consuming large quantities over a prolonged period can trigger a cascade of adverse health effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the dangers of excessive intake, particularly for individuals over 40.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

One of the most well-documented side effects of licorice overconsumption is a significant increase in blood pressure. The sodium and water retention caused by glycyrrhizin places added strain on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that even small amounts of licorice can affect blood pressure in sensitive individuals, with greater effects seen with higher doses. In severe cases, this can lead to hypertensive encephalopathy.

Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)

As the kidneys excrete more potassium in response to the glycyrrhizin, blood potassium levels can drop to dangerously low levels. Potassium is a vital electrolyte for maintaining proper heart rhythm and muscle function. Severe hypokalemia can cause:

Muscle weakness and cramping
Fatigue and lethargy
Heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats
Paralysis

In some cases, this has led to life-threatening cardiac events, as highlighted by a case report where a man experienced cardiac arrest due to severe hypokalemia from excessive black licorice consumption.

Other Significant Risks

Beyond hypertension and low potassium, chronic or excessive intake of glycyrrhizin can lead to other health complications:

Edema: Swelling, especially in the ankles and legs, due to fluid retention.
Heart Failure: Increased fluid volume and workload on the heart can contribute to congestive heart failure.
Drug Interactions: Licorice can interfere with several medications, including diuretics, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners like warfarin, decreasing their effectiveness.
Pregnancy Concerns: Pregnant women should avoid excessive licorice due to associations with premature birth and potential developmental problems in the fetus.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for adverse effects from licorice consumption due to pre-existing conditions or other factors:

People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Individuals over 40, who are more susceptible to heart-related issues.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Those taking medications that affect potassium levels or blood pressure.
Individuals with an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma) or untreated hypothyroidism.

Benefits and Safer Alternatives

While the risks are significant, licorice root has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and some research suggests potential benefits from the root extract:

Digestive Relief: May help relieve symptoms of indigestion and aid in treating peptic ulcers.
Sore Throat Soothing: Historically used as an expectorant, and topical applications may help with sore throats.
Skin Conditions: Gels containing licorice root may help treat skin irritations like eczema.

For those who enjoy the flavor but wish to avoid the risks of glycyrrhizin, there are safe alternatives. Many candies flavored with anise oil, which mimics the licorice taste but does not contain glycyrrhizin, are widely available. Additionally, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products have had the active compound removed, making them a safer option for obtaining potential benefits without the adverse side effects.

Licorice vs. Anise-Flavored Candy: A Comparison

It is important to differentiate between products containing real licorice root extract and those merely flavored to taste like it.


Feature	Genuine Black Licorice (with glycyrrhizin)	Anise-Flavored Candy (common in US)
Flavoring Source	Licorice root extract	Anise oil
Active Compound	Contains glycyrrhizin	Does not contain glycyrrhizin
Health Risks	Potential for high blood pressure, low potassium, and heart issues with excessive intake	Generally not associated with the same risks, though high sugar intake is a concern
Appearance	Often a very dark, opaque black	Can be black or red, often softer in texture
Target Audience	Historically used medicinally; modern concerns for high-risk individuals	Broadly marketed as a confectionery item

Conclusion

For the average consumer, enjoying a small amount of genuine licorice occasionally is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, the cumulative effect of the glycyrrhizin from regular and excessive intake is a real concern, especially for those with existing health conditions like hypertension or heart disease, and for pregnant women. As with many things, moderation is key. Consumers should be mindful of the ingredients in licorice products, opt for deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) versions or anise-flavored alternatives if they are in a high-risk group, and consult a healthcare provider with any concerns. For more information, the FDA provides specific guidance on the potential dangers of licorice consumption FDA.gov.

Sources

Rutgers University - Hidden Risks of Black Licorice West Texas A&M University - Does licorice cause high blood pressure? American Heart Association - Black licorice is a candy that should inspire caution American Heart Association - Black licorice is a candy that should inspire caution

Frequently Asked Questions

Licorice raises blood pressure because its active compound, glycyrrhizin, inhibits an enzyme that regulates salt and water balance. This leads to the body retaining sodium, which in turn increases blood pressure.

While there's no universally defined safe limit, the FDA warns that consuming two ounces or more of genuine black licorice daily for two weeks could lead to health issues in those over 40. For glycyrrhizin specifically, some suggest a limit around 100 mg/day.

No, not all licorice candy is the same. Many common licorice-flavored treats, especially the red varieties, are flavored with anise oil and contain no real licorice root or glycyrrhizin. Check the ingredients to confirm.

Yes, excessive consumption of genuine licorice can lead to low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest.

The safety of licorice supplements depends on the type. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has had the glycyrrhizin removed, is generally considered safe. Supplements containing glycyrrhizin should be used with caution and under medical guidance, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid excessive licorice intake. The glycyrrhizin can affect cortisol levels and placental function, which has been associated with premature birth and potential developmental issues in the fetus.

The adverse effects of licorice, such as high blood pressure and low potassium, are generally reversible after you stop consuming it. Blood pressure and potassium levels typically return to normal within a few weeks, but the recovery of hormonal systems can take longer.