Last updated on: July 11, 2025

Steps to Safely Use Licorice Without Side Effects

Licorice, derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent in candies and beverages. Known for its sweet taste and potential health benefits, licorice has found its place in modern herbal remedies for digestive issues, sore throats, and inflammation. However, like many herbal supplements, licorice can cause side effects if not used properly. Understanding how to safely use licorice is essential to enjoy its benefits without risking adverse reactions.

In this article, we’ll explore the steps you can take to safely incorporate licorice into your health regimen without experiencing harmful side effects.

Understanding Licorice and Its Active Compounds

Licorice root contains several active compounds, with glycyrrhizin being the most significant. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for licorice’s characteristic sweet flavor and many of its medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting effects.

However, excessive consumption of glycyrrhizin can lead to serious side effects such as elevated blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), water retention, headaches, and even heart problems. This is why understanding the role of glycyrrhizin is crucial when using licorice safely.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Licorice

Licorice products come in many forms: teas, extracts, capsules, powders, and candies. The amount of glycyrrhizin varies widely depending on the product type.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): This form has had most of the glycyrrhizin removed. It is often recommended for digestive issues because it offers the benefits of licorice without the risk of glycyrrhizin-induced side effects.
Regular Licorice Root Extract: Contains full glycyrrhizin content and should be used cautiously.
Licorice Candies: Often contain real licorice but may have varying amounts of glycyrrhizin or sometimes none if flavored artificially.

Tip: For therapeutic purposes, consider using DGL supplements or licorice tea labeled as “deglycyrrhizinated” to reduce side effect risks.

Step 2: Consult Your Healthcare Provider Before Use

Before adding licorice to your health routine, especially in supplement form, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. This is particularly crucial if you:

Have high blood pressure or heart conditions
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have kidney or liver disease
Are taking medications such as corticosteroids, diuretics, blood pressure drugs, or blood thinners

Your provider can help determine if licorice is safe for you and advise on appropriate dosages.

Step 3: Adhere to Recommended Dosages

One of the most common causes of licorice-related side effects is exceeding recommended dosages. The safety threshold for glycyrrhizin intake typically lies around 100 mg per day for adults.

For regular licorice root extract: Limit consumption to less than 10 grams of licorice root daily (equivalent to about 100 mg glycyrrhizin).
For DGL supplements: Follow the manufacturer’s dosing instructions; these are generally safer to use long-term.
For teas: Limit yourself to one or two cups per day and check the glycyrrhizin content if available.

Avoid consuming large quantities over extended periods — even moderate doses taken daily over weeks may cause problems.

Step 4: Limit Duration of Use

Prolonged use of licorice can increase the risk of side effects. Most health experts recommend limiting continuous use to no more than four to six weeks unless under medical supervision.

If you plan on using licorice long-term:

Take breaks between cycles (for example, using for three weeks followed by a one-week break).
Monitor your health regularly with your healthcare provider’s guidance.

This approach helps minimize accumulation of glycyrrhizin in your system that can disrupt electrolyte balance and blood pressure.

Step 5: Monitor Your Health Parameters Regularly

Because excessive glycyrrhizin can cause hypertension and low potassium (which affects muscle function and heart rhythm), it’s important to keep track of key health indicators:

Blood pressure: Check regularly during periods when you use licorice.
Potassium levels: If you experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeat, seek medical attention promptly.
Signs of water retention: Swelling in legs or hands could indicate fluid buildup.

Early detection helps prevent serious complications related to licorice use.

Step 6: Watch Out for Drug Interactions

Licorice root influences how certain drugs work in your body by affecting enzymes that metabolize medications. Some notable interactions include:

Diuretics (water pills): Licorice may worsen potassium loss caused by diuretics.
Blood pressure medications: May reduce their effectiveness or cause unpredictable changes.
Corticosteroids: Combined use with licorice may increase side effect risks.
Blood thinners (warfarin): Potential interaction affecting clotting times.

Always inform your doctor about any herbal products you take so they can adjust medication plans accordingly.

Step 7: Recognize Signs That Indicate You Should Stop Using Licorice

If you experience any of the following symptoms during or after taking licorice products, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice:

Unexplained headaches
High blood pressure readings
Muscle weakness or cramps
Swelling or bloating
Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
Fatigue or dizziness

These could be signs of electrolyte imbalances or cardiovascular strain caused by excessive glycyrrhizin intake.

Step 8: Prefer Natural Forms Over Processed Candies

Many commercial licorice candies contain added sugars and artificial flavors which offer little medicinal benefit and may contribute to other health issues like weight gain and dental problems.

If consuming licorice candy:

Choose those made with real licorice extract but in moderation due to sugar content.
Consider alternative natural forms such as dried root pieces (used for brewing tea) or standardized herbal supplements with known glycyrrhizin levels.

Natural forms allow better control over dosage and minimize added unhealthy ingredients.

Conclusion

Licorice offers numerous potential health benefits but must be used carefully due to possible side effects primarily linked to its active compound glycyrrhizin. By choosing the right type of product (preferably deglycyrrhizinated), consulting healthcare professionals before use, adhering strictly to dosage recommendations, limiting duration of use, monitoring your health parameters regularly, being mindful of drug interactions, recognizing early warning signs, and opting for natural rather than processed forms — you can safely enjoy the advantages that licorice has to offer without compromising your well-being.

Always approach herbal remedies with respect for their potency and potential risks. With knowledge and caution, licorice can be a valuable addition to your natural health toolkit.