When not to eat liquorice?

December 29, 2025 •

2 min read

The compound glycyrrhizin, found in liquorice root, can cause serious adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure when consumed in large amounts or over long periods. Therefore, it is crucial to understand who should exercise caution or avoid it entirely.

Quick Summary

Individuals with certain pre-existing conditions like hypertension, heart disease, and kidney problems should steer clear of liquorice due to potential health risks and interactions with medications.

Key Points

High Blood Pressure: Avoid real liquorice as its active compound, glycyrrhizin, can significantly increase blood pressure and counteract medication.
Heart and Kidney Disease: The risk of severe side effects like irregular heartbeat, fluid retention, and electrolyte imbalance is heightened in those with heart or kidney conditions.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid liquorice root due to the potential for complications, including an increased risk of early delivery.
Medication Users: Liquorice interacts harmfully with various medications, such as diuretics, digoxin, warfarin, and corticosteroids.
Low Potassium: Anyone with existing hypokalemia should not eat liquorice, as it further depletes potassium levels and can cause serious muscle or heart issues.
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Because liquorice can have estrogenic effects, it is not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive conditions like certain cancers.

Understanding the Dangers of Glycyrrhizin

The primary concern with real liquorice comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin. This substance can affect salt and water balance in the body, similar to the hormone aldosterone. Consuming too much glycyrrhizin can lead to pseudoaldosteronism, causing the body to retain sodium and water while losing potassium, which can lead to various serious health complications, especially for certain risk groups.

Medical Conditions That Require Avoiding Liquorice

For those with existing health issues, liquorice consumption can pose significant risks. Avoid liquorice if you have conditions such as high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, low potassium levels, hormone-sensitive conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Details on specific conditions can be found {Link: droracle.ai https://droracle.ai/articles/97668/what-are-the-dangers-of-glycyrrhiza-glabra-licorice-root-consumption}.

Drug Interactions with Liquorice

Liquorice can interfere with several medications. Consult your doctor if you take diuretics, digoxin, warfarin, corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, or estrogens. Specific interaction details are available {Link: droracle.ai https://droracle.ai/articles/97668/what-are-the-dangers-of-glycyrrhiza-glabra-licorice-root-consumption}.

Distinguishing Real Liquorice from Anise Flavoring

Many candies labeled "liquorice" are flavored with anise oil, not real liquorice root extract. Anise oil does not contain glycyrrhizin and is not associated with the same health risks. Always check the ingredient list to identify products with real liquorice extract.

Key Considerations for Consumers

Read Labels: Look for "licorice root extract" or "glycyrrhizin" in ingredients.
Moderation is Key: Small, occasional amounts are generally fine for healthy adults.
Look for DGL: Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) has most glycyrrhizin removed and is a safer alternative.

Real Liquorice vs. Anise-Flavored Candy


Feature	Real Liquorice (with glycyrrhizin)	Anise-Flavored Candy (without glycyrrhizin)
Source	Root extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant	Oil from the anise plant
Active Compound	Contains glycyrrhizin	Does not contain glycyrrhizin
Key Health Risks	High blood pressure, low potassium, fluid retention, hormonal effects	None related to glycyrrhizin; general risks from high sugar content
Drug Interactions	Significant interactions with diuretics, digoxin, warfarin, etc.	No known interactions with these specific medications
Flavor	Distinct, naturally sweet liquorice flavor	Similar taste to liquorice, but derived from anise

Conclusion

Real liquorice, containing glycyrrhizin, is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, and blood pressure should avoid it due to the risk of serious health effects. It is also cautioned against during pregnancy and for those taking certain medications, including diuretics, blood thinners, and steroids. To minimize risk, check product labels for real liquorice extract and consider anise-flavored alternatives or deglycyrrhizinized liquorice (DGL). Always consult a healthcare professional regarding dietary changes related to health conditions or medications. For further details on the risks of excessive liquorice, refer to authoritative medical sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, real liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure, especially with excessive or chronic consumption.

No, it is unsafe to take liquorice root during pregnancy, particularly in large amounts, as it may increase the risk of premature delivery.

No. Many modern 'black liquorice' candies are flavored with anise oil, which does not contain glycyrrhizin. You must read the ingredient list to confirm if a product contains real liquorice extract.

Liquorice can interact with diuretics, digoxin, warfarin, and corticosteroids, among others. Always consult a doctor if you take medications and consume liquorice regularly.

DGL is a form of liquorice where most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed. It is generally considered safer and is often used for digestive health benefits without the blood pressure and potassium risks.

Signs of excessive liquorice consumption include high blood pressure, low potassium (hypokalemia), swelling (edema), muscle weakness, fatigue, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms.

There is no universally accepted safe limit, as sensitivity varies. For healthy individuals over 40, the FDA warns that consuming more than 2 ounces of real black liquorice daily for two weeks may be problematic. Those with health conditions should avoid it altogether.