Black Licorice Works as an Anti-Inflammatory, But Comes With Real Trade-Offs

Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that reduces inflammation in your digestive tract and may ease symptoms of acid reflux, ulcers, and general stomach irritation. The herb also has antimicrobial properties and can help soothe a sore throat. These effects are real enough that licorice root extract appears in digestive formulas and throat lozenges across mainstream retailers.

The catch is significant: glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and cause your body to retain sodium while losing potassium, especially with regular use. For most people eating black licorice occasionally, this is not a problem. For anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney issues, or taking certain medications, even small amounts can matter. The FDA has warned consumers about this risk, particularly for people over 40 who consume large quantities.

Black licorice is not a replacement for medical treatment of ulcers, reflux, or other digestive conditions. It works best as a complementary tool—something you use alongside prescribed care, not instead of it.

Key Takeaways

  • Black licorice reduces inflammation in the stomach and throat through glycyrrhizin, a compound that also has antimicrobial effects.
  • Regular consumption can raise blood pressure and shift your sodium-potassium balance, making it risky for people with heart or kidney conditions.
  • A safe starting point is 1 to 2 grams of licorice root extract daily, taken for no more than four to six weeks at a time.
  • Black licorice interacts with blood pressure medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids, so check with your doctor before adding it to your routine.
  • Whole black licorice candy contains much less active compound than extract or tea, making it a weaker option if you want the anti-inflammatory effect.

How Glycyrrhizin Reduces Inflammation in Your Stomach

Glycyrrhizin works by increasing the production of mucus that lines your stomach and intestines, which protects the tissue underneath from acid and irritation. It also appears to slow the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for many ulcers. Studies on licorice extract show it can reduce ulcer symptoms and speed healing when used alongside standard treatment, though it does not work as a standalone cure.

The anti-inflammatory action extends to your throat and mouth. People with sore throats or mouth ulcers often find relief from licorice lozenges or tea, partly because glycyrrhizin reduces swelling and partly because the herb has a soothing, coating texture. This is why licorice appears in traditional throat remedies across many cultures.

The effect is dose-dependent: higher concentrations of glycyrrhizin produce stronger anti-inflammatory results, but also increase the risk of side effects. This is why extract and tea are more potent than eating black licorice candy, which contains only small amounts of the active compound.

Who Should Avoid Black Licorice Entirely

If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, black licorice is not safe for you without explicit approval from your doctor. Glycyrrhizin causes your kidneys to hold onto sodium and excrete potassium, which raises blood pressure and can strain your heart. For people whose conditions already affect blood pressure or electrolyte balance, even a small amount can tip things in the wrong direction.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid licorice root extract and concentrated forms. Some research suggests high doses may increase miscarriage risk, though the evidence is not conclusive. Whole black licorice candy in small amounts is generally considered safer during pregnancy, but checking with your doctor first is the right call.

If you take any of these medications, licorice can interfere: blood pressure drugs, diuretics (water pills), corticosteroids like prednisone, digoxin for heart rhythm, or medications that depend on potassium balance. The interaction happens because licorice amplifies how these drugs work or changes how your body handles electrolytes.

How to Use Black Licorice Root Extract and Tea

The most common form for anti-inflammatory benefit is licorice root extract, sold as a powder, capsule, or liquid tincture. A standard dose is 1 to 2 grams of dried root per day, usually divided into smaller amounts taken two or three times. If you are using a commercial extract, follow the label—potency varies by brand and preparation method.

Licorice tea is another option: steep 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in 8 ounces of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and drink once or twice daily. The tea tastes sweet and slightly spicy, and many people find it soothing for a sore throat or upset stomach. You can also blend licorice root into herbal tea mixes with ginger, chamomile, or slippery elm for added digestive support.

