Licorice and Blood Pressure: Can a Licorice Drink Raise It? 6 Facts Before Ramadan
Licorice and Blood Pressure: Why It Matters in Egypt
Erk sous, the chilled licorice root drink, is one of the most loved Ramadan drinks in Egypt, and many people have it every day at iftar. Yet the link between licorice and blood pressure is real and well documented, and it comes down to one compound in the root: glycyrrhizin. Here are 6 facts to help you enjoy it safely.
1. How Glycyrrhizin Raises Blood Pressure
Glycyrrhizin blocks a kidney enzyme that normally switches cortisol into an inactive form. Cortisol then stays active and acts like aldosterone, so the kidneys keep sodium and water and lose potassium. This condition is called pseudo-hyperaldosteronism.
That mechanism explains the whole story of licorice and blood pressure: extra salt and water increase blood volume, so pressure rises, while low potassium weakens muscles and disturbs the heart’s electrical rhythm. The effect can even appear in people who never had hypertension, which is why doctors sometimes ask about licorice drinks and candy when they find a sudden rise in blood pressure or unexplained low potassium.
2. Signs of a Licorice and Blood Pressure Problem
- New high blood pressure, or pressure that is suddenly hard to control.
- Low potassium, with muscle weakness or cramps.
- Swollen ankles and fluid retention.
- Irregular heartbeat in severe cases.
Licorice and blood pressure problems usually appear after regular, heavy intake for weeks, whether from the drink, black licorice candy or supplements that still contain glycyrrhizin.
3. Who Should Avoid Regular Licorice?
- People with high blood pressure or heart failure.
- People with kidney disease or low potassium.
- Anyone taking diuretics, digoxin or steroids.
- Pregnant women, as heavy licorice intake has been linked with pregnancy risks.
These groups should ask their doctor before drinking erk sous regularly, even during Ramadan. The licorice and blood pressure interaction is more dangerous with diuretics, which already lower potassium, and with digoxin, which becomes more toxic when potassium is low.
Remember too that the drink is not the only source. Black licorice candy, some herbal teas and supplements made with whole licorice root all contain glycyrrhizin, and combining them adds up. Understanding licorice and blood pressure does not mean banning the drink for everyone; it means knowing who is at higher risk and keeping amounts moderate.
4. Is One Glass Dangerous?
An occasional small glass is unlikely to cause trouble for most healthy adults. But glycyrrhizin content varies widely between a strong homemade drink and a diluted one, so there is no single safe amount for everyone when it comes to licorice and blood pressure. Moderation is wise, and people in the groups above should avoid drinking it daily for the whole month. Check your blood pressure if you notice headaches, swelling or palpitations.
5. DGL Licorice: Why It Is Different
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice contains less than 1% glycyrrhizin, so it avoids most licorice and blood pressure concerns, as well as the drop in potassium. That is why stomach supplements use it instead of whole root. Learn more in DGL licorice and, for its digestive use, DGL for heartburn.
| Product | Glycyrrhizin | Effect on blood pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Erk sous drink and licorice candy | Fully present | Can raise it with heavy use |
| DGL chewables | Below 1% | No meaningful effect expected |
No Style Like pharmacy stocks Nature’s Way DGL Licorice and Nature’s Way DGL Licorice Sugar-Free. Every 3 chewables provide 75 mg GutGard and 150 mg glycine, and adults chew 3 after food in the morning and 3 after food in the evening. People with heart or kidney disease and pregnant women should still check with a doctor first.
6. Tips for People With High Blood Pressure in Ramadan
These practical steps reduce licorice and blood pressure problems during the holy month:
- Choose water and unsweetened drinks at iftar.
- Cut down on salt and pickles, which also raise blood pressure.
- Do not skip blood pressure medicines; plan the timing with your doctor.
- Measure your blood pressure regularly if you drink erk sous.
If heartburn after iftar is a problem, the Gaviscon uses article explains a common quick option.
Licorice and Blood Pressure FAQ
Does licorice raise blood pressure in everyone?
No. The effect depends on the amount, how long you take it and personal sensitivity, but it is stronger in people with hypertension and in older adults.
Does blood pressure return to normal after stopping?
It usually improves within a few weeks of stopping, but severe cases need a medical check and a potassium blood test.
Is DGL suitable for someone with high blood pressure?
It is not expected to raise blood pressure, but ask your doctor first.
Conclusion
The connection between licorice and blood pressure comes from glycyrrhizin, which makes the body hold sodium and lose potassium. Everyone should enjoy erk sous in moderation, and people with hypertension, heart or kidney disease and pregnant women should be especially careful. DGL licorice has most of the glycyrrhizin removed, so it is not expected to affect blood pressure in the same way.
This article was reviewed by the No Style Like pharmacy content team. It is for general awareness only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Seek medical care promptly for severe muscle weakness, palpitations or swelling. For more information see the NCCIH licorice root page.