Licorice Glycyrrizin Exposure Calculator
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Why This Matters
Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium depletion, high blood pressure, and dangerous interactions with medications including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and heart medications. Real licorice (not anise-flavored) contains this compound.
Note: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is safe for medical use as it has glycyrrhizin removed.
Most people think of licorice as just a sweet, chewy candy-something you grab at the checkout counter or share with kids during movie night. But if you’re taking any kind of medication, that little black stick could be doing more than satisfying a sweet tooth. It might be messing with your blood pressure, draining your potassium, or even making your pills less effective-or dangerously strong.
What’s Really in Licorice?
Not all licorice is the same. The kind that can cause serious health issues contains glycyrrhizin, a compound pulled from the root of the licorice plant. This isn’t just flavoring-it’s a powerful substance that acts like a hormone in your body. Glycyrrhizin blocks an enzyme that normally keeps cortisol (your stress hormone) from overstimulating your kidneys. The result? Your body starts holding onto salt and water while flushing out potassium. That’s how you end up with high blood pressure and low potassium, even if you’ve never had either problem before.
Here’s the catch: most candy labeled "licorice" in the U.S. doesn’t contain any real licorice at all. Instead, it’s flavored with anise oil, which tastes similar but doesn’t carry the same risks. Real licorice candy-usually darker, stickier, and imported from Europe-is the one you need to watch out for. And it’s not just candy. Herbal supplements, teas, and extracts often pack way more glycyrrhizin than you’d expect. Some contain up to 24% glycyrrhizin by weight. That’s like swallowing a teaspoon of pure medicine every day.
How Licorice Interacts With Common Medications
If you’re on any of these medications, eating licorice regularly could be dangerous:
- Diuretics (water pills) like hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide: These already make you lose potassium. Licorice does the same thing. Together, they can crash your potassium levels below 3.0 mmol/L-enough to trigger muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or even sudden cardiac events.
- High blood pressure meds like lisinopril, losartan, or amlodipine: Licorice fights against them. It causes fluid retention and raises blood pressure, undoing the work of your medication. One patient reported his BP jumping from 120/80 to 165/95 after just three days of eating 30 grams of licorice daily.
- Heart meds like digoxin: Low potassium makes digoxin way more toxic. There are documented cases of people needing hospitalization after eating licorice while on digoxin, even when they’d been stable for years.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners: Some studies suggest licorice can either increase or decrease the effect of these drugs. One patient’s INR (a measure of blood clotting) dropped sharply after eating licorice while on phenprocoumon. Another saw dangerous bleeding after combining licorice with warfarin. The mechanism isn’t fully understood, but the risk is real.
- Corticosteroids like fludrocortisone: This one’s especially tricky. Fludrocortisone already mimics aldosterone (a hormone that retains salt and loses potassium). Add licorice, and you’re doubling down on the same effect. One patient developed blood pressure of 205/110 and a panic attack after eating licorice while on this drug-despite no prior issues.
Even if you’re not on meds, long-term use can cause problems. The European Food Safety Authority says 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day is the safe limit for healthy adults. That’s about 50 grams of traditional black licorice candy. Eat more than that for two weeks straight, and you’re playing with fire.
The Hidden Danger: You Don’t Know What You’re Eating
A 2023 Consumer Reports survey found that 78% of black licorice products didn’t list glycyrrhizin content on the label. Nine out of ten didn’t warn about drug interactions. Most people assume if it says "licorice flavor," it’s safe. It’s not. And even when it does say "real licorice," you still won’t know how much glycyrrhizin is in it.
Supplements are even worse. A typical licorice root capsule might contain 400 mg of extract-but without knowing the glycyrrhizin percentage, you could be ingesting 50 mg or 200 mg. That’s the difference between a harmless snack and a medical emergency.
And then there’s deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This version has the glycyrrhizin removed, so it’s safe for people on meds. It’s often used for heartburn or stomach ulcers. But unless the label says "DGL," assume it’s the risky kind.
Who’s at Risk-and What to Do
You don’t have to be a licorice addict to be in danger. One case study described a 47-year-old man who ate 200 grams of licorice daily (about 200-400 mg glycyrrhizin) for three weeks. He ended up with a blood pressure of 210/120 and potassium levels of 2.6 mmol/L-far below the normal range of 3.5-5.0. He needed hospitalization.
Older adults, people with existing high blood pressure or heart disease, and those taking multiple medications are at highest risk. But even young, healthy people can develop symptoms if they eat a lot over time.
