Licorice: Dangers, Blood Pressure and Real Contraindications

Yes, licorice can be dangerous at high doses or with prolonged use: its main active compound, glycyrrhizin, disrupts the metabolism of a kidney hormone and can cause a rise in blood pressure, water retention and a drop in potassium. This is neither a rare hypothesis nor an exotic effect: it is the best-documented risk in the entire common Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, recognized by Western medicine — the FDA periodically warns consumers about heavy black licorice consumption — as well as by the Indian tradition, which already classes yashtimadhu among the herbs to use with discernment.

This risk concerns the whole root and its glycyrrhizin-rich extracts — not the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form, from which that very compound has been removed. Telling the two forms apart is the key to using this herb without unnecessary risk.

Glycyrrhizin and blood pressure: the mechanism

Glycyrrhizin inhibits a kidney enzyme that normally regulates cortisol. When that enzyme is blocked, cortisol acts in place of aldosterone, a hormone that makes the body retain sodium and water while excreting potassium. The possible result: high blood pressure, swelling (legs, face), muscle weakness and, in marked cases, heart rhythm disturbances linked to low potassium. This syndrome is sometimes called "pseudo-hyperaldosteronism" in the medical literature. It is generally reversible on stopping, but can take several weeks to resolve.

The risk rises with dose, duration of intake and individual sensitivity: people who already have high blood pressure, older adults, and those on diuretics or heart medication are more exposed.

Which doses and durations become risky?

There is no universal threshold — sensitivity varies from person to person — but health authorities converge on prudent guardrails for glycyrrhizin, whether it comes from the root, candy or an herbal tea:

Situation	Prudent guideline	Note
Occasional consumption	A few days, moderate dose	Low risk in a healthy person
Prolonged regular consumption	Beyond 4 to 6 weeks continuously	Blood-pressure monitoring advised; better to take a break
High daily dose	Large amounts of root or concentrated extract, every day	Significant risk even over a few weeks
Adding up multiple sources	Black licorice candy, some anise-flavored drinks, herbal teas	The intakes add up, often without the person realizing it

The practical principle stays simple: no prolonged daily use without professional advice, and stop immediately in case of unusual headaches, heavy legs, swelling or a measured rise in blood pressure.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): a safer alternative

DGL is an extract from which the glycyrrhizin has been removed through processing, while keeping the compounds useful for digestive and throat comfort. It is the recommended form for regular use — it is widely available in US health food stores and online, often as chewable tablets — notably for acid reflux or digestive comfort in the broad sense, because it does not expose you to the blood-pressure risk of the whole root.

• Whole root / standard extract: contains glycyrrhizin, potential effect on blood pressure, occasional or short-term use only.
• DGL (deglycyrrhizinated): glycyrrhizin removed, a markedly more favorable safety profile for prolonged use, but less studied for the traditional throat uses (cough, hoarseness) where glycyrrhizin is precisely what plays a role.

Always check the label: a product not explicitly marked "DGL" must be assumed to contain active glycyrrhizin.

Precautions and safety: what to check before taking licorice

This is the heart of the matter: licorice is not harmless, and some situations demand abstaining or getting medical advice first.

• High blood pressure, diagnosed or not: contraindication to the whole root; prefer DGL or abstain, and ask for medical advice.
• Pregnancy: avoid. Observational data associate heavy licorice consumption during pregnancy with unfavorable effects on the child's development. Breastfeeding: as a precaution, medical advice before any use.
• Heart or kidney disease: water retention and the drop in potassium can worsen these conditions; avoid without medical supervision.
• Drug interactions: diuretics (increased risk of potassium loss), blood-pressure medications (effect counteracted), corticosteroids, digoxin and some laxatives. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are on any treatment.
• Known low potassium (hypokalemia): avoid — licorice worsens this imbalance.
• Children: a traditional use exists, but only at very cautious doses and for short durations, never as prolonged self-medication.

For an overview of at-risk Ayurvedic herbs and sensitive groups, see our safety and precautions guide — worth reading before buying any licorice-based supplement.

What is licorice traditionally used for?

The Ayurvedic tradition uses yashtimadhu to soothe the throat, support the digestive lining and calm excess Pitta. It comes up notably in the natural approaches to bloating and digestion or stomach acidity. These uses remain traditional: no solid study allows any guaranteed effect to be claimed, and they never replace medical advice for persistent digestive trouble, which may be gastroesophageal reflux requiring specific treatment.

How to limit the risk if you want to try licorice

• Favor occasional, short use (a few days to two weeks), not daily intake for months.
• Choose a product with a stated glycyrrhizin content, or opt for DGL if in doubt or for regular use.
• Monitor your blood pressure if intake exceeds a few weeks, especially after 50.
• Never stack multiple licorice sources (tea, supplement, candy) without counting them toward your daily total.
• Follow our general criteria for choosing a trustworthy Ayurvedic supplement, with quality testing and clear dosing on the label.

Licorice remains a useful herb within a precise framework and for a limited time. The blood-pressure risk is not theoretical, but it is avoidable: right form, right dose, right duration, and medical advice as soon as any personal risk factor comes into play.