Side Effects of Licorice Root Tea: What to Know

Reading time:14 min

Published:April 4, 2025

Author:

Cymbiotika

Herbal teas have been a staple of wellness routines for centuries. Among them, licorice root tea stands out for its distinct, naturally sweet flavor and its long history of traditional use. Many people reach for a warm cup of licorice tea to support digestive comfort or to soothe a scratchy throat after a long day of talking or presenting. While this herb offers many potential benefits, it is unique in how it interacts with the body's delicate internal balance.

Introduction

Understanding the side effects of licorice root tea is essential for anyone looking to make it a regular part of their lifestyle. At Cymbiotika, we believe that true wellness begins with education and transparency. By knowing exactly how an ingredient works, you can make informed decisions that support your long-term health goals rather than creating new challenges.

This article covers the specific compounds in licorice that cause physiological changes, the potential side effects of overconsumption, and how to choose the right format for your needs. We want to empower you to enjoy your herbal rituals while staying mindful of your body’s unique requirements.

The Science of Licorice Root

Licorice root comes from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is not the same as the "black licorice" candy found in grocery stores, which is often flavored with anise oil and contains very little actual licorice. The real root contains over 300 different compounds, including flavonoids and plant sterols. However, the most significant component when discussing side effects is a compound called glycyrrhizin.

Glycyrrhizin is the primary active constituent responsible for the root's sweetness and many of its traditional uses. When you consume licorice root tea, your body breaks down glycyrrhizin into glycyrrhetinic acid. While this process is natural, glycyrrhizin has a potent effect on how the body manages certain hormones and minerals. For more background on the plant’s active compounds and traditional uses, explore this guide to what licorice root tea does.

Specifically, glycyrrhizin can interfere with an enzyme that normally breaks down cortisol, often referred to as the body's primary stress hormone. When this enzyme is inhibited, cortisol levels can stay elevated longer than usual. This shift can lead to a chain reaction that affects your kidneys, your blood pressure, and your electrolyte levels.

Quick Answer: The side effects of licorice root tea primarily stem from a compound called glycyrrhizin. When consumed in large amounts or over long periods, it can cause high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), fluid retention, and muscle weakness.

Potential Side Effects of Licorice Root Tea

Most people can enjoy an occasional cup of licorice tea without any issues. The challenges typically arise with "chronic consumption," which means drinking multiple cups every day for several weeks. Because the effects of glycyrrhizin are cumulative, the compound can build up in your system over time. You can also read more about licorice side effects and safety.

Impacts on Blood Pressure

One of the most well-documented side effects of licorice root tea is its ability to raise blood pressure. This happens because the elevation of cortisol (caused by glycyrrhizin) mimics the action of another hormone called aldosterone.

When the body thinks it has too much aldosterone, the kidneys begin to hold onto salt and water while flushing out potassium. This increase in fluid volume in the bloodstream puts extra pressure on the walls of your arteries. For individuals who already manage their blood pressure, even small amounts of licorice tea may cause an unwanted spike.

Electrolyte Imbalance and Potassium Loss

Potassium is a critical mineral that helps your heart beat steadily and your muscles contract properly. As mentioned, licorice root can cause the kidneys to excrete too much potassium. This condition is known as hypokalemia.

Early signs of low potassium can be subtle. You might notice slight muscle cramps, a feeling of heaviness in your legs, or unexplained fatigue. In more significant cases, it can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. This is why consistency is so important; drinking licorice tea every day for a month is very different from having one cup once a week.

Fluid Retention and Swelling

Because licorice encourages the body to retain sodium, it naturally leads to water retention. You might notice this as "edema," which is the medical term for swelling. This often shows up in the ankles, feet, or even puffiness around the eyes.

This fluid retention is not just a cosmetic concern. It indicates that the body's fluid-to-electrolyte ratio is out of balance. If you notice your rings feeling tighter or your socks leaving deep indentations on your ankles after drinking licorice tea, it may be a sign that your body is sensitive to glycyrrhizin.

Hormonal Influence

Licorice root is known to have "estrogenic" activity, meaning it can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. For some, this support is welcomed, but for others, it can disrupt a delicate hormonal baseline. Because it also affects cortisol metabolism, it can indirectly impact the entire endocrine system.

Key Takeaway: The side effects of licorice root are dose-dependent and cumulative. Most issues arise from the way glycyrrhizin forces the kidneys to retain sodium and dump potassium, leading to fluid and pressure changes.