If you’ve been eating licorice regularly and you’re on any medication, here’s what to do:
- Stop eating it immediately.
- Check your blood pressure and watch for swelling, headaches, muscle weakness, or heart palpitations.
- Call your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them exactly how much and how often you’ve been eating it.
- Ask for a blood test to check your potassium and sodium levels.
Don’t wait for symptoms. If you’re on blood pressure meds or diuretics, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What About Licorice Supplements?
Supplements are where things get really murky. Many are marketed for "digestive health," "adrenal support," or "natural energy." But unless they’re labeled DGL, they’re likely loaded with glycyrrhizin. And unlike prescription drugs, supplements aren’t required to prove safety or list exact ingredient amounts.
Even worse, some herbal blends combine licorice with other plants like Euphorbia kansui. Studies show these combinations can be effective-but only if licorice makes up less than half the mix. If it’s more than 50%, toxicity spikes dramatically. No label will tell you that.
Bottom line: if you’re taking any medication, avoid licorice supplements unless your doctor says it’s safe-and even then, get a clear dosage of glycyrrhizin.
What’s Being Done?
Regulators are starting to catch up. The UK requires warning labels on products with more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per serving. Japan limits licorice supplements to 100 mg per day. The FDA has flagged licorice as a "high-priority" interaction risk in its 2023 draft guidance. And by 2026, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia wants all licorice products to list glycyrrhizin content on the label.
But right now, the burden is on you. Pharmacists in one 2021 study could correctly identify only 37% of major licorice-drug interactions. That means you’re probably the only one paying attention to your candy and your pills.
Final Advice
If you’re not on any medication and you eat licorice occasionally-say, a few pieces once a month-you’re probably fine. But if you’re on blood pressure meds, diuretics, heart meds, or anything that affects your electrolytes, skip it. Seriously. Even if you think you’re being careful, you can’t tell how much glycyrrhizin is in that bag.
And if you love the taste? Try anise-flavored candy instead. Or look for DGL products if you need licorice for digestive reasons. But always read the label. If it doesn’t say "deglycyrrhizinated," assume it’s the dangerous kind.
Your body doesn’t distinguish between candy and medicine. If it contains glycyrrhizin, it’s acting like a drug. And drugs don’t play nice with other drugs.
Can I eat licorice if I’m on blood pressure medication?
No, it’s not safe. Licorice can raise your blood pressure and counteract the effects of your medication. Even small amounts, eaten daily for more than a week, can cause dangerous spikes. If you’re on lisinopril, amlodipine, or similar drugs, avoid real licorice entirely.
Is anise-flavored candy the same as licorice?
No. Anise-flavored candy tastes similar but contains no glycyrrhizin, so it doesn’t cause the same drug interactions or side effects. If the label says "anise flavor" or "artificial flavor," it’s safe. If it says "real licorice" or "licorice root," it’s not.
How much licorice is too much?
For healthy adults, more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day for more than two weeks is considered risky. That’s roughly 50 grams of traditional black licorice candy. But if you’re on medication, even 20 grams a day for a week can cause problems. When in doubt, skip it.
Can licorice lower potassium levels?
Yes. Glycyrrhizin in licorice causes your body to lose potassium through urine. This can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium), which causes muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can trigger dangerous heart rhythms. This risk is much higher if you’re also taking diuretics.
What should I do if I’ve been eating licorice and feel unwell?
Stop eating it immediately. Watch for symptoms like swelling, headaches, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, or extreme fatigue. Call your doctor and ask for a blood test to check your potassium and sodium levels. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.
Are licorice supplements safer than candy?
No. Supplements often contain much higher concentrations of glycyrrhizin than candy. Many don’t list the exact amount, making it impossible to know if you’re safe. DGL supplements are safe, but only if they clearly say "deglycyrrhizinated." Otherwise, treat them like the strongest form of licorice.
Erika Hunt
November 23, 2025 AT 04:54Okay, so I just spent 20 minutes reading this and now I’m terrified of every piece of black candy I’ve ever eaten…
But seriously, I had no idea that most "licorice" in the U.S. is just anise flavoring-and that the real stuff is basically a slow-acting drug. I’ve been eating those European sticks since college, thinking they were just "more authentic."
I’m on lisinopril, and I’ve been having weird muscle cramps lately-I thought it was just stress or dehydration. Now I’m wondering if it’s the licorice I’ve been sneaking in my lunch bag. I’m tossing the whole bag tonight.
