Licorice Risk Calculator
Medication Safety Calculator
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin which can interfere with blood pressure medications. This tool helps you assess your risk based on your consumption and medication type.
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Have you ever reached for a piece of black licorice candy or sipped on licorice tea thinking it was just a sweet, harmless treat-while also taking your daily blood pressure pill? You might be risking more than a sugar spike. In fact, licorice root can quietly undo the work of your blood pressure medications, turning controlled numbers into dangerous highs-sometimes in just a few days.
What’s Really in Licorice Root?
Licorice root comes from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for coughs, stomach issues, and inflammation. But its sweetness isn’t just natural-it’s powerful. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, is about 50 times sweeter than sugar. And that sweetness comes with a hidden cost: it mimics the hormone aldosterone, which tells your kidneys to hold onto salt and water while flushing out potassium. This isn’t just theory. Studies show that consuming more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day for two weeks or longer can trigger real physiological changes. Blood pressure can jump by 10 to 30 mmHg systolic in people already on hypertension meds. Potassium levels can drop below 3.0 mmol/L-well below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0. That’s not just inconvenient. Low potassium can cause muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and even cardiac arrest.How It Interferes With Your Medications
Most blood pressure drugs work by relaxing blood vessels, reducing fluid volume, or blocking hormones that raise pressure. Licorice root does the opposite. Here’s how it breaks down:- ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril): These drugs block a hormone that narrows blood vessels. Licorice increases fluid volume so much that the drug loses up to 50% of its effectiveness.
- ARBs (like losartan): They block the same hormone at a different point. Licorice still overwhelms the system, cutting effectiveness by about 25%.
- Calcium channel blockers (like amlodipine): These relax artery walls. Licorice’s fluid retention and potassium loss make them work harder-often failing to control pressure by 15-20%.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (like spironolactone): This is the worst combo. These drugs are designed to keep potassium in. Licorice forces it out. The result? Complete loss of control. Cases have been documented where patients needed emergency care after just 7-10 days of licorice use.
It’s Not Just Candy
Here’s the trap: most licorice-flavored candy in the U.S. doesn’t even contain real licorice root. About 95% use anise oil instead-just for flavor. So if you’re eating Red Vines or Twizzlers, you’re probably fine. But if you’re buying:- Black licorice candy labeled “real licorice”
- Herbal teas with “licorice root” in the ingredients
- Dietary supplements with “Glycyrrhiza glabra”
- Some cough syrups or herbal laxatives
- Traditional Chinese medicine formulas
What the Experts Say
Dr. Johanna Salge Blake, a nutrition professor at Boston University, says: “Consuming licorice and blood pressure medications together can lead to dangerously uncontrolled hypertension requiring emergency intervention.” She estimates this happens in about 1 in 8 regular licorice consumers who take antihypertensives. The Merck Manual (2023) explicitly warns that licorice increases salt and water retention, directly countering the purpose of most blood pressure drugs. The American Heart Association advises patients on these medications to avoid all products containing glycyrrhizin-no exceptions. Even more concerning: a 2021 study found that only 37% of licorice supplement labels mention the risk of high blood pressure. Most people have no idea what they’re taking.Real Stories, Real Consequences
On Reddit, a user named u/HypertensionWarrior shared how their doctor discovered they were eating licorice candy daily while on amlodipine. Their systolic pressure jumped 22 points over two weeks. They had to switch meds and cut out licorice completely. A 68-year-old man on lisinopril reported his BP climbing from 130/80 to 185/105 after starting licorice tea. He thought it was “just a natural remedy.” His doctor had to increase his dose-and warn him to stop. The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring in New Zealand recorded a case of a 55-year-old man on fludrocortisone (a steroid that also affects blood pressure) who developed panic attacks and a BP of 210/115 after starting licorice. He needed ICU care. These aren’t rare. Of 84 relevant posts on PatientsLikeMe, 92% reported worsened blood pressure after licorice use. Seventeen required ER visits.
What You Can Do
If you’re on blood pressure medication, here’s what you need to do:- Check every label. Look for “Glycyrrhiza glabra,” “licorice root,” or “licorice extract.” If you see it, avoid it.
- Ask your pharmacist. Many herbal supplements, teas, and even some cough syrups contain licorice. Your pharmacist can scan your products.
- Know your potassium. If you’ve been consuming licorice-even once-ask your doctor for a blood test. Levels can drop dangerously fast.
- Switch to DGL. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) removes the harmful compound. It’s safe for digestion and won’t interfere with your meds. Look for “DGL” on the label.
- Don’t assume “natural” means safe. Just because something is herbal doesn’t mean it won’t interact with your prescription. Licorice is a perfect example.
The Bigger Picture
The global licorice root supplement market was worth $187 million in 2022. Yet, regulatory oversight is patchy. The U.S. FDA allows it as a flavoring agent (GRAS status) but doesn’t require manufacturers to list glycyrrhizin content. The EU requires warning labels on products with more than 10 mg per serving-but the U.S. doesn’t. The FDA’s proposed Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2023 could change that. If passed, it would force companies to disclose active ingredients like glycyrrhizin. That could save lives. Until then, the responsibility falls on you. Your blood pressure meds are working. Don’t let a sweet treat undo them.Can I still eat licorice candy if I’m on blood pressure medication?
Only if it doesn’t contain real licorice root. Most U.S. candy uses anise oil, which is safe. But if the ingredient list says “licorice root,” “Glycyrrhiza glabra,” or “licorice extract,” avoid it. Check the label every time-ingredients can change.
How long does it take for licorice to affect blood pressure?
Effects can show up in as little as 3-5 days, especially if you’re consuming more than 50 mg of glycyrrhizin daily. In some cases, blood pressure spikes within 10 days. The compound’s effects can linger for up to two weeks after you stop, so don’t assume it’s safe just because you quit.
Is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) safe with blood pressure meds?
Yes. DGL has had the glycyrrhizin removed-usually to less than 1%. It’s commonly used for heartburn and stomach ulcers and does not interfere with blood pressure medications. Look for “DGL” on the label to be sure.
Can licorice root cause low potassium even if I’m not on medication?
Yes. Even people not taking blood pressure meds can develop low potassium from daily licorice consumption. This can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and heart rhythm problems. The risk increases with prolonged use-more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day for two weeks or longer.
Should I stop licorice root supplements cold turkey?
If you’re on blood pressure medication and have been taking licorice root regularly, stop immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. Contact your doctor to check your blood pressure and potassium levels. Do not restart without medical advice-even small amounts can be dangerous.
