Licorice and Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

When you chew on licorice root, a sweet herb used in traditional medicine across Asia and Europe. Also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, it's been used for centuries to soothe coughs, ease digestion, and even calm stress. But what it does to your blood pressure, the force of blood pushing against artery walls is not as sweet as its taste. The real culprit isn't the sugar—it's a compound called glycyrrhizin, a natural substance in licorice that mimics the hormone aldosterone. This tricks your body into holding onto salt and water, which can spike your blood pressure over time.

If you're someone who snacks on black licorice candy, drinks licorice tea daily, or takes herbal supplements with licorice extract, you might be quietly raising your risk. Studies show that just 100 mg of glycyrrhizin a day—about 2 ounces of licorice candy—can cause noticeable blood pressure increases in as little as two weeks. People with existing high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems are especially at risk. Even if you feel fine, your body might be struggling behind the scenes. The good news? Not all licorice is the same. Many products sold in the U.S. and Europe use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which removes this harmful compound. DGL is safe for digestion and won’t touch your blood pressure.

So if you're looking for natural ways to manage blood pressure, licorice isn't the answer. Instead, focus on proven strategies: walking daily, cutting back on salt, eating more potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach, and managing stress through breathing or sleep. There are dozens of herbal options backed by science—hawthorn, garlic, hibiscus tea—that actually help lower pressure without the side effects. Licorice might taste good, but when it comes to your heart, it's not worth the risk.

Below, you'll find real stories and science-backed insights from people who’ve dealt with this exact issue—some who discovered the link too late, others who found safer alternatives. Whether you're curious about herbal remedies, worried about your numbers, or just trying to understand what’s really in that candy bar, these posts give you the facts without the fluff.