Why Does Eating Too Much Licorice Make You Go Crazy? The Real Science Behind Licorice Madness
Eat enough black licorice and you won’t just regret the taste—you could start hallucinating pet unicorns while your heart does the samba!
💡 Quick Summary:
- Real black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a chemical that can scramble your hormones and brain.
- Eating too much can lead to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, and even delirium or hallucinations.
- The FDA warns that just 2 ounces (about 56g) daily for two weeks can be dangerous.
- Americans are mostly safe (red licorice is usually fake), but Europeans risk it all for authentic flavor.
- Licorice's notorious effects have inspired legends, actual ER visits, and countless snack-time debates.
The Secret Ingredient: Glycyrrhizin—No, It’s Not a Harry Potter Spell
Let’s rip off the candy wrapper right away: the culprit in black licorice is glycyrrhizin. Say it three times fast and a medieval apothecary appears. This tongue-twister chemical is found in the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and is what gives real black licorice its distinctive “Whoa, is this candy or witchcraft?” flavor.
But glycyrrhizin doesn’t just make you pucker up with nostalgia or questionable taste—it's also an actual chemical that can seriously mess with your head, your heart, and every dinner guest’s trust in your candy bowl choices.
Some people love black licorice. Others claim it’s just evil toothpaste pretending to be a snack. But no matter which camp you belong to, here’s a shocking fact: Die-hard licorice enthusiasts have literally been admitted to the hospital—sometimes even gone semi-mad—after overindulging.
Don’t believe it? Let’s unspool the sticky, tar-black tale of the world’s most suspicious ‘treat.’
Ancient Roots: Licorice's Jekyll-and-Hyde Legacy
Black licorice has been around since pharaohs were still auditioning for their famous pyramids. Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese healers chewed the root as medicine. That’s right: what you feed your inner child today was once a mystical medicine, a cure for everything from sore throats to, allegedly, being sad about your chariot insurance.
Licorice root was also used for flavoring foul-tasting potions, soothing coughs, and sometimes, based on the results, suspected of causing sudden, inexplicable insanity—ancient medical literature for ‘We have no idea what just happened.’
Fast forward to modern times, when black licorice candies hop onto supermarket shelves, disguised as innocent treats but still smuggling that infamous glycyrrhizin.
So, What Happens If You Binge on Licorice Like It’s Netflix For Your Face?
According to the US FDA, eating just 2 ounces (about 56 grams) of black licorice a day for two weeks could land you in a hospital. Not with an upset stomach or that existential sadness from watching your favorite show get cancelled—but with real, medical, “please lie down and stop being dramatic” symptoms.
- High blood pressure that could power a rocket launch.
- Dangerously low potassium—so say goodbye to your chances of winning ‘Dancing With the Stars.’
- Heart arrhythmias with a beat even DJs can’t remix.
- Mental confusion, agitation, or delirium. Yes, grandma, the licorice is staring at you.
All because glycyrrhizin messes with hormones that help you regulate salt and water in your body. It acts like a hormonal puppetmaster, making your kidneys lose potassium (bad news), causing fluid retention (so stylish!), and raising blood pressure (great for feeling like a geyser).
But Can It Really Make You Lose Your Marbles?
Yes. And not just the “I did something weird at karaoke” kind of crazy. There are case studies—actual literature—where folks who ate copious amounts of licorice started hallucinating, behaving abnormally, or ended up in dazed, delirious confusion.
Example: One oft-cited case involves a licorice-loving man in Massachusetts whose Halloween binge led to a sudden and fatal heart rhythm collapse. Another famous case saw a woman admitted after “seeing things that weren’t there,” only for doctors to discover her potassium had plummeted thanks to—you guessed it—her undisclosed licorice habit.
Imagine explaining that medical bill.
How Much Licorice Is Dangerous? (A Candy Math Horror Story)
Surprisingly, it doesn’t take a truckload. The FDA warns even 2 ounces per day for 14 days is enough to cast you in the next season of ER. But there's a catch:
- Licorice root (the real deal) candy or supplement is the riskiest.
- Most American ‘licorice’ is flavored with anise, not real licorice root—so cheap red ropes and spiraled imposters usually don’t count.
- European black licorice often uses real root extract. Fancy gourmet taste, potential side effects, the full experience.
If you’re buying licorice tea, European candies, or edgy ‘all-natural’ health snacks and eating them with the abandon of a kid at a sleepover, you’ve got more in common with historical mad alchemists than you ever knew.
