Warning: Licorice Root Can Impact Blood Pressure—Here’s How to Use It Safely for Hormones

Surprising fact: a single cup of herbal tea can carry enough glycyrrhizin to raise blood pressure in sensitive people.

Glycyrrhizin, the active compound in many licorice products, can mimic aldosterone and raise blood pressure by blocking 11β-HSD2. Case reports link teas, candies, and supplements to hypertension, low potassium, swelling, and even dangerous heart rhythm problems.

We’ll show where risk comes from, how to read labels, and when a deglycyrrhizinated form may be safer. You’ll also see practical tips to estimate intake and monitor symptoms.

For the mechanism and supporting studies, see a detailed review on PubMed: glycyrrhizin and health risks. A standard medical disclaimer appears at the end of the full article.

Key Takeaways

• Glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure by a mineralocorticoid-like effect.
• Teas, candies, and supplements have caused real clinical cases of hypertension and low potassium.
• DGL reduces glycyrrhizin and often lowers risk for mineral-related harms.
• Read labels and estimate intake to avoid excessive consumption.
• Talk with your clinician if you have high blood pressure or take medications that affect potassium.

Why Licorice Root Deserves Caution: What the Science Says

Small benefits exist, but regular intake of glycyrrhizin-containing products can harm the cardiovascular system. Clinical reports and FDA guidance show real risks from daily tea, candy, or extract use.

What the evidence shows. Long-term consumption has been tied to higher blood pressure and low potassium. Case reports describe severe hypertension after repeated tea or candy intake. Regulatory notices warn that many products do not list glycyrrhizic acid amounts, so users may unknowingly exceed safe exposure.

Where benefits fit in. Trials report helpful outcomes for dyspepsia, as an adjunct in H. pylori treatment, and for topical prevention of postoperative sore throat. These benefits are real, but they often come from controlled, short-term use or deglycyrrhizinated extracts.

• Balance is essential: weigh digestive and skin properties against cardiovascular risk.
• Watch total consumption: tea, candies, and supplements add up.
• Check interactions: some medications amplify blood pressure and potassium changes.

Feature	Benefit	Risk
Oral extract	May ease dyspepsia	Can raise pressure and lower potassium
Tea/candy	Accessible, pleasant	Variable glycyrrhizic levels; documented cases of hypertension
Deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL)	Retains some benefits for digestion	Lower systemic risk when processed correctly

How Licorice Raises Blood Pressure: Glycyrrhizin and Pseudoaldosteronism Explained

When glycyrrhizin disables 11β-HSD2, cortisol takes over mineralocorticoid receptors and alters kidney handling of salt. This hormonal mimicry can raise pressure, lower potassium, and cause swelling.

Mechanism 101. Glycyrrhizin suppresses the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone. That lets cortisol overstimulate mineralocorticoid receptors, acting like excess aldosterone.

This triggers sodium and water retention and renal potassium wasting. The result is higher blood volume and rising blood pressure, often with edema and low potassium levels.

Dose and time matter. Even moderate daily intake over weeks can add up. Candies, tea, or a standardized root extract may all reach risky cumulative doses.

Why deglycyrrhizinated licorice differs. DGL strips most glycyrrhizin and shows far less mineralocorticoid-like activity while retaining some digestive benefits. Not all extracts are labeled the same, so check for terms like glycyrrhizic acid or standardized glycyrrhizin.

• Watch for warning signs: rising pressure, muscle weakness from low potassium, swelling, or palpitations.
• At-risk groups: people with existing hypertension or kidney disease should use extra caution.
• Want details? See the glycyrrhizin review on PubMed for mechanism and case reports: glycyrrhizin review.

Licorice Root Side Effects

Regular use can cause real harms to the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Watch for swelling, weakness, and palpitations—many problems improve after stopping use.

Reported cases tie sweet drinks, candies, and supplements to high blood pressure and dangerous heart rhythm problems. Low potassium and muscle breakdown have appeared even when readings seemed normal.

Cardiovascular harms: what to watch for

Key signs: rising pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and rare heart failure features after prolonged consumption.

Electrolytes and muscles

Low potassium can cause weakness, cramps, paralysis, and in extreme cases rhabdomyolysis. Check potassium levels quickly if you feel unexplained muscle problems.

