[Pseudohyperaldosteronism with severe hypokalaemia and focal paresis triggered by licorice tea]

An excessive consumption of licorice can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism, which can lead to severe hypokalaemia and hypertension. Glycyrrhizin in licorice root activates the renal mineralocorticoid receptor increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. In this case report, an otherwise healthy 43-year-old woman presented with severe hypokalaemia, rhabdomyolysis, electrocardiogram changes and focal paresis after having consumed 2-2,5 litres of licorice tea daily for approximately eight weeks.