Why Would Anyone Risk It? Is Licorice Worth the Madness?
You might wonder: why did the ancients adore this stuff enough to risk a bout of madness?
Licorice root does have genuine medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory effects, cough suppression, and a stubborn reputation as a “gut healer.” Ancient athletes chewed it to quench thirst. (They had no Gatorade.) Despite this reasonable logic, they probably didn’t know it could scramble your sense of reality while fixing your cough.
Modern people, however, mostly risk licorice insanity for two reasons: nostalgia, and the irresistible urge to prove to friends that they have iron taste buds. Also: the thrill of eating something that’s basically a legal hallucinogen, but only if you really commit.
If you want to prank your next dinner party, just serve platters of black licorice—then film the aftermath. Magic, minor chaos, and the sudden eerie feeling that the living room ceiling is whispering ‘why?’
Cultural Oddities: Licorice Mania Around the World
The Dutch are obsessed. Finns adore salty licorice, called salmiakki, which takes the madness several steps further by combining black licorice with ammonia salt (salmiak). Italians put it in their digestifs, Turks in their soft drinks, and Brits argue for hours whether Bertie Bassett is indeed the king of sweets or an edible prank.
In some cultures, eating licorice is a rite of passage, a test of adulthood, and a badge of “I survived Scandinavian candy.” In others, it’s what you bring that weird uncle who claims he can taste flavors the universe hasn’t even invented yet.
Pro tip: In Iceland, licorice shows up in chocolate, ice cream, and even potato chips. Clearly, boundaries don’t exist north of the Arctic Circle.
Modern Licorice—Safer or Scarier?
Not all licorice candy is created equal. American red ‘licorice’ is usually free of glycyrrhizin, so you can eat as much as you want (except for your dental plan). But authentic black licorice, and especially candies, lozenges, teas, and herbal remedies imported from Europe or Asia, can pack a glycyrrhizin wallop.
Even health supplements and detox teas sometimes hide dangerous levels. Turn over the box and look for “licorice root extract”—if you see it, set phasers to ‘moderation’ and keep an eye on your potassium levels.
How The Media (and The FDA) Reacted to the Licorice Fiascos
The FDA released multiple spicy warnings. News outlets had a field day, publishing headlines like, “Man Dies After Eating Too Much Candy”—which is admittedly a lot catchier than “Man Dies After Eating Too Many Kale Chips.”
Doctors asked patients about their licorice use, prompting them to reconsider all their past life choices (and also candy budgets). The public, meanwhile, weaponized the story in arguments against trying any new food ever again. “See? This is why I stick with chocolate.”
Could This Actually Happen To You?
Usually, it takes a dedicated licorice habit. The average person is too scared by the taste or daunted by memories of rejected Halloween treats. But certain people—those with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, or anyone on medications that already mess with potassium—can feel the effects with even modest licorice binges.
Translation: If you’re over 40 and just discovered gourmet licorice, consider it a midlife crisis less dangerous than buying a motorcycle…but still best enjoyed sparingly.
Pop Culture: Licorice, Villain or Victim?
Licorice is one of those polarizing treats that divides families, ends friendships, and makes strangers on the internet shout in all caps. It's the candy world's equivalent of pineapple on pizza, or cilantro. Its sinister reputation is exaggerated—but the science is very real.
From Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans to licorice ropes in classic movie theaters, licorice survives as the quirky, uncompromising outsider in a world of blandly agreeable sweets. Some claim it’s the food of wise alchemists; others, that it’s proof nature occasionally enjoys a sick joke.
What If Licorice Never Existed? (Alternate Snackverse)
Just imagine: a world without licorice. Would pharaohs have had longer, less deliriously confusing reigns? Would European snack aisles be duller? Would kids’ Halloween buckets be free of the inevitable “candy nobody trades”? Perhaps, lacking licorice, cultures everywhere would have found other strange roots to distill into snacks and test humanity’s palates—and potassium levels.
Instead, licorice stands as proof that nature makes its wildest flavors through chemistry, chaos, and absolutely no concern for what your taste buds expect.
“Am I Safe?” and Other Famous Licorice Questions
If you’re just nibbling the odd piece at the movies, you’re fine. If you’re entering daily licorice-eating contests or mainlining licorice tea, maybe reconsider—or at least take bets on what you’ll hallucinate first (my money’s on singing hedgehogs).
