Is Licorice Root Good For You?

Licorice root is a plant with a long history in both food and medicine, and the answer to whether it is good for you depends almost entirely on one detail: which compound you are talking about. The root contains dozens of active substances, but one called glycyrrhizin drives most of the real health concerns. Small amounts of real licorice in food are generally fine for most healthy adults. Regular, large doses of glycyrrhizin-containing licorice can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and cause serious heart rhythm problems. Many products sold as “licorice” contain no licorice root at all.

What Is Licorice Root and Where Does It Come From?

Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species, native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root has been used for centuries as a flavoring and as a traditional remedy for cough, digestive complaints, and inflammation.

The flavor you recognize as licorice does not always come from the plant. Many candies, teas, and tobacco products get that taste from anise oil or synthetic compounds. True licorice root is a different thing, and its biological activity comes largely from glycyrrhizin, a sweet-tasting compound that is many times sweeter than sugar.

This distinction matters. If a product is flavored with anise, the health concerns tied to glycyrrhizin do not apply. If it contains actual licorice root extract, they might.

Is Licorice Root Good For You? The Short Answer

For most healthy adults, occasional small amounts of licorice are not a problem. The issue is dose and frequency, not the plant itself.

Glycyrrhizin affects how the body handles cortisol, a hormone involved in blood pressure and fluid balance. Specifically, it inhibits an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. That enzyme normally converts cortisol into an inactive form in the kidneys. When it is blocked, cortisol builds up in kidney tissue and mimics aldosterone, a hormone that tells the body to hold onto sodium and release potassium.

The result is sodium and water retention, potassium loss, and a rise in blood pressure. This is a well-documented mechanism, not a theoretical one. Case reports and clinical studies have linked high licorice intake to hypertension, low potassium (hypokalemia), and in severe cases, dangerous heart rhythms.

There is also a separate group of compounds in licorice called flavonoids, which have been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Some research suggests these may have benefits, but the evidence is early and mostly from laboratory or small studies. It does not currently support using licorice as a treatment for any condition.

How Much Licorice Is Too Much?

There is no universally safe daily limit that applies to everyone. Sensitivity varies widely based on age, health status, medications, and individual biology.

Some regulatory and health agencies have suggested that adults limit glycyrrhizin intake to around 100 mg per day, though this is a general guideline rather than a strict threshold. To put that in context, the amount of glycyrrhizin in licorice products varies enormously. A single piece of strong licorice candy or a cup of licorice tea could contain a meaningful fraction of that amount, or much more, depending on the product.

People who are more vulnerable include:

• Anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease
• People taking diuretics, especially potassium-wasting types
• People taking corticosteroids or certain blood pressure medications
• Older adults, who may be more sensitive to electrolyte shifts
• Pregnant women, because of potential effects on blood pressure and fluid balance

For these groups, even moderate amounts of real licorice may be risky. The evidence here is strong enough that avoiding glycyrrhizin-containing licorice is a reasonable precaution.

What Does the Research Actually Show?

The most consistent finding across studies is that glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and lower potassium when consumed in sufficient amounts over time. This has been observed in controlled trials and in numerous case reports.

A review of licorice-related hospitalizations found that some people developed severe hypokalemia and heart rhythm disturbances after eating large amounts of licorice daily for weeks or months. These were not people taking extracts or supplements. They were eating candy.

On the other side, some studies have looked at licorice root for specific conditions like acid reflux, canker sores, and cough. Results have been mixed. Some small trials suggest possible benefit for certain digestive symptoms, but the studies are often short, small, or not replicated. No large, high-quality trial has confirmed licorice root as an effective treatment for any medical condition.

There is also interest in a compound called deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, which has the glycyrrhizin removed. DGL is sometimes used for digestive complaints. Because the glycyrrhizin is largely removed, the blood pressure and potassium concerns are much lower, though it has not been extensively studied in large trials either.

What About Licorice Tea and Candy?

Both can contain significant glycyrrhizin. The amount varies by brand, recipe, and how strong the product is.

Licorice tea is often made from actual licorice root, which means it can deliver a meaningful dose of glycyrrhizin, especially if you drink it daily. Some people drink several cups a day for weeks, which is exactly the pattern that has been linked to problems in case reports.

Licorice candy is trickier because many products labeled “licorice” are actually flavored with anise. If the ingredient list includes licorice root, licorice extract, or glycyrrhizin, the concern applies. If it only lists anise oil or artificial flavor, it does not.

Salt-heavy licorice candy adds another issue. Even without glycyrrhizin, high sodium intake can raise blood pressure in people who are sensitive to salt.

Does Licorice Root Interact With Medications?

Yes, and this is one of the more important practical concerns.

Because glycyrrhizin affects potassium and blood pressure, it can interact with:

• Diuretics, especially thiazide and loop diuretics that already lower potassium
• Blood pressure medications
• Corticosteroids
• Digoxin, because low potassium increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
• Some hormonal medications

If you take any of these, licorice root is not a casual choice. The combination of potassium loss from a diuretic plus potassium loss from glycyrrhizin can push potassium dangerously low.

This is not a theoretical interaction. It is documented in clinical case reports and is well understood mechanistically.

Is DGL Licorice Safer?

DGL removes most of the glycyrrhizin, which is the compound responsible for the blood pressure and potassium effects. That makes it a different product with a different risk profile.

That said, “safer” does not mean “proven effective.” DGL has been studied for digestive issues like reflux and ulcers, but the evidence is not strong enough to call it a reliable treatment. Some clinicians recommend it. That is not the same as saying large trials have confirmed it works.

If you are considering DGL, the main advantage is that it avoids the glycyrrhizin-related risks. The main limitation is that the evidence for benefit is limited.

How to Read a Licorice Label

Look for these terms on the ingredient list:

• Glycyrrhiza glabra or Glycyrrhiza species — this is true licorice root
• Licorice root extract or licorice extract
• Glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid
• DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice — lower glycyrrhizin

If none of these appear, the product likely gets its flavor from anise or artificial sources. The glycyrrhizin-related concerns do not apply.

Supplements are a separate issue. In the US, dietary supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. That means the actual glycyrrhizin content of a supplement may not match what the label says. Some products have been found to contain more or less than stated.

The Bottom Line on Licorice Root

Licorice root is not a simple yes or no. Small amounts of real licorice in food are unlikely to harm most healthy adults. Regular, large amounts of glycyrrhizin-containing licorice can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and in some cases cause serious heart problems.

People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or who take certain medications should be cautious or avoid it. Pregnant women should avoid glycyrrhizin-containing licorice as a precaution.

The claims about licorice root treating various conditions are not well supported by strong clinical evidence. Some early research is interesting, but it does not justify using licorice as a treatment.

If you enjoy licorice occasionally and you are healthy, the risk is likely low. If you consume it daily, or you have health conditions or take medications, it is worth paying attention to what is actually in the product.