Neurologic, skin, and other reactions

Headaches, transient vision changes, fluid retention, and endocrine shifts occur. Contact dermatitis has followed topical use. Liver interactions and medication combos can change risk.

• Notable point: tea, candies, and extracts all contribute to total exposure.
• If you have swelling, weakness, or a pounding heart, stop consumption and test blood pressure and potassium.

System	Common signs	Typical action
Cardiovascular	Hypertension, palpitations, arrhythmia	Measure BP, seek urgent care for arrhythmia
Electrolytes	Low potassium, cramps, weakness	Lab check, electrolyte repletion
Skin & other	Contact dermatitis, headaches, vision changes	Stop topical or oral use; consult clinician

For a general primer on safe use and label reading, see licorice root.

Blood Pressure and Hormones: What’s Known About Risks and Potential Uses

Case reports link everyday sweets and herbal brews to abrupt rises in pressure and low potassium. Some controlled trials show targeted benefits, but risk depends on dose, form, and individual conditions.

Clinical stories often begin with a familiar snack or cup and end with new-onset hypertension or hypokalemia. These reports include black licorice candies and common herbal teas, not only high-dose supplements.

Hypertension signals and case reports—from teas, candies, and supplements

Watch for rising home readings, swelling, headaches, or palpitations after increased consumption. Low potassium may cause weakness or cramps and can worsen heart rhythm problems.

Hormonal angles: cortisol, aldosterone mimicry, and potential PCOS considerations

Glycyrrhizin can let cortisol act like aldosterone, changing sodium and potassium balance. That explains both pressure changes and electrolyte shifts seen in reports.

Some small trials of licorice root extract and glycyrrhiza glabra report digestive or metabolic benefits and modest systolic drops. PCOS research pairing spironolactone with this extract suggests hormonal effects worth careful, individualized oversight.

Use	Reported Benefit	Key Risk
Tea/candy	Convenient, pleasant taste	Unpredictable glycyrrhizin levels; hypertension
Standardized root extract	Adjunct for dyspepsia, H. pylori	Electrolyte loss, higher blood pressure
Topical/gargle	Throat relief, less systemic exposure	Contact dermatitis in some users

If you take medications or have liver or heart conditions, discuss any supplement use with your clinician. For a clear primer on amounts and label reading, see licorice root.

Using Licorice Safely: Practical Guidelines for Tea, Extracts, and Supplements

Choose form and dose carefully. Small, time-limited use of products that contain glycyrrhizin can be safe for some people. Long or unmonitored use raises the risk of higher blood pressure and low potassium levels.

Pick the form that fits your goal. Whole root, standardized extract, candies, and tea deliver very different glycyrrhizin per serving. If you want stomach support, consider deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to lower mineralocorticoid-like activity while keeping some digestive benefits.

How to read labels and limit exposure

Look for “glycyrrhizin” or “glycyrrhizic acid” on the label. Many products do not list amounts, so favor brands that disclose standardization and testing. Avoid stacking tea, candies, and capsules on the same day.

Evidence-informed use and monitoring

Favor short courses—days to a few weeks—unless a clinician supervises longer use. Start with a low dose and reassess after a few days.

“NOEL estimates and FDA guidance highlight dose as the main determinant of risk.”

Form	Typical benefit	Monitoring tip
Tea/candy	Comfort, taste	Check home BP daily; avoid multiple servings
Standardized extract	GI support, H. pylori adjunct	Limit weeks; lab check potassium if longer use
Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL)	Stomach protection with lower systemic risk	Verify DGL label; monitor symptoms

• Simple checklist: track blood pressure, watch for swelling, note muscle weakness, and test potassium during extended use.
• Avoid glycyrrhizin-containing products if you have uncontrolled hypertension, heart or kidney disease, or a history of low potassium.
• Review all medications and supplements for interactions before you use any product. For clinical guidance on interactions and reported harms, see this summary of reported interactions.

Drug and Condition Interactions: When Licorice Becomes High Risk

Certain herbal products can interact with common prescriptions and raise the chance of low potassium, fluid retention, and unstable blood pressure. Monitor closely and tell your clinician if you use any botanical supplements while taking other drugs.