(But in all seriousness: if you feel dizzy, confused, or like you’ve just time-traveled after a licorice binge, please consult a doctor ASAP.)
Licorice and Evolutionary Wonder
Why did the licorice plant end up full of a chemical that rewires your electrical system if you’re not careful? Evolution, of course! It’s the plant’s natural defense—eat just enough, you feel great; eat too much, you’re suddenly unfit to escape the next saber-toothed tiger, or you forget why you walked into a room. Genius move, nature.
Licorice reminds us that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a testament to history, chemistry, weirdness, and the endless, sometimes risky curiosity of hungry, thrill-seeking humans everywhere.
Comparison: Licorice vs. Other ‘Possibly Dangerous’ Everyday Snacks
Licorice isn’t the only food with a secret personality disorder. Nutmeg can make you hallucinate, too. Fugu (pufferfish) can kill you if not prepared right. Cassava, improperly cooked, contains cyanide. Even something as wholesome as apple seeds can send you to the ER. What’s the lesson?
- Treat your snacks with respect.
- Always read your ingredients.
- Never eat anything that tastes suspiciously like cleaning supplies in large quantities.
Case Study: The 'Marathon Snacker' That Shocked the Doctors
Here’s a real case. A man, desperate for a candy fix during his workdays, swapped his daily chocolate for black licorice. Over three weeks, he started feeling fatigued, lost track of time, and wound up in the ER. His potassium was so low the staff thought the machine was broken. After two days off licorice and a potassium IV, he was back to normal. Everyone (except maybe the licorice industry) was relieved.
Cultural Myths and Bizarre Licorice Legends
- In Scandinavian folklore, eating too much licorice was said to “summon wild dreams or lose one’s memory.”
- Some herbalists prescribed licorice for ‘hysteria’—only to worsen the symptoms (awkward).
- Greek athletes believed licorice would make them invincible—until it made them very sleepy and confused.
Epic Scientific Studies: Who Even Thought To Test This?
Scientists, being the fun party guests that they are, have run dozens of studies feeding licorice extract to animals and humans. The findings? Yes, it raises blood pressure, depletes potassium, and can alter mood, confusion, and memory. A few studies suggest glycyrrhizin in moderation may help with ulcers and inflammation—so, as with all epic stories, balance is key.
Tying It All Together: Licorice—Proof That Snack Time Is Never Boring
In the end, licorice is the snack world's best cautionary tale. Enjoy it for its chewy history, wild pharmacology, and ability to turn your next medical exam into a riddle. Above all, let it remind us: Nature’s candy can be as strange, complicated, and occasionally dangerous as anything humans could invent—and that’s what makes food the best adventure of all.
Next time you pop a piece of black licorice, pause and thank evolution for keeping snack time so interesting. Trust your taste buds, but trust your potassium levels even more!
People Asked. We Laughed. Then Answered
What exactly is glycyrrhizin, and why is it in licorice?
Glycyrrhizin is a sweet, naturally occurring compound found in the root of the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. Scientifically speaking, it is a saponin glycoside responsible for licorice root’s distinct, polarizing flavor—sort of a blend between herbal cough syrup and the sweet shadow realm. Plants develop these compounds as a defense mechanism against insects and hungry ancient Greeks. Humans, adventurous as ever, found a way to turn this plant’s quirky taste into both medicine and candy. Glycyrrhizin sweetens licorice up to 30-50 times more than table sugar, but it’s also the bitter villain behind black licorice’s side effects: it inhibits the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (yes, that’s a real thing), which messes with cortisol and your kidneys’ ability to regulate sodium and potassium. The result? Fluid retention, high blood pressure, chemical imbalance, and—should you really overdo things—confusion, heart problems, and the sudden urge to phone a friend with medical training.
Are all licorice candies dangerous, or just black licorice?
Great question! Not all licorice candies pose a health threat. Most American ‘licorice,’ especially the popular red versions, contain little or no actual licorice root—they’re usually flavored with compounds like anise oil, which mimics licorice’s flavor without the risky side effects. The candies you want to watch for are traditional black licorice (especially from Europe, Australia, or made by smaller artisanal producers), as well as licorice root teas, herbal remedies, and supplements. When buying candies, check the ingredients list for 'licorice extract,' 'licorice root,' or 'glycyrrhizin.' If those terms are nowhere in sight, you’re likely safe to binge-watch movies with them. In contrast, if you frequent old-world sweet shops or are a fan of herbal teas, moderation is key—especially if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or are taking medications that affect potassium. Remember, licorice is an equal-opportunity troublemaker: it doesn’t really care if you’re eating candy or sipping tea.