Also, I just checked my herbal tea stash-and guess what? One of my "digestive aid" teas has licorice root listed as the first ingredient. No warning. No disclaimer. Just… "natural healing."
Why isn’t this on the packaging like cigarette warnings? "Warning: This may cause your blood pressure to spike like a rocket and your potassium to vanish like magic."
I’m gonna call my pharmacist tomorrow. And maybe start a petition. Someone needs to make the FDA enforce labeling. This is insane.
Also, DGL? I didn’t even know that existed. I’m gonna look for that for my acid reflux. Thank you for this. I feel like I just survived a medical scare by accident.
Sharley Agarwal
November 24, 2025 AT 05:51Stop eating candy. You’re weak.
prasad gaude
November 25, 2025 AT 08:24In India, we have jaggery, licorice root teas, and ayurvedic tonics-some of us have been consuming glycyrrhizin for generations without hospital visits.
But here’s the truth: modern bodies are different. We’re medicated, stressed, sedentary. The old wisdom didn’t account for 12 pills a day and 30-hour workweeks.
This isn’t about fear. It’s about context. A grandmother in Kerala eats licorice with her chai every morning-she’s 82, has no meds, and walks 5 miles daily. Her potassium? Perfect.
But a 45-year-old in Chicago on blood pressure meds, eating licorice while scrolling TikTok at 2 a.m.? That’s a storm waiting to happen.
We need nuance, not panic. The body isn’t a lab. It’s a dance. And licorice? It’s a dancer who doesn’t know the rhythm anymore.
Jennifer Griffith
November 25, 2025 AT 22:53wait so like… anise is safe?? but real licorice is bad?? so if i eat those black jelly beans from the 90s am i gonna die??
also why is this even a thing?? who thought it was a good idea to put a hormone mimic in candy??
my cousin took digoxin and ate licorice and now she’s in the hospital?? that’s wild. i’m never touching black candy again.
Patricia McElhinney
November 27, 2025 AT 00:25It is profoundly irresponsible that the FDA has not mandated clear, standardized labeling for glycyrrhizin content in all licorice-containing products. The absence of such regulation constitutes a gross public health failure.
Furthermore, the casual consumer assumption that "flavor" equates to safety is not merely ignorant-it is lethal. The pharmaceutical industry is not the only entity accountable here; the food industry, regulators, and even the medical community have failed to educate the public.
I have contacted my state representative. This requires legislative action. Not a blog post. Not a Reddit thread. A law.
Rachel Villegas
November 27, 2025 AT 04:35I’ve been taking hydrochlorothiazide for five years and never knew this. I eat licorice like it’s M&Ms. I’m going to stop immediately and get my potassium checked. Thank you for sharing this-it could’ve saved someone’s life. Seriously. This is the kind of info that should be in every pharmacy waiting room.
Aki Jones
November 28, 2025 AT 16:47Let’s be real-this isn’t about licorice.
This is about how the entire food and supplement industry is a front for Big Pharma’s silent control. Glycyrrhizin? It’s been studied since the 1950s. They knew. They knew people would eat it like candy. They knew it interacted with meds. They didn’t ban it. They didn’t warn. Why?
Because if people stopped eating licorice, they’d stop trusting their meds. And if they stopped trusting their meds, they’d ask questions. And if they asked questions… well, the whole house of cards collapses.
They let you eat it. So you’d get sick. So you’d need more pills. So you’d pay more. So they’d profit more.
It’s not a coincidence. It’s a system. And you’re the product.
Check your blood pressure. Check your potassium. And then check your pharmacy receipts. They’re not helping you. They’re harvesting you.
Jefriady Dahri
November 29, 2025 AT 17:04Bro, I’m from India and we’ve been using licorice root in teas and Ayurvedic mixes for centuries. But you’re right-modern life changed everything.
My uncle was on blood pressure meds and ate licorice candy every day. He ended up in the hospital with a potassium level of 2.1. Scary stuff.
But here’s the thing: if you’re smart, you can still enjoy it. Look for DGL. Ask your pharmacist. Read labels like your life depends on it-because it does.
And hey-if you’re not on meds? Go ahead. A little licorice now and then won’t kill you. But if you’re on any of those pills? Skip it. Seriously.
