Glycyrrhizin: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you see glycyrrhizin, a natural compound found in licorice root that affects hormone levels and electrolyte balance. Also known as glycyrrhizic acid, it's what gives licorice its sweetness—but it’s not just a flavor. This compound can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and interfere with medications you’re already taking. You might not realize it, but if you’ve ever taken licorice root supplements, chewed black licorice candy regularly, or used herbal remedies for digestion or sore throats, you’ve likely been exposed to it.

It’s not just about candy. licorice root, a traditional herbal remedy used for centuries to soothe coughs and stomach issues. Also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, it’s sold in teas, capsules, and tinctures. But here’s the catch: even small daily doses over weeks can cause real problems. Studies show people who eat just 100 grams of licorice a day for two weeks can develop high blood pressure and muscle weakness. That’s because glycyrrhizin blocks an enzyme that normally protects your body from too much cortisol. The result? Your body acts like it’s flooded with stress hormones—retaining salt, flushing out potassium, and cranking up blood pressure.

This isn’t theoretical. People on diuretics, heart meds, or steroids are especially at risk. If you’re taking something like spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, or even prednisone, glycyrrhizin can make side effects worse—or worse, cause dangerous drops in potassium. And it doesn’t matter if you think "natural" means safe. Natural doesn’t mean harmless. The FDA has issued warnings about licorice-containing products linked to hospitalizations.

And it’s not just adults. Kids who snack on licorice candy regularly can develop the same issues—high blood pressure, headaches, fatigue. Parents often don’t connect the dots because they assume candy is just sugar. But glycyrrhizin doesn’t care if you’re 8 or 80. If you’re consuming it daily, your body notices.

What about herbal supplements? Many brands list "licorice root extract" as an ingredient without saying how much glycyrrhizin it contains. Some products even claim to be "deglycyrrhizinated"—meaning the harmful part was removed. But not all do. And without standardized labeling, you can’t always tell what you’re getting.

So what should you do? If you’ve been taking licorice root for months—or even weeks—and you’ve noticed swelling in your ankles, unusual fatigue, or a headache that won’t quit, stop. Talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can check your potassium and sodium levels. If glycyrrhizin is the cause, stopping it usually reverses the effects within days.

There’s no magic dose where it suddenly becomes dangerous. It’s cumulative. One piece of candy here, a cup of tea there—it adds up. And if you’re managing a chronic condition like hypertension, kidney disease, or heart failure, this isn’t something to gamble with.

Below, you’ll find real-world stories and medical insights from people who’ve dealt with glycyrrhizin’s effects—some by accident, some because they trusted a "natural" label. You’ll learn how to spot hidden sources, what to ask your pharmacist, and which supplements are safer alternatives. This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing what’s really in what you’re putting in your body.