How quickly can licorice affect your health if you overindulge?
The speed at which licorice can work its quirky, potassium-thieving magic depends on a few factors: your body chemistry, the amount of actual licorice (not just licorice flavor), and how long you keep up your licorice habit. Clinical cases and FDA warnings focus on around 56 grams (2 ounces) of black licorice daily for about two weeks—after which blood pressure can skyrocket, potassium can fall, and you’re one step closer to starring in your own ER episode. That said, people with underlying health conditions or those on certain medications may feel the effects even sooner. Symptoms can sneak up slowly (fatigue, bloating), then leap at you with a surprise twist (confusion, arrhythmia). So if you're suddenly feeling off after a prolonged licorice phase, don’t just blame Monday—blame glycyrrhizin.
Can you reverse the effects of licorice toxicity?
Happily, yes—provided you act fast and don’t try to tough it out like a snack-time superhero. The primary treatment is to immediately stop consuming licorice (root, candy, tea, all forms), then correct any potassium or electrolyte imbalances (usually via supplements or IV, under medical supervision). Most people recover fully once licorice exposure ends and the body’s chemistry balances again, with symptoms resolving over several days. Some severe cases may require hospital admission, especially for those who experience heart arrhythmias or neurological symptoms. The silver lining? Once your potassium and blood pressure return to normal, you can safely regale friends with your tale of the day you almost lost your marbles to a root. Just, you know, keep the serving sizes sane going forward.
Why do some people love black licorice while others find it disgusting?
It’s one of the candy world’s greatest mysteries: why does black licorice spark joy in some, and existential dread in others? The answer lies in genetics, culture, and psychology. Some people are genetically more sensitive to the complex ‘anethole’ and glycyrrhizin compounds in licorice root, which register as pleasingly sweet and slightly medicinal—or, for the less fortunate, as bitter and toothpaste-adjacent. In countries like the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden, licorice is practically a rite of passage (sometimes salty, sometimes even spicy), woven into snacks and celebrations. In the US, however, black licorice is often remembered as Halloween penance—the thing left in the bucket when all the real candy’s gone. It doesn’t help that cultural memes, memes, and pop culture reinforce the divide: for every self-proclaimed licorice connoisseur extolling its virtues, there’s an equal number listing it as proof the universe sometimes makes mistakes.
Mind Tricks You Fell For (Yes, You)
One of the most persistent myths about licorice is that it's just another quirky candy with a polarizing taste, and that any dangers are wildly exaggerated, designed to scare children or sell some other form of candy. Many believe licorice’s odd flavor is its only risk—that, as long as you can stomach the taste, you’re set for snack-time immortality. The reality is far stranger, and much riskier: real black licorice, especially when imported from Europe or purchased as herbal teas and supplements, can seriously impact your health when eaten in excess. The root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that directly messes with your body’s ability to regulate potassium, tilting the critical balance that keeps your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and brain chemistry working properly. This isn’t a theoretical risk: hospitals have documented real cases of licorice lovers losing their grip on reality, developing confusion, muscle weakness, delirium, and in some deadly-rare situations, experiencing fatal arrhythmias. While the average licorice drop here and there is harmless for most people (and American red licorice usually contains no licorice root at all), binge-eating real black licorice—or drinking potent licorice teas or supplements—can result in medical emergencies. The real myth isn’t that licorice will make you crazy for trying it. It’s that it’s just ‘weird candy’. In reality, it’s both a quirky treat and a powerful natural chemical that commands your respect (and probably a warning label).
Side Quests in Science
- Nutmeg, another innocent-looking kitchen spice, can cause hallucinations and fever if consumed in large amounts (please don’t test this).
- The world’s most expensive coffee is partially digested and pooped out by civet cats, proving the food world is just magical mayhem.
- In Finland, the love of licorice (salmiakki) is so intense, it's found in vodka, ice cream, and even toothpaste.
- The taste for black licorice divides nations—while the Dutch consume over 4 pounds per capita per year, most Americans wrinkle their noses at the merest whiff.
- Some ancient healers used licorice root as an antidote to poisoning, meaning you could technically go mad AND try to cure yourself with the same root.