What does too much licorice do to your body?: The Serious Health Risks of Excessive Consumption

October 31, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, eating as little as two ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40. For this reason, it is vital to understand what does too much licorice do to your body and the serious health consequences of excessive consumption.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of true licorice, which contains the compound glycyrrhizin, can trigger a dangerous condition called pseudohyperaldosteronism, resulting in high blood pressure, fluid retention, and critically low potassium levels. These electrolyte disruptions pose significant risks to heart health and can lead to severe muscle weakness.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin's Hormonal Effect: The compound glycyrrhizin in real licorice inhibits an enzyme that regulates cortisol, leading to a state of 'pseudohyperaldosteronism'.
Cardiac and Blood Pressure Risks: Excessive licorice can cause dangerous high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), fluid retention, and potentially heart failure or cardiac arrest.
Hypokalemia and Muscle Problems: Low blood potassium levels resulting from licorice consumption can lead to severe muscle weakness, cramping, and in rare cases, paralysis or rhabdomyolysis.
Important Dosage Limits: The WHO suggests limiting daily glycyrrhizin intake to 100 mg for most adults, while the FDA warns people over 40 to consume no more than 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks.
Check Your Ingredients: Many candies do not contain real licorice root and are flavored with safer anise oil; always check the label for 'licorice root extract' or 'glycyrrhizic acid'.
At-Risk Populations: Individuals with pre-existing heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, and older adults are at a much higher risk for serious complications.

The Core Problem: Pseudohyperaldosteronism

Excessive intake of real licorice, sourced from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, can cause a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism. This is not an allergic reaction but a toxic effect caused by a potent natural compound found in the root, called glycyrrhizin. Many popular candies sold as 'licorice,' particularly red licorice, are actually flavored with anise oil and contain little to no glycyrrhizin, meaning they do not pose this specific risk. However, real black licorice, many herbal teas, and certain dietary supplements do contain this active compound, and long-term, high-volume consumption is the primary risk factor for adverse effects.

How Glycyrrhizin Hijacks Hormones

Glycyrrhizin and its metabolite, glycyrrhetinic acid, directly interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Specifically, these compounds inhibit an enzyme in the kidneys called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This enzyme is normally responsible for converting the hormone cortisol into inactive cortisone. When this enzyme is inhibited, cortisol levels remain high within the kidneys, where it can bind to and activate mineralocorticoid receptors. This effectively mimics the action of aldosterone, a key hormone that regulates blood pressure, causing the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium at an accelerated rate. The hormonal cascade leads to a series of adverse physiological effects.

Health Complications from Excessive Licorice

Cardiovascular Risks

One of the most immediate and dangerous consequences of excessive licorice intake is the effect on the cardiovascular system. The combination of increased sodium retention and fluid buildup, along with critically low potassium levels, puts a significant strain on the heart. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions are especially vulnerable.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Sodium and water retention increase blood volume, which raises blood pressure. This can lead to headaches and, in severe cases, hypertensive encephalopathy.
Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): Low potassium (hypokalemia) is known to interfere with the heart's electrical signaling, potentially leading to dangerous, irregular heartbeats.
Cardiac Arrest and Heart Failure: In extreme cases, severe electrolyte imbalances can trigger heart failure or cardiac arrest, a risk that has been linked to fatalities.

Muscular and Neurological Symptoms

Beyond the heart, the severe depletion of potassium affects muscle and nerve function throughout the body.

Muscle Weakness and Cramping: Hypokalemia can cause symptoms ranging from mild fatigue and cramping to severe muscle weakness and flaccid paralysis.
Rhabdomyolysis: In extreme cases of muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue, has been reported.
Neurological Problems: Some individuals experience headaches, lethargy, or tingling and burning sensations (paresthesias) in the extremities.

Other Concerns

Excessive licorice has other physiological impacts that can compound existing health issues.

Drug Interactions: Licorice can interact dangerously with several medications, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners like warfarin.
Pregnancy Risks: Consumption of large amounts of licorice during pregnancy has been associated with premature birth and health issues for the child.
Sexual Dysfunction: For men, high intake of licorice has been linked to a decrease in libido and potential erectile dysfunction due to lowered testosterone levels.

How Much Licorice Is Too Much?

