Licorice: Uses, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When you think of licorice, a root used for centuries in traditional medicine and modern candies. Also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, it’s not just a sweet treat—it’s a powerful herbal compound with real effects on your body. The active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, a compound that mimics aldosterone and affects salt and water balance, is why licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. That’s not just a side effect—it’s a mechanism. And if you’re on blood pressure meds, diuretics, or heart drugs, this isn’t something you can ignore.

People take licorice root for sore throats, digestive issues, or even adrenal support. But here’s the catch: most over-the-counter supplements don’t tell you how much glycyrrhizin they contain. A candy bar might have less than a teaspoon of root, but a daily supplement could pack enough to cause problems in weeks. Studies show that as little as 100 mg of glycyrrhizin a day for two weeks can trigger swelling, headaches, and muscle weakness. And if you’re over 40 or have kidney issues, your risk goes up fast. There’s also deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a form stripped of glycyrrhizin to reduce side effects, often used for stomach ulcers. But unless it’s labeled DGL, assume it’s the real deal—and treat it like medicine, not a snack.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a practical guide to how licorice interacts with medications, why it shows up in herbal blends you might be taking, and how to spot the warning signs before they turn into a hospital visit. You’ll see how it connects to things like blood pressure, adrenal function, and even drug metabolism. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to decide if licorice belongs in your routine—or if it’s better left on the shelf.

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