Can licorice be steeped in water for drinking?

Apr 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, licorice can be steeped in water for consumption. Licorice has a slightly cold and cool nature and possesses functions of clearing heat and detoxifying. Drinking licorice water can help alleviate symptoms such as dryness, sore throat, and pharyngitis caused by excessive internal heat. During hot summer weather, drinking an appropriate amount of licorice water can also help prevent heat-related discomfort. However, the amount consumed should be adjusted according to individual physical conditions, and consultation with a physician is recommended when necessary.

Generally, licorice can be consumed as a tea, but the appropriate amount may vary depending on individual health conditions, and consulting a doctor when necessary is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Licorice has a relatively cool nature and possesses functions of clearing heat and detoxifying. Drinking licorice tea may help alleviate symptoms such as dryness and sore throat caused by excessive internal heat or pharyngitis. During hot summer days, moderate consumption of licorice tea can help prevent heatiness. Additionally, licorice can strengthen the spleen and stomach and relieve spasms and pain, thereby regulating gastrointestinal function. Drinking licorice tea may help relieve symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by a weak spleen and stomach.

However, licorice contains glycyrrhizinic acid, and long-term or excessive consumption may lead to sodium retention and potassium loss in the body, potentially causing edema and hypertension. Individuals with conditions such as hypertension, kidney insufficiency, heart failure, or those taking medications that may interact with licorice, should avoid drinking licorice tea. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming licorice tea to ensure safety.

In daily life, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns and balanced nutrition, is recommended to support overall health.

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Licorice tablets, also known as Compound Licorice Tablets, are generally suitable for dry cough caused by the common cold, irritative dry cough resulting from bronchitis, paroxysmal dry cough due to pharyngitis, initial stages of allergic cough with dry symptoms, and environmentally induced dry cough. During the later stages of a cold, when respiratory inflammation subsides and mucus production decreases but persistent dry cough remains, Compound Licorice Tablets can help alleviate symptoms by suppressing the cough center.

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Can I drink licorice root tea during pregnancy?

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What medications are incompatible with Hei Shun Pian?

There are certain contraindications in the combination of Heishunpian (Black顺片). Generally, it should not be used together with licorice root (Gancao), seaweed (Hai'ao), Euphorbia (Daji), Genkwa flower (Yuanhua), or Kansui root (Gansui). Heishunpian has a warm and hot nature and functions to supplement fire and support yang energy. Licorice root, on the other hand, has a neutral nature and is effective in harmonizing various herbs and relieving spasms and pain. Due to their opposing properties, the sweet and moderating characteristics of licorice root may weaken the warming and yang-enhancing effects of Heishunpian, potentially reducing its therapeutic efficacy or even causing adverse reactions.

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Can licorice be steeped in water and consumed for a long time?

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Can licorice root be steeped in water and consumed regularly?

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Can children drink licorice root tea?

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Can pregnant women drink licorice root tea?

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