Stay safe, friends. 💪
Timothy Sadleir
November 30, 2025 AT 15:29It’s fascinating how society treats substances differently based on cultural perception. Licorice is a candy. Aspirin is medicine. But chemically? Both are active compounds with physiological effects.
Yet we treat candy with the casualness of a snack and medicine with the reverence of a sacrament. This is a cognitive dissonance we’ve normalized.
Perhaps the real issue isn’t licorice-it’s our refusal to see food as pharmacology. We’ve outsourced our biological literacy to corporations and regulators. And now we’re surprised when the system fails us.
Knowledge is power. But power requires responsibility. And responsibility requires reading labels.
And yes-I’m checking my tea right now.
Dolapo Eniola
November 30, 2025 AT 18:45USA always overreacting. In Nigeria, we eat licorice root with our yam and it keeps us strong. No one in Lagos is dying from this. You people take one candy and panic like the world is ending.
But okay, if you weak, fine. Stay away. But don’t act like everyone else is stupid. We’ve been doing this for generations. Your body is weak because you eat processed junk and sit all day. Not because of licorice.
Also, why you not warn about sugar?? That’s killing more people than licorice. Hypocrites.
Agastya Shukla
December 1, 2025 AT 11:10Interesting. I’ve been studying glycyrrhizin’s effect on the 11β-HSD2 enzyme for my thesis. The mechanism is well-documented: inhibition leads to mineralocorticoid excess, which explains the hypertension and hypokalemia.
But the real gap is in consumer awareness. Most people don’t know that "licorice flavor" ≠ "licorice root extract." And even fewer know that DGL exists.
Pharmacists need better training. Labeling needs standardization. And we need public health campaigns-not just Reddit posts.
Also, the 100mg/day limit? That’s for healthy adults. For someone on diuretics? 10mg/day might be the real threshold. We need personalized thresholds, not one-size-fits-all guidelines.
Josh Zubkoff
December 1, 2025 AT 18:51So let me get this straight. You’re telling me that the same candy I’ve been giving my kids as a treat since they were toddlers-because I thought it was "harmless fun"-could be quietly sabotaging their electrolytes if they’re on ADHD meds or asthma inhalers?
And the worst part? I’ve been buying the "black licorice" from the bulk bin at the grocery store because it was cheap. No label. No warning. Just a bag of black sticks.
Now I’m imagining my 8-year-old having a heart arrhythmia because I thought licorice was just flavor.
I’m going to throw out every piece in the house. I’m also going to send this to every parent group I’m in. This is a silent epidemic. And we’ve been feeding it to our children like it’s harmless.
Someone should sue the manufacturers. Someone should shut this down. This isn’t just negligence. It’s criminal.
Leisha Haynes
December 3, 2025 AT 16:03Wow. So the real licorice is basically a sneaky diuretic that turns your body into a salt sponge and potassium vacuum.
And I thought I was just being extra healthy by eating "natural" herbal tea.
Thanks for the heads up. Now I feel like a total idiot for eating that "digestive support" tea every morning. Guess I’ll be switching to chamomile. Again. Because apparently everything I thought was safe is secretly a drug.
Shivam Goel
December 4, 2025 AT 13:59Here’s the real kicker: even if you buy DGL, there’s no guarantee it’s pure. A 2022 study tested 12 DGL supplements-three had detectable glycyrrhizin. One had 12% by weight.
Supplement regulation is a joke. The FDA doesn’t test. The manufacturers self-certify. The labels? Often lies.
And if you’re taking warfarin? Don’t even get me started. Licorice can alter CYP3A4 metabolism, which affects INR stability. But no one tells you that. Not the label. Not the pharmacist. Not your doctor.
You’re not just eating candy. You’re playing Russian roulette with your coagulation profile.
And if you think you’re safe because you only eat it once a week? That’s the mindset that lands people in the ICU.
Stop. Read. Ask. Test. Don’t assume.
Erika Hunt
December 6, 2025 AT 08:51Just called my pharmacist. She said I’m not alone-she sees this every month. Someone comes in with low potassium and says, "I just love licorice."
She gave me a list of DGL brands that are third-party tested. One of them is even sold at Target. I’m buying it for my acid reflux now.
Also, she said if you’re on any medication that affects electrolytes or BP, you should assume licorice is unsafe unless it says DGL-and even then, check the label for glycyrrhizin content.
So I’m going to start a little thread in my local Facebook group. Maybe if enough people know, they’ll finally make the labels clear.
Thanks again for this. I’m not just saving myself-I’m saving other people too.