This ingredient can amplify the potassium-lowering effects of some diuretics and make arrhythmias more likely. It also changes how some antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, and corticosteroids behave in the body.

Which medications carry the biggest risk?

• Diuretics: combined use may cause severe hypokalemia and dangerous heart rhythm changes.
• Antihypertensives & antiarrhythmics: blood pressure and rhythm control can become unpredictable.
• Anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and hormone therapy: interactions may alter drug levels or increase adverse effects.

Which health conditions increase danger?

People with existing hypertension, heart disease, kidney impairment, or liver problems have a narrower safety margin. Low baseline potassium or prior arrhythmias raises risk, too.

Who needs extra caution?

Pregnant people, older adults, and anyone on many prescriptions (polypharmacy) face added vulnerability. Observational studies link high intake during pregnancy to developmental concerns, so avoid routine use without medical advice.

“If you notice palpitations, cramps, or sudden swelling, stop use and contact your healthcare team promptly.”

Situation	Why it’s risky	Practical step
On diuretics	Higher chance of low potassium	Check potassium; avoid combined use if possible
Heart or kidney disease	Reduced reserve to tolerate fluid shifts	Discuss alternatives like DGL with your clinician
Pregnancy or polypharmacy	Increased interaction potential	Perform full medication review before use

Bottom line: flag any use of licorice or licorice root to your prescriber, monitor blood pressure and potassium when risk factors exist, and prefer non-glycyrrhizin options under clinical supervision.

Products on the U.S. Market: Choosing Wisely

Different product forms carry distinct benefits and risks. Choose a form that matches your goal and favor transparent labeling to avoid unexpected exposure.

Tea, lozenges, capsules, mouthwashes, and topical gels—different risks, different uses

Tea and candies can give variable amounts per serving. That makes it hard to estimate total consumption when you sip multiple cups or snack on sweets.

Capsules and standardized extract usually list concentration and offer clearer dosing. They can, however, concentrate exposure and raise systemic risk if taken long term.

Lozenges, mouthwashes, and gels aim for local mouth or skin benefits and often lower systemic absorption when used briefly as directed.

Quality cues: standardization, third-party testing, and transparent glycyrrhizin levels

Choose products that list exact glycyrrhizin amounts per serving. Prefer brands that use third-party testing (USP, NSF) and declare standardization for their extract.

Avoid proprietary blends that hide doses. Cases exist where people stacked items and unknowingly exceeded safe amounts.

If you have liver concerns, check with your clinician before using any extract or supplement, since metabolism can alter risk.

Form	Common use	Quality cue	Practical tip
Tea / Candy	Convenience, taste	Declared glycyrrhizic acid per cup/serving	Limit daily cups; avoid stacking with other sources
Capsule / Standardized extract	GI support, focused dosing	Standardization % and mg per capsule; third‑party test	Compare mg per dose across brands; limit weeks
Lozenge / Mouthwash	Oral health, throat relief	Local-use directions and ingredient transparency	Use short courses to lower systemic exposure
Topical gel / Skin product	Skin benefits, cosmetology	Patch test recommended; clear ingredient list	Test on small skin area first to avoid contact dermatitis

• Look for: exact amounts, standardization, and third‑party verification.
• Compare: the term “extract” can mean different concentrations—read mg per serving.
• When using for mouth or throat: prefer short, local use to reduce systemic exposure and potential liver interactions.

Conclusion

What seems like a harmless treat or tea can have measurable effects on blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Weigh benefits against risks. Some evidence supports GI and throat benefits, but the same compounds can raise pressure and harm potassium levels. Keep use short and avoid stacking products.

Practical steps: pick deglycyrrhizinated options for stomach help, read labels for glycyrrhizin, track home readings, and stop if you get swelling, weakness, or palpitations.

For more on potassium and blood pressure risks, consult trusted sources and your clinician.

FAQ

Warning: How can licorice root affect blood pressure and hormones?

The active compound glycyrrhizin can mimic aldosterone by inhibiting 11β-HSD2, causing sodium retention, potassium loss, and raised blood pressure. This hormonal disruption can worsen hypertension and affect cortisol-related pathways—so use caution, especially with chronic intake or concentrated extracts.

