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The Benefits of Drinking Licorice Root Tea

Jan 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Glycyrrhiza (licorice) enters the spleen and stomach meridians and has functions of strengthening the spleen and replenishing vital energy. For symptoms caused by spleen and stomach weakness and insufficient middle jiao qi, such as fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stool, appropriate consumption as a tea can enhance the spleen and stomach's transformation and transportation functions, promote the generation of qi and blood, and help improve the body's overall condition. Licorice also has effective heat-clearing and detoxifying properties and can be used to treat conditions such as heat-toxin sores, ulcers, sore throat, and swelling.

Licorice is a traditional herb commonly used both medicinally and as food. Drinking licorice-infused water generally offers various health benefits, including strengthening the spleen and replenishing vital energy (Qi), clearing heat and detoxifying the body, relieving spasms and pain, resolving phlegm and alleviating cough, as well as improving skin appearance and beauty.

1. Strengthening the Spleen and Replenishing Qi

Licorice enters the spleen and stomach meridians and has the function of strengthening the spleen and enhancing Qi. For symptoms caused by spleen and stomach weakness and Qi deficiency, such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools, drinking appropriate amounts of licorice-infused water can enhance the spleen's function of transformation and transportation, promote the generation of Qi and blood, and help improve overall physical condition.

2. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Licorice has effective heat-clearing and detoxifying properties and can help treat heat toxicity-related conditions such as sores, ulcers, sore throat, and swelling. It can both clear heat toxins and alleviate symptoms of swelling and pain. Using licorice water externally for washing or consuming it internally can help reduce inflammatory responses, promote healing of ulcers, and relieve redness and pain in the throat.

3. Relieving Spasms and Pain

Licorice has the effect of relieving spasms and alleviating pain. It is particularly effective in relieving epigastric or abdominal cramping pain caused by deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, as well as spasmodic pain in the limbs. It can relax muscle spasms, reduce pain symptoms, and achieve analgesic effects by regulating physiological functions of the body.

4. Resolving Phlegm and Alleviating Cough

Licorice can promote secretion of mucus in the throat and bronchial mucosa, thinning phlegm and making it easier to expel, thereby exerting expectorant and cough-relieving effects. Drinking licorice-infused water to a certain extent can alleviate symptoms of cough and phlegm production, helping relieve discomfort and improve respiratory health.

5. Improving Skin Appearance and Beauty

Antioxidant components in licorice can remove free radicals, slowing down the skin aging process and offering certain benefits for skin beauty. Long-term consumption of licorice water can make the skin smoother and finer, reducing the formation of pigmentation spots and wrinkles.

It is recommended to drink licorice water in appropriate amounts according to individual conditions, avoiding excessive or prolonged intake. A light diet should be maintained in daily life, avoiding spicy and irritating foods such as garlic, spicy hot pot, and mustard.

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