What Happens If You Drink Too Much Licorice?

December 5, 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 could lead to hospitalization for irregular heart rhythms. The seemingly benign treat can hide serious health risks when consumed excessively, affecting blood pressure, potassium levels, and cardiac function.

Quick Summary

Excessive licorice consumption can lead to glycyrrhizin toxicity, which mimics hyperaldosteronism, causing dangerous drops in potassium, severe hypertension, and fluid retention. Long-term overconsumption can result in life-threatening cardiac issues, muscle weakness, and other severe health complications. Risks are elevated for individuals with pre-existing heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues.

Key Points

High Blood Pressure: Excessive licorice consumption, particularly black licorice and some herbal teas, can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.
Low Potassium Levels: The active compound, glycyrrhizin, leads to potassium depletion (hypokalemia), which can trigger severe muscle weakness and heart rhythm problems.
Heart Rhythm Irregularities: Life-threatening complications such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) and cardiac arrest have been linked to significant licorice overconsumption.
Fluid Retention: Excessive intake can cause the body to retain sodium and water, leading to edema (swelling) and increased workload on the heart.
Avoid During Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid all licorice root products, as high intake has been linked to potential harm to the unborn child and increased risk of preterm delivery.
Be Aware of Glycyrrhizin: Not all 'licorice' products contain glycyrrhizin. Check the label to see if it contains real licorice root extract or is simply flavored with anise.
Risk Groups: Individuals with pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are especially sensitive to the negative effects of licorice.

The Toxic Compound in Licorice: Glycyrrhizin

Licorice root contains the potent compound glycyrrhizin, which is what gives it its characteristic sweet flavor, but is also responsible for its toxic effects when consumed in large quantities over an extended period. Glycyrrhizin acts by inhibiting an enzyme in the kidneys called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-ß-HSD). This enzyme normally deactivates cortisol, preventing it from binding to mineralocorticoid receptors. By blocking this enzyme, glycyrrhizin allows cortisol to accumulate and stimulate these receptors, mimicking the effects of the hormone aldosterone. This condition is known as pseudohyperaldosteronism.

The Cascade of Symptoms from Excessive Licorice

Excessive licorice consumption triggers a series of physiological changes that manifest as a range of symptoms. The core issues stem from the mineralocorticoid-like activity of glycyrrhizin, which leads to imbalances in fluids and electrolytes.

Cardiovascular and Blood Pressure Problems

One of the most immediate and dangerous effects of overconsuming licorice is a spike in blood pressure. The pseudo-aldosterone effect causes the body to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium. The increased fluid volume puts strain on the heart and circulatory system, leading to high blood pressure, and in severe cases, hypertensive encephalopathy or congestive heart failure. A case report in the New England Journal of Medicine detailed a man who died from cardiac arrest after excessive licorice consumption caused his potassium levels to plummet.

Potassium Depletion (Hypokalemia)

As the body loses excessive potassium, the symptoms of hypokalemia begin to appear. Potassium is critical for nerve and muscle function, especially for the heart muscle. A significant drop in potassium can lead to muscle cramping, severe muscle weakness (myopathy), fatigue, and even paralysis. In some cases, this muscular damage is so severe it can cause rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a harmful protein into the blood.

Hormonal and Other Side Effects

Beyond the cardiovascular and electrolyte issues, glycyrrhizin can affect other body systems. Some studies have suggested it can cause hormonal imbalances, such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men by lowering testosterone levels. For women, it can act like estrogen, which is a concern for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast or uterine cancer. Additionally, licorice consumption should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks, including preterm delivery.

Comparison of Licorice vs. Anise Flavoring

Not all licorice-flavored products are created equal. It's crucial to differentiate between products containing real licorice root extract and those flavored with anise oil, as only the former contains the problematic compound glycyrrhizin.


