When Licorice Root Seems to Push Your Blood Pressure Up

If you’ve ever had a routine checkup and been surprised by a higher-than-usual blood pressure reading, licorice root may not be the first thing you think of. It’s hidden in teas, candies, capsules, and “throat soothing” blends, so many people don’t realize they’re taking it until their readings or potassium levels change.

The conventional medicine view

Clinicians think about licorice root as a possible contributor to elevated blood pressure because one of its compounds can act in a mineralocorticoid-like way: it may cause the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, which can raise blood pressure and sometimes cause swelling, weakness, or palpitations.

A clinician would usually review:

• Exactly which licorice products you use, how often, and how much
• Other sources you may not count as “licorice,” such as herbal teas, lozenges, and supplements
• Medications that can make the issue more important, including diuretics, corticosteroids, and digoxin
• Your blood pressure pattern over time, not just one reading
• Kidney history, heart history, and any symptoms like muscle cramps or fatigue

Tests worth discussing may include:

• Blood pressure checks, ideally with home readings
• Blood tests for potassium and kidney function
• Sometimes additional hormone-related testing if blood pressure stays high without a clear explanation

Standard first-line approaches usually include:

• Avoiding licorice-containing products if blood pressure is a concern
• Monitoring blood pressure regularly
• Addressing hypertension with standard lifestyle and medical care based on your overall risk profile
• Correcting low potassium if it is present, under clinician guidance

The holistic & functional view

A functional lens asks why your blood pressure may be more sensitive in the first place. Licorice can be the trigger, but sleep, stress, diet, and underlying metabolic or hormonal patterns can shape how strongly your body responds.

Root-cause angles to consider:

• High sodium intake or low potassium intake
• Poor sleep or possible sleep apnea
• Chronic stress and high adrenaline load
• Alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine use
• Weight gain, insulin resistance, or reduced activity
• Kidney or hormone regulation issues that make fluid balance less stable

Concrete daily practices:

• Good evidence: Keep a home blood pressure log, taken at the same time each day, and bring it to appointments.
• Good evidence: Read labels for licorice root, licorice extract, “glycyrrhizin,” “mulethi,” and “Gan Cao,” especially in teas and supplements.
• Good evidence: Favor a heart-healthy eating pattern with more vegetables, beans, fruit, and minimally processed foods.
• Good evidence: Aim for consistent sleep timing and treat snoring or daytime sleepiness as worth discussing.
• Moderate evidence: Reduce hidden sodium from packaged foods and restaurant meals.
• Moderate evidence: Build in daily walking or other moderate movement most days of the week.
• Moderate evidence: Use stress-reduction practices you can repeat, such as paced breathing, mindfulness, or yoga.
• Emerging: Keep a “food + supplement + BP” diary for two weeks to spot patterns, including licorice exposure.
• Emerging: Ask whether potassium-rich foods are appropriate for you; this is not a one-size-fits-all step, especially if you have kidney disease or take certain medications.

The traditional & herbal view

Traditional systems have used licorice root for centuries, but that tradition does not make it safe for everyone with high blood pressure.

• Chinese medicine — clinically studied / traditional use only: Gan Cao is used to “harmonize” formulas, soothe coughs, and ease throat irritation. In practice, it is often part of mixed formulas rather than used alone. Because licorice can raise blood pressure, people with hypertension are generally advised to be cautious, especially with concentrated extracts.
• Ayurveda — traditional use only: Yashtimadhu (mulethi) is commonly used for sore throat, reflux-like symptoms, and “cooling” support. The traditional use is well known, but the blood-pressure risk remains relevant, particularly with frequent or high-dose use.
• Western herbalism — clinically studied / traditional use only: Licorice has been used for digestive discomfort, cough, and adrenal-support claims. Some specific preparations, such as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), are used because they remove much of the compound linked to blood-pressure effects; even then, it’s smart to discuss use with a clinician.

Important interaction warnings:

• Licorice may worsen the effects of diuretics and increase the risk of low potassium
• It can be especially risky with digoxin or corticosteroids
• Caution is warranted if you have heart disease, kidney disease, swelling, or an existing blood pressure problem

Questions for your doctor

1. Could licorice root be contributing to my blood pressure or potassium levels?
2. Should I have my potassium and kidney function checked?
3. Are any of my medications or supplements interacting with licorice?
4. What kinds of licorice-containing products should I avoid, including teas and herbal blends?
5. Would home blood pressure monitoring help us figure out the pattern?
6. If I want a throat or reflux remedy, what options are safer for someone with elevated blood pressure?

Sensible next steps

1. This week: Make a list of every tea, supplement, candy, and lozenge you use, and check whether licorice is listed on the label.
2. This week: Start or continue a simple home blood pressure log if you’ve been told to monitor it.
3. This week: Bring your product list to a clinician or pharmacist and ask about interactions.
4. Monitor: Watch for swelling, muscle cramps, unusual fatigue, or palpitations.
5. Seek care sooner if: You have very high blood pressure readings, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, weakness, confusion, or an irregular heartbeat.

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doc.net is a wellness companion, not medical advice. This guide is general education — see a licensed provider about your specific situation.