MODERATE — Monitor Closely
🟡 CAUTION — Licorice root causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium retention, potassium wasting, blood pressure elevation) that directly opposes Propranolol. Avoid licorice root if taking antihypertensive medications, or use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which lacks this effect.
Evidence level: STRONG
Licorice root triggers pseudoaldosteronism — your body retains sodium and loses potassium as if aldosterone levels were too high. Propranolol reduces blood pressure by blocking beta receptors throughout your body, but this mechanism cannot prevent the fluid retention and electrolyte shifts that licorice causes.
Glycyrrhizin in licorice root inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, causing cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors (pseudoaldosteronism). This causes sodium retention, potassium wasting, and blood pressure elevation — directly opposing the antihypertensive action of Propranolol.
Do not take licorice root with Propranolol. As a non-selective beta blocker, Propranolol is often used for anxiety, migraines, and tremor in addition to blood pressure. Even if you take it for a non-cardiac reason, licorice-induced hypokalemia (low potassium) can cause palpitations and arrhythmias. Propranolol may mask the rapid heartbeat that would normally alert you to dangerously low potassium. Choose DGL licorice instead.
Take Propranolol at the same time daily. Food generally doesn't significantly affect beta-blocker absorption. Licorice Root — potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges) are generally fine with beta-blockers (unlike ACE inhibitors). Avoid excessive caffeine intake, which can counteract blood pressure benefits.
Higher risk for: those with asthma or COPD, bradycardia, diabetes (may mask hypoglycemia symptoms), elderly, concurrent calcium channel blocker use, or peripheral vascular disease.
Rising blood pressure despite medication, headache, swelling in legs/ankles, muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat (from low potassium).
No urgent need to discuss, but always keep your doctor informed of your full supplement and medication list. An up-to-date list helps them make the best treatment decisions.
Beta blocker interactions can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor: alternative blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) may have fewer interactions. Monitor heart rate and report any dizziness or fatigue.
Licorice root triggers pseudoaldosteronism — your body retains sodium and loses potassium as if aldosterone levels were too high. Propranolol reduces blood pressure by blocking beta receptors throughout your body, but this mechanism cannot prevent the fluid retention and electrolyte shifts that licorice causes.
Take Propranolol at the same time daily. Food generally doesn't significantly affect beta-blocker absorption. Licorice Root — potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges) are generally fine with beta-blockers (unlike ACE inhibitors). Avoid excessive caffeine intake, which can counteract blood pressure benefits.
Rising blood pressure despite medication, headache, swelling in legs/ankles, muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat (from low potassium).
Beta blocker interactions can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor: alternative blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) may have fewer interactions. Monitor heart rate and report any dizziness or fatigue.
No urgent need to discuss, but always keep your doctor informed of your full supplement and medication list. An up-to-date list helps them make the best treatment decisions.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).