Understanding How Quickly Does Licorice Raise Blood Pressure? A Pharmacological Look at the Timeline

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that regular consumption of licorice can lead to measurable blood pressure increases in as little as 5 to 14 days. Understanding how quickly does licorice raise blood pressure? is crucial for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions or those who consume it frequently, as the potent compound glycyrrhizin is responsible for these effects.

Quick Summary

The elevation of blood pressure from licorice is not immediate but occurs over a period of days to weeks with regular, daily intake. The timeline depends on dosage, individual sensitivity, and pre-existing health conditions. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, causes sodium retention and potassium loss, leading to a gradual but significant rise in blood pressure. Cessation of intake typically reverses the effect within weeks.

Key Points

Timeline Varies: Blood pressure elevation from licorice is not instant; significant increases can be measured within 5 to 14 days of consistent daily intake.
Peak Effect: The maximal blood pressure rise is often reached around two weeks after starting daily licorice consumption.
Dose-Dependent: Higher daily doses of glycyrrhizin lead to a more significant and potentially faster increase in blood pressure, though even low doses can have an effect.
Individual Factors Matter: Sensitivity to glycyrrhizin varies, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or kidney disease are at higher risk of adverse effects.
Mechanism of Action: The active compound glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme (11β-HSD2), causing cortisol to accumulate and act on mineralocorticoid receptors, leading to sodium and water retention and potassium loss.
Recovery Timeline: After stopping licorice, blood pressure and electrolyte balance typically normalize within several weeks, though the hormonal system may take months to fully recover.

The Timeline of Licorice-Induced Hypertension

The blood pressure-elevating effects of licorice are not instantaneous but build up with consistent, daily intake. This is because the active compound, glycyrrhizin, needs time to interfere with the body's hormonal systems and cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Research indicates that significant effects can be observed within a relatively short timeframe, particularly with regular consumption.

Initial Effects (1–2 weeks): Several studies point to this period as the time when initial increases in blood pressure become evident. One randomized crossover trial found that in healthy young people, systolic blood pressure began to increase from day 5 and diastolic from day 7, with rises continuing until day 14. Similarly, other studies report that the maximal blood pressure rise is reached around the two-week mark of regular consumption.
Continued Consumption (2–4+ weeks): While the maximal effect is often seen within the first two weeks, prolonged intake can lead to sustained and potentially amplified hypertension. For individuals with pre-existing hypertension, the effects can be more pronounced and occur more rapidly. Case reports have documented hypertension developing over months in individuals consuming licorice tea regularly.
Reversal After Cessation: The timeline for blood pressure to return to normal after stopping licorice intake is also important. While blood pressure and associated symptoms like hypokalemia often correct within several weeks, it can take months for the body's renin-aldosterone system to fully recover.

The Pharmacological Mechanism Behind the Rise

To understand why licorice raises blood pressure, one must look at the specific pharmacological action of its key compound, glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin, and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibit the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2).

This inhibition has a powerful effect on the body's mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidneys. Normally, the enzyme 11β-HSD2 inactivates cortisol. However, when inhibited by licorice, cortisol levels in the kidneys increase. Cortisol then binds to the mineralocorticoid receptors with high affinity, mimicking the effects of the hormone aldosterone. This leads to a state known as 'pseudohyperaldosteronism', characterized by several key changes:

Sodium and Water Retention: The increased activity at the mineralocorticoid receptors promotes the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, which increases the total fluid volume in the body.
Potassium Loss: Simultaneously, this process leads to an increase in potassium excretion, causing hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
Increased Blood Pressure: The combination of increased fluid volume and electrolyte imbalances results in a rise in blood pressure.

Factors Influencing the Response to Licorice

Not everyone who consumes licorice will experience the same increase in blood pressure, and several factors determine the magnitude and timeline of the effect.