Do not use licorice extract or tea for longer than four to six weeks without a break. Extended use increases the risk of side effects, even in people without existing health conditions. After a break of a few weeks, you can resume if needed. This on-and-off pattern reduces your total exposure to glycyrrhizin while still giving you the anti-inflammatory benefit when you need it most.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) as a Safer Alternative

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is licorice root with most of the glycyrrhizin removed. This makes it much safer for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, since the compound responsible for raising blood pressure is no longer present in significant amounts. DGL still retains other compounds that soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation, though the effect is milder than whole licorice root.

DGL comes as a chewable tablet or powder that you mix into water. The standard dose is 380 to 760 milligrams taken two or three times daily, usually 15 to 30 minutes before meals. Many people find it works best for acid reflux and ulcer symptoms when taken before eating, since it coats and protects the stomach lining before food enters.

If you have high blood pressure, kidney issues, or take medications that interact with licorice, DGL is the form to choose. It gives you the anti-inflammatory benefit without the electrolyte risks. The trade-off is that it is less potent than whole licorice root, so you may need to use it longer or in higher doses to feel the same effect.

Black Licorice Candy Versus Extract: What You Actually Get

Whole black licorice candy—the kind you buy at a candy store or grocery store—contains very little glycyrrhizin compared to extract or tea. A typical serving of black licorice candy has only 0.1 to 0.5 grams of licorice root, whereas a therapeutic dose of extract is 1 to 2 grams. This means eating black licorice candy for its anti-inflammatory effect is largely ineffective; you would need to eat an unrealistic amount to get a meaningful dose.

However, eating small amounts of black licorice candy occasionally is generally safe for most people, since the glycyrrhizin content is so low. The FDA warning about black licorice applies mainly to people who eat large quantities regularly—typically more than 2 ounces per day for several weeks. If you enjoy black licorice as a treat, occasional consumption is not a concern for most adults.

If you want the anti-inflammatory benefit, use extract, tea, or DGL instead. These forms deliver enough glycyrrhizin to actually reduce inflammation, whereas candy is more about taste than therapeutic effect.

What to Watch For: Side Effects and Warning Signs

The most common side effect of licorice root extract is a rise in blood pressure, which you may not notice without checking. Other early signs include headache, fatigue, or mild swelling in your hands or feet—all signs that your body is retaining sodium. If you experience any of these, stop using licorice and contact your doctor.

Severe side effects are rare but possible: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or significant swelling. These indicate serious electrolyte imbalance and require when ready medical attention. They are more likely if you have existing heart or kidney disease, or if you use licorice for longer than recommended.

Before starting licorice extract or tea, tell your doctor what you are planning, especially if you have any chronic health condition or take regular medications. A straightforward conversation can prevent problems and help you decide whether licorice is right for you or whether DGL is the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use black licorice if I take blood pressure medication?

No, not without your doctor's approval. Licorice can interfere with how blood pressure medications work and may cause your blood pressure to rise despite the medication. DGL is a safer option if you want an anti-inflammatory herb, since it does not contain the compound that raises blood pressure.

How long does it take to feel the effects of licorice root?

Most people notice improvement in stomach symptoms or sore throat within a few days to a week of regular use. The anti-inflammatory effect builds gradually, so you may feel better each day as you continue. If you do not notice any improvement after two weeks, licorice may not be the right tool for your situation.

Is black licorice safe for children?

Licorice extract is not recommended for children without medical supervision. Black licorice candy in small amounts is generally safe, but the glycyrrhizin content is so low that it offers no real benefit. If your child has a sore throat or stomach upset, other remedies like honey or ginger are safer choices.

Can I combine licorice with other digestive herbs?

Yes, licorice blends well with ginger, slippery elm, and chamomile for stomach support. However, avoid combining it with other herbs that raise blood pressure, like ginseng or licorice-containing formulas. Check the full ingredient list of any blend before using it, especially if you have high blood pressure.

What is the difference between licorice root and anise?

Anise and licorice taste similar but are completely different plants with different effects. Anise does not contain glycyrrhizin and does not raise blood pressure, making it safer for people with heart conditions. However, anise has weaker anti-inflammatory properties than licorice root.