The Efficacy and Effects of Drinking Licorice Root Soaked in Water
Jan 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, the benefits and effects of drinking licorice root tea include strengthening the spleen and replenishing vital energy, clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, alleviating acute pain, and calming the mind to aid sleep. If you plan to consume licorice root tea, you should consult a physician to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Additionally, consumption should be moderated to avoid potential side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Generally speaking, the effects and benefits of drinking licorice root soaked in water include strengthening the spleen and invigorating qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, alleviating spasms and pain, and calming the mind to aid sleep. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Strengthen the spleen and invigorate qi: Licorice enters the spleen and stomach meridians. It has a sweet taste and neutral nature, and functions to enhance spleen qi, helping regulate the function of the spleen and stomach. Drinking licorice water can improve symptoms such as spleen weakness, deficiency of middle jiao qi, fatigue, headache, and diarrhea.
2. Clear heat and detoxify: When used raw, licorice has a slightly cooling property, which helps clear heat and detoxify. Drinking licorice water can be effective in treating conditions such as mouth ulcers, abscesses, sore throat, and external injuries. It also helps relieve symptoms caused by excessive internal heat, including dry mouth, oral inflammation, dizziness, and vertigo.
3. Resolve phlegm and relieve cough: Licorice enters the lung meridian and has the effect of resolving phlegm and relieving cough. Its active components, such as glycyrrhizin and licorice saponins, can stimulate secretion of the respiratory mucosa, promote metabolism of respiratory epithelial cells, and thereby alleviate symptoms such as coughing and excessive phlegm caused by colds or sore throat. It can also be used for throat conditions such as pharyngitis.
4. Alleviate spasms and relieve pain: Licorice can relieve muscle spasms and has analgesic effects. Drinking an appropriate amount of licorice water may help alleviate abdominal distension and pain, limb spasmodic pain, epigastric or abdominal cramping pain caused by spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity, or limb cramping pain due to deficiency of yin and blood.
5. Calm the mind and aid sleep: Licorice also has a certain sedative effect, helping to relieve mental tension and anxiety. It can improve symptoms such as insomnia and frequent dreams. Drinking licorice water in moderation before bedtime helps relax the body and mind and improve sleep quality.
If you intend to drink licorice water, you should consult a doctor to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Also, control the amount consumed to avoid potential side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