Determining a 'safe' amount of licorice is difficult because the glycyrrhizin content varies greatly between products. However, guidelines and case reports provide some benchmarks:

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that an intake of up to 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day is safe for most adults, roughly equivalent to 60–70 grams of licorice candy.
The U.S. FDA has warned that people over 40 should avoid eating more than two ounces (57 grams) of black licorice a day for at least two weeks due to the risk of cardiac irregularities.
Adverse effects become more consistently observed in individuals consuming 400 mg or more of glycyrrhizin daily over four weeks.

Comparison: Real Licorice vs. Anise-Flavored Candy

For consumers, distinguishing between risky real licorice and harmless anise-flavored alternatives is key.


Feature	Real Black Licorice (with Glycyrrhizin)	Anise-Flavored "Licorice" Candy
Source	Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra plant	Anise oil (sometimes synthetic flavors)
Active Compound	Glycyrrhizin, which causes health risks	None (lacks glycyrrhizin)
Potential Risks	Hypertension, hypokalemia, cardiac issues	Sugar-related health problems, but not pseudohyperaldosteronism
Flavor Profile	Distinctive, strong licorice flavor with lingering sweetness	Similar licorice-like flavor but from a different compound
Labeling	Often lists licorice root extract or glycyrrhizic acid	Lists anise oil or artificial flavor as a primary ingredient

Conclusion: Practice Moderation and Prioritize Awareness

The dangers posed by excessive licorice consumption are real and rooted in its potent chemical properties. While occasional, moderate enjoyment of real licorice is generally not a concern for most healthy adults, habitual or heavy intake can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening health issues, especially related to heart function and electrolyte balance. The good news is that these adverse effects are often reversible upon cessation of consumption. By being mindful of ingredient labels and understanding your personal health risks, you can make informed choices to protect yourself. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure should be particularly cautious and should consult a doctor or registered dietitian if they have concerns about their licorice intake. To learn more about the specific health impacts and risks, consider reviewing reputable medical resources such as the National Institutes of Health.

When to Be Concerned: Recognizing Symptoms and Risk Factors

If you are a regular licorice consumer, pay attention to potential warning signs. Be particularly vigilant if you have the following symptoms, as they may indicate a problem with excessive licorice intake:

Swelling in the ankles or face (edema)
Persistent muscle weakness or cramping
Unexplained fatigue or lethargy
Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
Unexplained headaches
High blood pressure that does not respond to medication

Those at greater risk include people with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions, anyone with low blood potassium (hypokalemia), and adults over 40. If you experience any of these symptoms or fall into a high-risk group, it is crucial to stop consuming licorice and consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Long-Term Effects and Recovery

For individuals who have experienced pseudohyperaldosteronism due to chronic licorice consumption, recovery typically begins shortly after cessation. While hypokalemia and blood pressure may normalize within a few weeks, the full recovery of the hormonal system can take several months. In severe cases, patients may require hospitalization for intravenous potassium repletion and careful management of their blood pressure. Discontinuing licorice consumption is the key to recovery, and for some, alternative flavorings or dietary strategies may be needed to satisfy cravings without the risks associated with glycyrrhizin.

Frequently Asked Questions

The World Health Organization suggests a safe daily limit of 100 mg of glycyrrhizin for most adults, which equates to about 60–70 grams of licorice candy.

The primary chemical responsible for the negative side effects is glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which is found in the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant.

No, many licorice-flavored products, especially 'red licorice' and some US-made black licorice candies, do not contain real licorice root extract and are instead flavored with anise oil. Always check the ingredient list.

Common symptoms include high blood pressure, low blood potassium, fluid retention (edema), fatigue, muscle weakness, and abnormal heart rhythms.

In very rare but severe cases, excessive licorice consumption has been linked to fatal cardiac events, typically in individuals with underlying health conditions.

Treatment involves discontinuing all licorice intake, correcting electrolyte imbalances (especially low potassium), and managing hypertension. Symptoms usually resolve after cessation.

People with heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and those over 40 are particularly sensitive and at higher risk of adverse effects.

Yes, licorice can interact with certain medications, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners like warfarin. Consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of licorice if you are on medication.

Adverse effects can develop over a period of weeks or months with consistent, excessive intake. Some individuals may be more sensitive and experience symptoms more quickly.