Can pregnant women drink licorice root tea?

　　Pregnant women can usually consume licorice root tea under a doctor's guidance, with attention to moderate intake.

　　Licorice possesses effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and harmonizing various medicines. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to treat symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. For healthy pregnant women, occasional and small consumption of licorice tea generally does not cause adverse effects on the fetus. However, it should be noted that licorice intake must be strictly controlled, as excessive consumption may lead to edema, hypertension, and other issues.

　　Although drinking licorice tea has certain benefits for pregnant women, excessive consumption may increase the risk of premature birth, as licorice has some labor-inducing properties. Drinking large amounts of licorice tea may cause irregular uterine contractions, which can negatively affect both the pregnant woman and the fetus. At the same time, pregnant women should be aware of their physical condition and allergy history to avoid adverse reactions caused by drinking licorice tea. If any discomfort occurs after drinking licorice tea, pregnant women should seek medical attention promptly and inform their doctors about their medication use.

　　Throughout pregnancy, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet and avoid taking any herbal remedies or supplements on their own.