Dose-Dependence: The amount of licorice, and specifically the glycyrrhizin content, is a primary factor. Studies have shown a linear dose-response relationship, meaning higher doses lead to greater blood pressure increases. However, even doses previously considered safe (around 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day) have been shown to increase blood pressure.
Individual Sensitivity: Genetic and physiological differences play a significant role. Some individuals are simply more sensitive to the effects of glycyrrhizin, experiencing a more pronounced hormonal and blood pressure response to smaller doses.
Pre-existing Conditions: People with pre-existing hypertension, heart conditions, or kidney disease are at a much higher risk of experiencing adverse effects from licorice, and the increase in blood pressure can be more dramatic.
Product Variation: The glycyrrhizin content can vary drastically between different products, including candies, herbal teas, and supplements. Without knowing the exact concentration, it is difficult to predict the risk.

Comparison of Licorice Studies


Study Details	Daily Glycyrrhizin Intake	Intervention Duration	Observed Effects
Af Geijerstam et al., 2024	100 mg	2 weeks	Systolic BP increased from day 5, diastolic from day 7. Renin and aldosterone suppressed.
Leskinen et al., 2014	290–370 mg	2 weeks	Elevated peripheral and central systolic and diastolic BP, increased extracellular volume.
WTAMU, 2013	75–540 mg	2–4 weeks	Maximal BP rise reached after first 2 weeks. Effects seen as early as 1 week.
Case Report, 2015	Up to 6 cups licorice tea/day (long-term)	~4 months	Elevated BP and hypokalemia developed over several months, resolved 2 weeks post-cessation.

Managing and Avoiding Licorice-Induced Hypertension

The primary and most effective treatment for licorice-induced hypertension is to stop consuming the product containing glycyrrhizin. For individuals with high blood pressure, heart, or kidney disease, complete avoidance of real licorice is strongly recommended.

Alternatives are available for those who enjoy the flavor but wish to avoid the risks. Some products are flavored with anise oil, which has a similar taste but does not contain glycyrrhizin. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products have had the glycyrrhizin removed and are available as supplements or flavoring.

It is vital for individuals who experience symptoms like headaches, swelling (edema), or fatigue after consuming licorice to seek medical advice. A physician can confirm if the symptoms are related to licorice consumption and manage any electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia. Medical evaluation may be necessary in some cases.

Conclusion

While licorice can have medicinal benefits, its potential to increase blood pressure is a significant concern for many individuals. The elevation is not instant but develops over days or weeks of consistent daily intake, driven by the glycyrrhizin content. Effects can be seen in as little as 5 to 14 days, with the peak effect often occurring around two weeks. Individual sensitivity, dosage, and pre-existing health conditions all influence the timeline and severity of the response. The primary mechanism involves glycyrrhizin interfering with renal enzymes, leading to sodium and water retention and potassium loss. For those at risk, avoiding licorice is the best course of action, and safer alternatives like DGL are available. Anyone experiencing adverse symptoms should consult a healthcare provider for proper management and a full recovery. For further reading, authoritative health information can be found at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

Studies show that a daily intake of as little as 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) can lead to significant increases in blood pressure within two weeks. The GA content varies greatly among licorice products, so safe limits are difficult to predict without proper labeling.

Yes, black licorice candy that contains real licorice root extract (and therefore glycyrrhizin) can cause high blood pressure, especially with excessive or regular consumption. Many candies are flavored with anise oil instead, which does not have this effect.

For most people, blood pressure levels begin to normalize within several weeks after stopping licorice consumption. However, the body's hormonal system may take several months to fully recover.

Individuals with pre-existing high blood pressure should be very cautious and ideally avoid real licorice, as they are more susceptible to its blood pressure-elevating effects. Alternatives like anise-flavored candies or deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products are safer options.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice that has had the blood pressure-raising compound, glycyrrhizin, removed during processing. It is considered a safer alternative for people concerned about hypertension.

Yes, just like licorice candy, licorice tea can raise blood pressure if it contains real licorice root and is consumed regularly. A case study showed a patient with hypertension induced by drinking up to six cups of licorice tea daily.

Besides elevated blood pressure, excessive licorice consumption can cause other symptoms related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including swelling (edema), headache, lethargy, muscle weakness, and irregular heart rhythm due to low potassium levels.