Who Should Exercise Caution?

While herbal teas are often seen as universally safe, licorice root is an ingredient that requires a more nuanced approach. Certain groups of people may be more susceptible to the side effects of licorice root tea and should consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to their routine.

Individuals with high blood pressure should be particularly careful. Since licorice can actively raise blood pressure, it may work against lifestyle efforts or other supports intended to keep levels in a healthy range.

People with heart or kidney concerns should also proceed with caution. Because these organs are responsible for managing fluid balance and mineral levels, the stress of glycyrrhizin-induced electrolyte shifts can be taxing.

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to avoid licorice root tea. Some research suggests that high intake of glycyrrhizin during pregnancy may be linked to developmental considerations. As with any herbal supplement during pregnancy, safety is the priority.

Individuals on specific medications should always check for interactions. Licorice can interact with diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, and certain heart medications because of how it moves minerals and fluids through the body.

The Role of Bioavailability in Herbal Support

When we discuss supplements or herbal extractions, we must consider bioavailability — which is simply how much of a substance actually reaches your bloodstream and is used by your cells. Not all licorice is created equal, and how it is processed changes how your body reacts to it. For a deeper explanation, read about bioavailability and supplement formulation.

In a standard tea bag, the licorice root is dried and chopped. When you steep it in hot water, you are creating a water-based extraction. The glycyrrhizin is highly water-soluble, meaning it enters the tea easily. However, your body's ability to process these compounds can vary based on your gut health and your individual metabolism.

At Cymbiotika, we emphasize that the delivery method of any nutrient or botanical is just as important as the ingredient itself. Whether it is a liposomal delivery system — where nutrients are wrapped in a protective "bubble" of fats to bypass digestion — or a high-quality raw extract, the goal is always to ensure the body can use the ingredient effectively without causing unnecessary stress to the system.

With licorice, the "delivery" question led to a specific innovation called DGL.

DGL: A Safer Alternative to Standard Licorice

If you enjoy the digestive benefits of licorice but want to avoid the side effects of glycyrrhizin, you may want to look into Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, commonly known as DGL.

In DGL, the glycyrrhizin has been intentionally removed. This process leaves behind the flavonoids and other beneficial compounds that support the lining of the stomach and esophagus but removes the component that causes high blood pressure and potassium loss. DGL and related digestive-support concepts are also discussed in this overview of herbal support for gut health.

DGL is often available in chewable tablets or powders. Because the glycyrrhizin is gone, DGL does not have the same restrictions on long-term use as standard licorice root tea. It provides a way to get the soothing properties of the plant without the systemic risks to your electrolytes.

Myth: All herbal teas are safe to drink in unlimited quantities.
Fact: Many herbs contain potent bioactive compounds that act like medicine in the body. Licorice root, specifically, has a "ceiling" for safety due to its impact on potassium and blood pressure.

How to Enjoy Licorice Tea Safely

If you love the taste of licorice tea and do not fall into a high-risk category, you can likely enjoy it by following a few simple guidelines. Wellness is about balance, and herbal tea can certainly be part of a healthy lifestyle when used mindfully.

Step 1: Limit your intake.
Try to keep your consumption to no more than one cup per day. Avoid drinking it every single day for weeks on end. Taking a "break" for a few days each week allows your body to reset its electrolyte levels.

Step 2: Monitor how you feel.
Pay attention to your body's signals. If you notice unusual fatigue, muscle weakness, or a racing heart, stop drinking the tea and see if the symptoms resolve. It is always better to listen to subtle cues early on.

Step 3: Check your labels.
Many "Throat Comfort" or "Digestive" tea blends contain licorice root as a secondary ingredient for sweetness. If you drink several different herbal blends, check the ingredient lists to make sure you aren't accidentally consuming more licorice than you realized.

Step 4: Focus on mineral-rich foods.
Since licorice can deplete potassium, ensure your diet is rich in potassium-heavy foods like avocados, bananas, spinach, and sweet potatoes. This helps maintain the balance your kidneys are working to protect.

Quality and Sourcing Matters

The purity of your tea matters just as much as the dose. Many mass-produced teas use low-quality roots that may be contaminated with pesticides or heavy metals. These impurities can put extra strain on your liver and kidneys, compounding the potential side effects of the herb itself.