Why does licorice deserve caution according to the science?

Studies and case reports link glycyrrhizin-containing preparations to clinically significant hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, and cardiac events. While some anti-inflammatory and throat-soothing benefits exist, the potential for serious metabolic and cardiovascular harm means benefits must be weighed against risks.

How exactly does glycyrrhizin raise blood pressure?

Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11β-HSD2, allowing cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors. The result is increased sodium retention, potassium excretion, fluid overload, higher blood pressure, and sometimes arrhythmias or edema.

Do dose and duration matter for these effects?

Yes. Toxicity can arise from chronic moderate intake or shorter high-dose use. Even seemingly small daily doses over weeks can cause problems in susceptible people, so both amount and time are important.

What is DGL and how is it different?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has glycyrrhizin removed, lowering the risk of blood-pressure and potassium disturbances. DGL is often used for digestive complaints and is safer for those worried about mineralocorticoid effects, though product quality varies.

What cardiovascular side effects are associated with licorice consumption?

Reported cardiovascular issues include elevated blood pressure, new or worsened hypertension, arrhythmias, and in severe cases heart failure. These risks increase with higher glycyrrhizin exposure and in people with existing heart disease.

How does licorice affect electrolytes and muscles?

Glycyrrhizin-driven potassium loss (hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and in extreme cases rhabdomyolysis. Monitoring potassium is critical when using glycyrrhizin-containing products regularly.

Also read:

ACV Gummies vs. Liquid: Our Nutritionist Did a Blind Test and the Verdict Is Surprising

An Endocrinologist’s Honest Review of Licorice Root for Adrenal Support and Cortisol

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Taking Ashwagandha (And How to Avoid Common Mistakes)

What other neurologic or systemic symptoms should I watch for?

Common complaints include headaches, lightheadedness, vision changes, swelling (edema), and fatigue. Endocrine shifts like suppressed renin and altered cortisol balance may also appear in blood tests.

Are there documented cases from foods and supplements?

Yes. Case reports link hypertension and hypokalemia to consumption of teas, candies, lozenges, and supplements that contain glycyrrhizin. Packaged products and traditional remedies have both been implicated.

Could licorice have implications for hormonal conditions like PCOS?

Because glycyrrhizin influences cortisol and mineralocorticoid pathways, theoretical hormonal impacts exist. Some small studies explore metabolic and androgen effects, but evidence is limited—discuss use with an endocrinologist if you have PCOS or related disorders.

How can I use licorice preparations more safely?

Choose forms with low or no glycyrrhizin (like DGL) for regular use, limit duration, follow evidence-informed dose ranges, and avoid concentrated extracts unless supervised by a clinician. Prefer short courses for throat or digestive symptoms rather than continuous use.

How do I read labels to find glycyrrhizin content?

Look for terms like glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizin, or Glycyrrhiza glabra on ingredient lists. Reputable brands may list standardized glycyrrhizin levels or third-party testing; if unclear, contact the manufacturer or avoid the product.

What monitoring is recommended during use?

Check blood pressure regularly and have serum potassium measured if you use glycyrrhizin-containing products for more than a few days. Watch for symptoms like weakness, palpitations, or swelling and seek care if they occur.

Who should avoid products with glycyrrhizin?

People with hypertension, heart disease, kidney or liver dysfunction, low potassium, pregnant people, older adults, and anyone taking multiple medications should avoid glycyrrhizin-containing items unless cleared by a clinician.

Which drugs interact poorly with glycyrrhizin?

High-risk interactions include diuretics (which can lower potassium), antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, certain corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and medications affecting potassium or renin–angiotensin–aldosterone pathways. Always tell your provider about herbal use.

Are some product types safer than others?

DGL products, topical gels, and some mouthwashes may carry lower systemic risk. Teas, lozenges, capsules, and concentrated extracts can deliver significant glycyrrhizin—so form matters. Prefer standardized, third-party tested brands when possible.

How do I choose quality products on the U.S. market?

Seek transparent labels, standardized glycyrrhizin amounts, and third-party testing (USP, NSF). Avoid unnamed extracts or proprietary blends without clear constituent information. When in doubt, consult a pharmacist or clinician.