Licorice Root May Increase Blood Pressure in Small Amounts

Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe sore throats, calm digestive issues, and reduce inflammation. But while it may offer some benefits, even small amounts of licorice root can raise your blood pressure and possibly interfere with your medications.

Whether you're sipping herbal tea or taking a supplement, understanding how this plant affects your body is key to using it safely.

What Is Licorice Root Used For?

Licorice root is often promoted for conditions such as:

• Peptic ulcers and digestive discomfort

• Respiratory inflammation

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

• Canker sores and bad breath

• Eczema and other skin conditions

• Menopausal symptoms

Although some studies support its potential for wound healing and liver support, experts caution that current research is limited and it may not be safe for everyone.

“Many people assume herbal equals harmless, but licorice root is a clear example of a plant with potent pharmacologic effects,” says Iman Majd, MD, LAc, of UW Medicine’s Osher Center for Integrative Health.

How Licorice Root Raises Blood Pressure

The primary concern with licorice root is its active compound, called glycyrrhizin. This natural substance can mimic the hormone aldosterone, which controls sodium and potassium levels in the body.

What glycyrrhizin can do

• Retain sodium

• Deplete potassium

• Cause fluid retention

• Elevate blood pressure

Even at doses deemed safe by the World Health Organization (100 mg per day), glycyrrhizin has been shown to increase blood pressure.

This makes licorice root especially risky for people with:

• Hypertension

• Heart rhythm disorders

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes

Hidden Risks in Licorice Products

You might think you’re avoiding licorice root by skipping supplements but it’s also hiding in:

• Teas labeled as “detox,” “digestion,” or “respiratory support”

• Imported licorice candies or herbal lozenges

• Traditional Chinese or Ayurvedic remedies

Even licorice-flavored treats can be confusing. Some commercial black licorice candies in the U.S. are flavored with anise, which has a similar taste but doesn’t contain glycyrrhizin. Still, some candies and herbal teas do use real licorice, so it's important to check labels for terms like.

• “Licorice root”

• “Glycyrrhiza glabra”

• “Glycyrrhizin”

Look for This Safer Option

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has the glycyrrhizin removed. It’s less likely to raise blood pressure or cause mineral imbalances, making it a safer alternative for most people.

Medication Interactions to Know

Glycyrrhizin can interfere with a range of medications, including.

• Diuretics

• Insulin or other blood sugar medications

• Blood pressure medications like spironolactone (Aldactone)

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

This can result in unintended side effects, including electrolyte imbalances, fluid retention, or even heart complications.

If you take any regular medications or have a chronic condition speak with your doctor before adding licorice root in any form to your routine.

Safer Herbal Alternatives

If you’re looking for digestive or respiratory support without the risks, try these expert-approved alternatives.

• Ginger: Calms nausea and supports gut health

• Slippery elm: Soothes the throat and digestive lining

• Marshmallow root: Reduces inflammation in mucous membranes

These herbs may offer similar benefits to licorice root but with less risk of blood pressure changes or drug interactions.

What You Should Do

Licorice root is more than just a natural remedy it’s a powerful plant with real biological effects. For some, that’s a benefit. But for many especially those with heart, kidney, or blood pressure concerns it can cause more harm than good.

If you want to use licorice root safely:

• Choose DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) products

• Read ingredient labels carefully on teas, supplements, and candies

• Avoid licorice root if you’re taking blood pressure or heart medications

• Check with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before using

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