What Does Eating Too Much Licorice Do to Your Body?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming just two ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause irregular heart rhythms in people over 40. This highlights the serious health risks associated with eating too much licorice due to its main active compound, glycyrrhizin, which disrupts the body's electrolyte balance and affects cardiovascular health.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of true licorice, containing glycyrrhizin, can lead to severe health issues like hypertension, dangerous potassium depletion, and cardiac arrhythmias by causing pseudo-hyperaldosteronism.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the key compound: The main active ingredient in real licorice root, glycyrrhizin, is responsible for its adverse health effects when consumed in excess.
Electrolyte imbalance is the primary mechanism: Glycyrrhizin causes the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium, leading to dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
Cardiovascular risks are significant: High blood pressure and low potassium (hypokalemia) can result in cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Vulnerable groups exist: People over 40, those with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions, and pregnant women are at higher risk.
Symptoms range from mild to severe: Excessive intake can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, swelling, headaches, and irregular heartbeats.
Effects are often reversible: Stopping licorice consumption typically reverses the adverse effects, though potassium replacement and time may be needed for full recovery.
Not all licorice is the same: Many licorice-flavored candies use anise oil instead of real licorice extract, making them less of a concern for glycyrrhizin toxicity.

The Core Culprit: Glycyrrhizin

At the heart of the health problems caused by over-consuming licorice is the compound glycyrrhizin, which is derived from the licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Many commercially available candies labeled as "licorice" in the United States, particularly the red kind, are often flavored with anise oil and contain little to no actual licorice extract. The risk primarily lies with products containing real licorice extract, including black licorice candy, some teas, lozenges, and certain dietary supplements.

How Glycyrrhizin Affects the Body

Once ingested, glycyrrhizin is converted into a substance called glycyrrhetinic acid. This compound inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) in the kidneys. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of cortisol, a stress hormone, into its inactive form, cortisone. As a result, cortisol levels in the kidneys rise, and since cortisol can bind to mineralocorticoid receptors, it mimics the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water balance. This triggers a chain reaction that profoundly impacts the body.

The Cascade of Negative Effects

Over time, this hormonal mimicry causes the kidneys to retain more sodium and water while excreting more potassium. This leads to a severe electrolyte imbalance, and the effects on the body can be far-reaching and dangerous. The consequences include a significant increase in blood pressure (hypertension), which can result from the fluid retention. The potassium depletion, known as hypokalemia, is particularly dangerous as it can disrupt nerve and muscle function.

Cardiovascular Complications

The cardiovascular system is especially vulnerable to the effects of excessive licorice consumption. The combination of high blood pressure and low potassium can trigger serious heart problems. Hypokalemia can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, including arrhythmia. In extreme and prolonged cases, as documented in medical literature, this can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure, pulmonary edema, or cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of Licorice Toxicity

Symptoms of licorice toxicity can develop gradually, making it easy to overlook the root cause. Many people report chronic toxicity from daily, excessive ingestion over weeks or months. It is critical to be aware of the signs. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Muscle weakness and cramps: Caused by low potassium levels affecting muscle and nerve function.
Fatigue and lethargy: A general feeling of tiredness and sluggishness due to electrolyte imbalance.
Edema (swelling): Water retention in the ankles, legs, or face caused by high sodium levels.
Headaches: A common symptom of elevated blood pressure.
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations: A direct result of hypokalemia impacting cardiac rhythm.

Comparison of Licorice Effects: Short-Term vs. Chronic Consumption


Feature	Short-Term Excessive Consumption	Chronic Excessive Consumption
Quantity	Significant amount over a short period (e.g., a binge).	Regular intake over several weeks or months.
Effect on Potassium	Can cause a rapid drop in potassium levels.	Leads to persistent and severe hypokalemia.
Effect on Blood Pressure	Can trigger a sudden, acute increase in blood pressure.	Results in chronic, hard-to-control hypertension.
Cardiac Risk	Increased risk of irregular heart rhythms; can be an immediate concern.	Higher risk of heart failure, arrhythmia, and other long-term complications.
Other Symptoms	May include muscle cramps, swelling, and lethargy.	More severe and persistent symptoms, including muscle wasting and potentially neurological issues.
Reversibility	Effects are often reversible after stopping consumption.	Reversal may take longer; some long-term hormonal effects may take months to normalize.

Risk Factors and Interactions

Certain individuals face a higher risk of developing complications from excessive licorice intake. This includes:

Older adults: People over 40 are considered more susceptible, with the FDA citing cases of irregular heart rhythms from relatively moderate consumption.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions: Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease are at greater risk. Licorice can worsen these conditions.
Pregnant women: The consumption of licorice is unsafe during pregnancy and may increase the risk of preterm delivery.
People on certain medications: Licorice can interact with various drugs, particularly diuretics and medications for high blood pressure, potentially exacerbating potassium loss and reducing medication effectiveness. It can also interfere with blood thinners like warfarin.

What to Do If You Suspect Licorice Toxicity

If you have been consuming a significant amount of real licorice and experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat, it is crucial to stop all licorice consumption immediately and contact a healthcare provider. Treatment typically involves stopping the source of glycyrrhizin and administering potassium replacement therapy to restore electrolyte balance. The body will then begin to correct the hormonal imbalances over time, although normalization may take weeks or months depending on the severity and duration of the problem.

Conclusion

While a small, occasional treat of black licorice is unlikely to cause harm for most people, the consequences of eating too much licorice, particularly for chronic periods, can be severe. The glycyrrhizin in true licorice root disrupts the body's natural electrolyte balance, leading to increased blood pressure and dangerously low potassium levels. This can trigger serious cardiovascular events, particularly in at-risk populations. Moderation is key, and understanding the risks associated with glycyrrhizin is essential for preventing adverse health outcomes from this seemingly harmless confection.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main substance is glycyrrhizin, a compound found in true licorice root, which affects the body's mineralocorticoid system and leads to electrolyte imbalances.

The FDA suggests that consuming just two ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks could be enough to cause health issues in people over 40. However, toxic thresholds vary based on individual health factors.

Most red licorice candies and many licorice-flavored products in the U.S. do not contain actual licorice root but use anise oil for flavor, which does not contain glycyrrhizin and is therefore not associated with the same health risks.

Early symptoms often include muscle weakness, fatigue, swelling in the limbs, and headaches. As toxicity progresses, more serious cardiovascular symptoms may appear.

In rare but documented cases involving excessive and prolonged consumption, particularly in at-risk individuals, the severe hypokalemia and cardiac issues can lead to fatal heart problems.

Yes, for most people, stopping the consumption of licorice allows the body to restore normal electrolyte balance. Full recovery can take weeks or months, depending on the severity of the toxicity.

Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, low potassium levels, and pregnant women should avoid licorice containing glycyrrhizin.

Yes, licorice can interact with certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and blood thinners like warfarin. It can also reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs.