When Should You Not Eat Licorice? Understanding the Health Risks

October 25, 2025 •

2 min read

With a history of use spanning thousands of years, licorice root is known for both its medicinal properties and its distinct flavour, yet its active component, glycyrrhizin, can trigger serious adverse effects when consumed in large amounts or by individuals with certain health conditions. Knowing when should you not eat licorice? is a critical consideration to prevent potential health complications from this common herbal ingredient.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the critical health conditions, medications, and life stages that necessitate avoiding licorice. It explains the dangerous effects of glycyrrhizin on blood pressure and potassium levels, detailing specific risks for heart patients and pregnant individuals.

Key Points

Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems should not eat licorice due to the risk of hypertension, fluid retention, and dangerous potassium imbalances.
Drug Interactions: Licorice can interfere with several medications, including diuretics, blood thinners like warfarin, and heart drugs (digoxin), potentially leading to serious complications.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Pregnant women should avoid licorice, as high intake has been linked to preterm birth and developmental issues in children. Safety data for breastfeeding is also limited.
Glycyrrhizin is the Problematic Compound: The root cause of licorice's side effects is the compound glycyrrhizin, which can alter electrolyte balance and blood pressure. The risk level depends on the amount of glycyrrhizin consumed and the duration of use.
Safer Alternatives Exist: For those who enjoy the taste, products flavoured with anise oil are a safe substitute. For medicinal purposes, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a low-risk option.
Symptoms of Toxicity: Excessive licorice consumption over a prolonged period can cause toxicity, with symptoms including fatigue, muscle cramping, swelling (edema), and headaches.

The Core Culprit: How Glycyrrhizin Affects the Body

The health risks associated with licorice are primarily due to glycyrrhizin, a compound significantly sweeter than sugar that interferes with an enzyme that breaks down cortisol. This interference leads to a condition mimicking excessive aldosterone and can cause increased blood pressure, decreased potassium, and fluid retention. The amount of glycyrrhizin varies in candies, teas, and supplements.

Medical Conditions Requiring Caution

Individuals with certain health conditions face higher risks from licorice consumption. Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues are particularly vulnerable to glycyrrhizin's effects. Some evidence suggests licorice may affect liver function. {Link: MSD Manuals https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/licorice}.

High-Risk Populations

Certain groups of people should be especially cautious about licorice intake.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnant individuals should avoid licorice, particularly in large quantities, as high intake has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and potential developmental issues. Limited safety data also suggests avoidance during breastfeeding.

Children

Children are more sensitive to glycyrrhizin. The FDA advises against giving licorice tea to infants and toddlers, and older children should only consume small amounts occasionally.

Dangerous Drug Interactions

Licorice can interact with various medications, including diuretics, blood pressure and heart medications, blood thinners, and corticosteroids. {Link: MSD Manuals https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/licorice}.

Licorice Types and Safer Alternatives

Many products with a licorice flavour use anise oil instead of real licorice root, avoiding glycyrrhizin. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is another safer option. {Link: MSD Manuals https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/licorice}.

Comparison of Licorice Products


Feature	Genuine Licorice Products (with Glycyrrhizin)	Anise-Flavoured Products	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Active Compound	Contains glycyrrhizin	Contains anise oil; no glycyrrhizin	Glycyrrhizin has been removed or reduced
Effect on Blood Pressure	Can significantly raise blood pressure	No effect on blood pressure	No effect on blood pressure
Effect on Potassium	Can cause low potassium (hypokalemia)	No effect on potassium levels	No effect on potassium levels
Primary Risk	High risk for cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, pregnancy	Generally safe for most consumers	Very low risk for cardiovascular or hormonal effects
Best For	Use with extreme caution and medical supervision	Those who enjoy the licorice flavour without the health risks	Medicinal use for stomach ailments, etc.

Conclusion: Consult a Healthcare Provider

Real licorice poses risks for individuals with certain health conditions, pregnant women, and those on specific medications. {Link: MSD Manuals https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/licorice}. Always consult a healthcare professional before using licorice products.

Frequently Asked Questions

People with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or low potassium levels should never eat licorice. Pregnant women and those taking specific medications like blood thinners, diuretics, or heart medication should also avoid it.

Licorice can interact with diuretics, blood thinners such as warfarin, heart medications like digoxin, and corticosteroids. It can either reduce the medication's effectiveness or amplify its side effects.

There is no universally safe amount, as individual sensitivity varies. However, for people over 40, the FDA warns that consuming more than two ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks could cause health problems. Adverse effects have been reported with glycyrrhizin intakes as low as 100 mg daily.

It is not recommended to give licorice tea to infants or toddlers. Older children should consume it only in very small amounts and not regularly, as they can be more sensitive to glycyrrhizin's effects.

Early symptoms of licorice toxicity include swelling (edema) in the ankles and feet, muscle weakness, fatigue, and headaches. If left unaddressed, it can progress to more severe issues like high blood pressure and heart rhythm abnormalities.

No, only genuine licorice root extract containing the compound glycyrrhizin is a concern. Many candies and foods labeled 'licorice' are instead flavoured with anise oil, which does not carry the same risks. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is also a safe alternative.

If you have a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure or heart problems and consume licorice, stop immediately and monitor for symptoms like swelling, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Consult a doctor for personalized advice.