Licorice root is added to some naturally sweet herbal blends. Its familiar flavour can make the ingredient seem harmless, but it deserves one of the clearest safety labels in an herbal tea library.
Traditional practice and popular belief are reported as cultural context, not clinical proof. Studies of capsules, oils or concentrated extracts do not establish identical effects from a brewed drink. Sources below are available to check; this page has not undergone independent clinical peer review.
What makes licorice different
Licorice root comes from Glycyrrhiza species. A natural component, glycyrrhizin, may disturb fluid and electrolyte balance. Unlike ordinary food flavour, substantial or repeated consumption can have clinically important consequences.
A blended tea can contain licorice even when the front of the packet says “soothing”, “throat comfort” or “wellness”. Read the ingredient list and do not assume a small-looking serving means unrestricted use is safe.
Blood pressure and potassium
NCCIH warns that glycyrrhizin can produce serious adverse effects, including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest in extreme circumstances. Even relatively small amounts may cause problems for people with hypertension or heart and kidney conditions.
This is an example of why “plant-based” is not a synonym for low risk. If you manage high blood pressure or have heart/kidney disease, licorice root is not a casual everyday tea recommendation.
Medications and other vulnerabilities
Licorice may interact with corticosteroids and other medicines. People with conditions affecting potassium, blood pressure or fluid regulation should seek medical advice before consuming it regularly.
If a tea seller does not disclose botanical components, that is a reason to choose a more transparent product.
Pregnancy
The NHS advises avoiding herbal teas containing licorice root in pregnancy. High intakes of licorice extracts have also raised concerns in research. The safest choice is not to experiment with a “hormone-balancing” or “pregnancy detox” licorice blend.
Pregnancy needs individual clinical guidance, especially if someone is using herbs for symptoms.
Licorice flavour alternatives
If you want a naturally rounded or sweet-smelling cup, explore rooibos or naturally fragrant botanicals without licorice root. Remember that pleasant fragrance is not the same thing as blood-glucose impact, and any sweeteners added to a drink still count.
Anise and fennel have licorice-like flavours but are different plants with their own safety considerations. Alternatives still require label checks.
The bottom line
Licorice tea is a poor choice for routine, unrestricted “healthy drinking” advice. OngTeh lists it in the tea atlas for identification and risk awareness, not as a recommendation for treating a condition.
Questions readers ask
Is licorice root the same as anise?
No. The flavours may resemble each other but they come from different plants.
Can licorice tea raise blood pressure?
Yes, glycyrrhizin-containing licorice can cause clinically important effects.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
NHS advice is to avoid licorice-root herbal tea during pregnancy.
Sources and further reading
Public-health references supporting the major claims. OngTeh has paraphrased these sources and identified form/dose limitations.