Licorice root (high-dose/chronic)

Tier 4 — risky / avoid · Hypertension · Hypokalaemia · Adrenal disruption

Whole licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which blocks the enzyme that inactivates cortisol. Cortisol then acts like aldosterone: sodium retention, potassium loss, high blood pressure, and heart-rhythm risk. Chronic intakes above about 50 mg glycyrrhizin a day (roughly a few grams of root, and sometimes less in sensitive people or in candy) cause this pseudoaldosteronism. Hospital admissions and deaths from low potassium are documented. The European Union requires a warning at high glycyrrhizin intakes. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has the glycyrrhizin removed and is the form used…

Dose: Do not take chronic whole licorice root. DGL, with glycyrrhizin removed, is the stomach form, typically before meals, and is a different product.