Does Licorice Lower Potassium?
Yes. Regular, heavy licorice can lower potassium and raise blood pressure, so it is worth stopping if potassium runs low.[1]
Based on Omar et al., Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2012 · Updated October 10, 2026
Heavy licorice lowers potassium and raises blood pressure[1]
Licorice's active metabolite blocks the enzyme that keeps cortisol from acting like aldosterone in the kidney, so sodium rises and potassium falls.
Regular licorice (as candy, tea or extract) is worth stopping if potassium runs low or blood pressure is a concern.
Source [1]Omar HR, et al. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2012. (PubMed)
Log your supplements and meals, and Aurelo flags pairings like this one in your own stack, with the days they happened.
Get started freeRelated
- How Does Potassium Balance Sodium?Potassium may help counter sodium’s effect on blood pressure, so potassium-rich foods are worth having alongside eating less salt.
- Do Magnesium and Potassium Work Together?Yes. Magnesium helps move potassium across cell membranes, and severe magnesium deficiency can cause low potassium.
Sources
- Omar HR, et al. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2012. PubMed
This page is general information from the cited sources, not medical advice. If you take prescription medication, are pregnant, or manage a health condition, check supplement changes with a pharmacist or doctor.
Aurelo