We prioritize sourcing from organic and wild-crafted origins whenever possible. Choosing a high-quality, organic licorice tea ensures you are getting the plant’s natural compounds without synthetic additives. Transparency in sourcing is a cornerstone of our philosophy because you deserve to know exactly what is going into your body.

When you choose supplements or teas, look for brands that offer third-party testing. This ensures that the levels of active compounds are consistent and that the product is free from harmful contaminants. A clean routine is a sustainable routine.

Building a Balanced Wellness Routine

Licorice root is just one tool in a very large wellness toolbox. For many people, the goal of drinking licorice tea is to support gut health or manage stress. If you find that the side effects of licorice root tea are a concern for you, there are many other ways to support those same goals. The Gut Health collection offers a broader place to explore gut-focused options.

For gut health, you might consider a high-quality Probiotic or Liquid Colostrum to support the intestinal lining. These options provide targeted support without impacting blood pressure. If you are looking for stress management, adaptogens like Shilajit Liquid Complex or functional mushrooms can help the body find balance without the specific mineral-depleting risks associated with glycyrrhizin.

The key is to build a routine that feels good for your specific body. No two people have the exact same biology, which is why a personalized approach is so effective.

Bottom line: Licorice root tea is a powerful botanical that should be used with respect; limit your intake to avoid electrolyte imbalances and consider DGL if you need long-term digestive support.

Conclusion

Licorice root tea is a flavorful and traditional way to support wellness, but it is not without its complexities. The side effects of licorice root tea — ranging from elevated blood pressure to potassium loss — are real factors that should influence how often you enjoy this herbal brew. By understanding the role of glycyrrhizin, you can enjoy the benefits of the root while avoiding the pitfalls of overconsumption.

At Cymbiotika, our mission is to provide you with the cleanest formulations and the most accurate information so you can take ownership of your health. We believe in the power of nature, backed by science and delivered with high bioavailability. Wellness isn't about perfection; it’s about making the best possible choices for your body every single day.

Be mindful of daily limits to protect your blood pressure.
Watch for signs of fluid retention or muscle weakness.
Consider DGL as a safer alternative for daily digestive support.
Always prioritize high-quality, organic sources for your herbal teas.

If you are unsure where to start or which supplements best align with your current health status, we invite you to take our Health Quiz. It is designed to help you navigate your options and build a routine that fits your unique lifestyle and goals.

"Wellness is the result of small, consistent choices that respect the body's natural balance and prioritize long-term vitality over short-term fixes."

FAQ

Is it safe to drink licorice root tea every day?

For most healthy adults, drinking one cup of licorice root tea occasionally is safe, but daily consumption for more than two weeks is generally discouraged. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, can build up in the body and lead to high blood pressure or low potassium levels. If you want the benefits of licorice every day, consider a deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) version instead.

Can licorice tea cause heart palpitations?

Yes, in some cases, licorice tea can lead to heart palpitations by causing a significant drop in potassium levels. Potassium is essential for maintaining a regular heart rhythm, and when licorice causes the kidneys to flush this mineral out, it can disrupt the heart's electrical signaling. If you experience an irregular heartbeat after drinking licorice tea, you should stop use and consult a healthcare provider.

How much licorice tea is too much?

While individual tolerance varies, consuming more than 5 to 30 grams of licorice root (the amount found in several cups of strong tea) daily for several weeks is often cited as the threshold for potential toxicity. Because glycyrrhizin levels can vary between tea brands, it is safest to limit intake to one cup and avoid consecutive daily use.

Does licorice tea interact with medications?

Licorice root tea can interact with several types of medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and blood thinners. Because it affects how the kidneys handle sodium and potassium, it may interfere with the effectiveness of these treatments. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding licorice tea to your routine if you are taking prescription medications.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The Science of Licorice Root

Potential Side Effects of Licorice Root Tea

Who Should Exercise Caution?

The Role of Bioavailability in Herbal Support

DGL: A Safer Alternative to Standard Licorice

How to Enjoy Licorice Tea Safely

Quality and Sourcing Matters

Building a Balanced Wellness Routine

Conclusion

FAQ

Dive deeper

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Liposomal Advanced Creatine

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The Science of Licorice Root

Potential Side Effects of Licorice Root Tea

Who Should Exercise Caution?

The Role of Bioavailability in Herbal Support

DGL: A Safer Alternative to Standard Licorice

How to Enjoy Licorice Tea Safely

Quality and Sourcing Matters

Building a Balanced Wellness Routine

Conclusion

FAQ

Frequently searched

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