Can pregnant women drink licorice root tea?

Generally speaking, pregnant women can drink licorice tea, but should do so in moderation and under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Licorice can help relieve discomfort symptoms such as sore throat, excessive phlegm, and coughing, making it suitable for pregnant women to consume when experiencing heatiness or throat discomfort. For cough symptoms caused by colds or other factors in pregnant women, drinking licorice tea can provide some relief. Licorice can also improve symptoms such as poor appetite and spleen deficiency in pregnant women.

Pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of licorice tea because, besides its cough-suppressing and phlegm-resolving effects, licorice also has certain labor-inducing properties. Consuming large amounts may increase the risk of premature birth and cause irregular uterine contractions. Before drinking licorice tea, pregnant women should consult their doctor first to ensure medication safety. If a pregnant woman's constitution is naturally cold, it is not advisable to consume large amounts of licorice, as it may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Long-term consumption of licorice tea may have adverse effects on both the pregnant woman and the fetus, such as affecting blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte balance. Pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy, consume more high-quality protein foods, and avoid excessively spicy, stimulating, or greasy foods. Regular prenatal checkups should be conducted to monitor the health status of both mother and fetus, and any discomfort should be promptly discussed with a healthcare provider.