Who Cannot Drink Licorice Root Tea? Understanding the Risks

January 8, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, licorice root can cause serious adverse effects, including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, when consumed in large amounts or over a long period. Therefore, understanding who cannot drink licorice root tea is crucial for safety, as some health conditions and medications can interact dangerously with its active compound, glycyrrhizin.

Quick Summary

This article details specific health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease, that make consuming licorice root tea unsafe. It also covers important considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding women, potential medication interactions, and the risks associated with excessive consumption.

Key Points

High Blood Pressure: Individuals with hypertension should avoid licorice root tea, as its active compound, glycyrrhizin, can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Licorice root is considered unsafe for pregnant women due to risks of preterm birth and potential developmental issues; it should also be avoided while breastfeeding.
Heart and Kidney Conditions: People with heart or kidney disease are more sensitive to the electrolyte imbalances caused by licorice and should not consume it.
Medication Interactions: Licorice can interfere with several medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, blood thinners like warfarin, and corticosteroids.
Low Potassium Levels: Anyone with hypokalemia (low potassium) should avoid licorice, as it can dangerously lower potassium levels further.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): DGL products, which have the glycyrrhizin removed, offer a safer alternative for some people but should still be used with caution.

Who Should Avoid Licorice Root Tea?

While licorice root has a history of traditional use, it contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can cause health problems, especially with large or prolonged consumption. Glycyrrhizin can affect the body's electrolyte balance.

Individuals with Cardiovascular Issues

Those with high blood pressure should avoid licorice root tea because glycyrrhizin can lead to sodium and fluid retention, raising blood pressure. This can interfere with blood pressure medications. People with heart conditions like congestive heart failure or irregular heartbeat are also at risk, as licorice can lower potassium levels, potentially worsening these conditions or causing irregular rhythms. Excessive consumption can even lead to heart palpitations or cardiac arrest in rare cases.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Licorice root tea is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the baby, including developmental issues and increased risk of preterm delivery. While less clear for breastfeeding, avoidance is generally advised as glycyrrhizin might pass into breast milk.

People with Kidney Disease or Low Potassium

Licorice can be dangerous for those with kidney disease because it can cause the body to excrete more potassium, which is critical for individuals with impaired kidney function. Similarly, anyone with low potassium levels (hypokalemia) should not consume licorice root tea.

Individuals with Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

Licorice contains compounds that can act like estrogen in the body. This can be a concern for people with hormone-sensitive conditions or cancers like breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.

Comparison of Licorice Root Tea vs. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice with most of the glycyrrhizin removed, making it generally safer for short-term use.


Feature	Licorice Root Tea	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Glycyrrhizin Content	High; varies.	Negligible.
Cardiovascular Risk	High for those with heart disease or hypertension.	Minimal risk.
Pregnancy Risk	Not recommended.	Considered safer, but consult a doctor.
Kidney Disease Risk	Unsafe.	Safer, but medical advice needed.
Potassium Level Impact	Can cause dangerous drops.	Does not typically impact.
Common Use Case	Traditional use; requires monitoring.	Often used for digestive issues with less risk.

Potential Drug Interactions with Licorice Root

Licorice root tea can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications, diuretics, blood thinners like warfarin, and corticosteroids. It can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs and warfarin, increase the risk of low potassium with diuretics, and enhance the effects of corticosteroids. Licorice may also affect estrogen-based medications. Always consult a healthcare provider about potential interactions.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Over Flavor

Despite its appealing flavor and traditional uses, licorice root tea poses significant risks for individuals with certain health conditions due to glycyrrhizin. Those with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, and pregnant women should avoid it. Potential issues range from electrolyte imbalances to adverse fetal outcomes. Consulting a healthcare professional before using licorice root tea is crucial, especially for therapeutic purposes. DGL products offer a lower-risk alternative, but caution is still advised. Many other herbal teas provide safe and flavorful options without these risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, if you have high blood pressure, you should not drink licorice root tea. The glycyrrhizin in licorice can cause fluid and sodium retention, leading to increased blood pressure and interference with medication.

No, consuming licorice root tea is not safe during pregnancy due to the risk of preterm birth and potential developmental problems in the child. Avoidance is also recommended while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.

Yes, for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, consuming large amounts of licorice root can be harmful. The tea can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium, which puts extra strain on already compromised kidneys.

Yes, licorice root can have dangerous interactions with heart medications like digoxin. The reduction in potassium levels caused by licorice can increase the toxic side effects of digoxin and lead to heart rhythm problems.

Licorice root tea contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for most of its adverse effects. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a processed form with the glycyrrhizin removed, making it a safer option for certain health conditions like digestive issues.

There is no definitive 'safe' amount, as sensitivity varies. However, consuming even small amounts of glycyrrhizin can be problematic for those with health conditions. The FDA advises people over 40 with heart issues that more than two ounces a day for two weeks may cause problems.

Yes, many safe alternatives exist. Consider other herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint for soothing properties without the risks associated with glycyrrhizin. Always consult a doctor or herbalist for advice.