Feature	Real Licorice Root Extract (Contains Glycyrrhizin)	Anise-Flavored Products
Source	Glycyrrhiza glabra plant root.	Anise plant (Pimpinella anisum).
Active Compound	Glycyrrhizin, which inhibits an enzyme in the kidneys.	Anethole, a non-toxic aromatic compound.
Health Risks (Excessive Intake)	High blood pressure, hypokalemia, heart problems, fluid retention.	None of the health risks associated with glycyrrhizin toxicity.
Flavor Profile	Sweet, woody, and slightly bitter.	Distinct, licorice-like flavor, but with an underlying spiciness.
Labeling	Often labeled with warnings for hypertensive individuals.	Generally does not carry specific health warnings related to cardiovascular effects.
Common Examples	Traditional black licorice candy, herbal teas, licorice root supplements.	Some types of jelly beans, lozenges, and modern candies.

What to Do If You've Consumed Too Much Licorice

If you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, swelling, or palpitations after consuming a significant amount of real licorice, it's vital to seek medical attention. The treatment for licorice toxicity typically involves stopping all licorice consumption, addressing the potassium deficiency with supplements, and using medications like mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to block the hormonal effects. Recovery is often complete with cessation of licorice intake, though it may take several weeks for the body's natural hormonal balance to restore.

Conclusion

While a small, occasional amount of genuine licorice is generally safe for most healthy adults, excessive consumption can lead to a serious medical condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism, caused by the compound glycyrrhizin. The risk is elevated for individuals with pre-existing heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues, and for pregnant women. Being aware of the difference between true licorice root products and those flavored with anise is key to avoiding these dangers. Always consume licorice products in moderation and consult a healthcare professional with any concerns, especially if you take medications that interact with potassium levels or blood pressure.

Authoritative Source

For additional information on licorice safety and dosage, consult the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root

Key Takeaways:

High Blood Pressure: Excessive licorice intake can increase your blood pressure significantly by causing your body to retain sodium and water.
Low Potassium: Glycyrrhizin in licorice causes your body to excrete potassium, leading to dangerously low levels (hypokalemia).
Cardiac Risks: The combination of high blood pressure and low potassium can result in irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.
Hormonal Effects: In large doses, licorice can cause hormonal imbalances by mimicking the hormone aldosterone, which affects fluid balance.
Muscle Weakness: Severe hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, or even paralysis.
Check Ingredients: Real licorice root products contain glycyrrhizin; anise-flavored candies do not. Always check labels, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary substance is glycyrrhizin, a compound found in the licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). In excessive amounts, it can cause mineralocorticoid-like effects, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

The amount varies by product and individual sensitivity, but health authorities suggest an average adult should not consume more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day. Some licorice products may require consumption of over 250g per day to reach this level, but for some individuals, even lower doses can cause problems. The FDA has warned that eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could be problematic for people over 40.

Early signs can include muscle weakness, muscle cramping, headaches, lethargy, fatigue, and swelling (edema), particularly in the ankles. If these symptoms occur, it is essential to stop consuming licorice and consult a doctor.

Yes, excessive consumption of licorice can cause dangerous heart problems. This is because glycyrrhizin can lead to significant potassium depletion (hypokalemia), which can trigger irregular heart rhythms and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest.

No. Many licorice-flavored candies, especially in the United States, are flavored with anise oil instead of actual licorice root extract. Anise does not contain glycyrrhizin and does not carry the same health risks. Always check the ingredient list for 'licorice root extract' or 'glycyrrhizin'.

If you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, swelling, headaches, or palpitations after consuming a large amount of licorice, you should stop intake immediately and seek medical attention. Treatment often involves potassium replacement and medications to normalize blood pressure.

DGL products have had the glycyrrhizin removed and are therefore generally considered safer and are used to treat certain conditions like heartburn. They do not pose the same risks of hypokalemia and hypertension as products with glycyrrhizin.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or low potassium levels should avoid licorice root and its derivatives. Pregnant women should also avoid it completely.