What Happens When You Have Too Much Licorice?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming just 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can lead to an irregular heart rhythm. The compound glycyrrhizin, found in licorice, is responsible for these adverse effects and can cause serious health issues when you have too much licorice.

Quick Summary

Excessive licorice consumption can lead to pseudohyperaldosteronism, causing low potassium levels, high blood pressure, and potential cardiac problems. Symptoms are often reversible upon cessation but can be severe, especially for at-risk individuals. The toxicity comes from glycyrrhizin, which disrupts hormonal balance in the kidneys.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the key toxic compound: Found in true licorice, glycyrrhizin disrupts the body's hormone and electrolyte balance.
Pseudohyperaldosteronism is the primary effect: This condition leads to sodium retention, water retention, and excessive potassium loss.
Cardiovascular risks are serious: Overconsumption can cause high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and potentially cardiac arrest.
Susceptible groups are most vulnerable: People over 40, those with heart or kidney disease, and pregnant women face the highest risks.
Effects are often reversible: Cessation of licorice consumption typically resolves most symptoms within a few weeks.
Anise is a safe alternative: Many licorice-flavored candies use anise oil, which does not contain glycyrrhizin.

Understanding Licorice and Glycyrrhizin

Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used for centuries as a flavoring agent and in traditional medicine. Its distinct sweet taste comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is significantly sweeter than table sugar. While many licorice-flavored products, particularly red licorice, use anise oil for flavor and do not contain glycyrrhizin, authentic licorice, such as black licorice and some herbal teas, does. It is this potent, active compound that is responsible for the health risks associated with overconsumption.

The Mechanism of Licorice Toxicity

Excessive intake of glycyrrhizin can lead to a condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism or apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME). This occurs because glycyrrhetinic acid, a metabolite of glycyrrhizin, inhibits an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) in the kidneys. This enzyme normally inactivates cortisol, a stress hormone. By inhibiting 11β-HSD2, licorice allows cortisol levels to rise in the kidneys, which in turn acts on mineralocorticoid receptors. The result is a cascade of hormonal and electrolyte imbalances that mimic the effects of excess aldosterone, despite normal or suppressed aldosterone levels.

Acute Symptoms of Overconsumption

The immediate symptoms of consuming too much licorice often stem from this electrolyte disturbance, particularly dangerously low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Low potassium can have profound effects on muscle and heart function. The following is a non-exhaustive list of symptoms observed in cases of acute licorice toxicity:

Muscle weakness and cramping, which can progress to paralysis
Elevated blood pressure, sometimes dangerously high (hypertension)
Headaches associated with the increase in blood pressure
Edema (swelling), particularly in the limbs, due to sodium and water retention
Lethargy and general fatigue
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or palpitations
Shortness of breath, potentially from pulmonary edema

Long-Term Consequences

Chronic, excessive licorice intake poses more severe, long-term health risks. The continued hormonal disruption can lead to persistent hypertension and electrolyte abnormalities that are resistant to standard treatments. This can cause significant strain on the cardiovascular system. Long-term effects can include:

Cardiac Arrest: In rare but serious cases, severe hypokalemia can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes, leading to cardiac arrest.
Heart Failure: The combination of fluid retention and high blood pressure puts extra workload on the heart, potentially leading to congestive heart failure.
Rhabdomyolysis: This is a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing damaging proteins into the bloodstream. It can be triggered by severe hypokalemia and can cause kidney failure.
Sexual Dysfunction: Some studies suggest excessive licorice intake can lower testosterone levels in men, leading to diminished libido and erectile dysfunction.
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women are advised to avoid licorice, as large quantities have been linked to an increased risk of early delivery and potential adverse effects on the baby's brain.

Risk Factors and Who Should Be Careful

Certain populations are more susceptible to licorice's toxic effects, meaning a smaller amount consumed over a shorter time can cause adverse reactions. These risk factors include:

Age: Individuals over 40 are at a higher risk of complications, especially cardiac events.
Pre-existing Conditions: People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease are particularly vulnerable.
Medication Interactions: Licorice can interact dangerously with certain medications, including diuretics (which deplete potassium) and digitalis (used for heart failure). It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin and alter the metabolism of corticosteroids.
Constipation: A slower gastrointestinal transit time allows for greater hydrolysis of glycyrrhizin, increasing the risk of toxicity.

Reversibility and Prevention

The good news is that for most people, the adverse effects of excessive licorice consumption are reversible. Upon discontinuing licorice intake, potassium levels and blood pressure typically return to normal within several weeks. However, hormonal balance may take longer to fully restore. The key to prevention is moderation and awareness.

For most healthy adults, regulatory bodies suggest limiting glycyrrhizin intake to less than 100 mg per day. It is critical to check product labels, as the glycyrrhizin content can vary significantly, even among similar products. Be mindful of other sources, such as teas, herbal supplements, and lozenges, which can contribute to overall intake. For individuals with health concerns or those on specific medications, it is wise to avoid licorice altogether. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of licorice toxicity, stop consumption immediately and seek medical attention.

Licorice Toxicity vs. Anise Flavoring


Feature	Glycyrrhizin-Containing (Authentic) Licorice	Anise Oil-Flavored (Imitation) Products
Source	Root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant	Pimpinella anisum plant
Active Compound	Glycyrrhizin (causes health risks)	Anethole (no significant health risks)
Associated Risks	Hypertension, hypokalemia, cardiac issues	None related to glycyrrhizin toxicity
Examples	Black licorice candy, herbal teas, supplements	Most red licorice candy, licorice-flavored sweets
Actionable Advice	Consume in moderation; check labels for glycyrrhizin content	Safer alternative for those concerned about licorice toxicity

Conclusion

While a moderate amount of licorice in a normal diet is unlikely to cause issues for most healthy individuals, overindulgence can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, can wreak havoc on the body's electrolyte balance and cardiovascular system by mimicking aldosterone. By being mindful of consumption limits and recognizing the warning signs of toxicity, you can enjoy licorice safely. For those with pre-existing health conditions or taking certain medications, avoiding licorice is the safest course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no universally defined toxic dose, regulatory bodies recommend that most healthy adults limit their intake of glycyrrhizin, the active compound, to less than 100 mg per day. Eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could cause health problems, especially for those over 40.

The main compound responsible for the adverse effects is glycyrrhizin. It is significantly sweeter than sugar and, in large amounts, disrupts the body's hormonal system, leading to electrolyte imbalances.

Early symptoms often include headaches, swelling (edema), fatigue, muscle weakness, and an increase in blood pressure. These are caused by the body retaining sodium and losing potassium.

No. Many licorice-flavored candies, especially red licorice, are made with anise oil and contain no glycyrrhizin. The risk is primarily associated with real black licorice, licorice root, and certain herbal supplements and teas.

Yes, in rare cases. Severe potassium depletion (hypokalemia) caused by excessive licorice can lead to life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities and cardiac arrest. This is most dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should avoid licorice containing glycyrrhizin. Pregnant women and people taking certain medications, such as diuretics or warfarin, should also abstain.

If you experience symptoms like irregular heartbeat, significant swelling, or muscle weakness after consuming licorice, stop consumption immediately and seek medical attention. It is important to inform a healthcare provider of your consumption history.