Can licorice be steeped in water and consumed for a long time?
Apr 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, licorice should not be steeped in water for long-term consumption. Licorice is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb with various functions, including reinforcing the spleen and benefiting qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, alleviating spasms and pain, and harmonizing other medicinal ingredients. Glycyrrhizin, a component of licorice, has hormone-like effects. Long-term and excessive use may lead to water and sodium retention in the body, causing symptoms such as limb swelling and fatigue.
Generally speaking, licorice should not be steeped in water and consumed for a prolonged period. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Licorice is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb with multiple effects, including strengthening the spleen and replenishing vital energy, clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving phlegm and coughing, alleviating spasms and pain, and harmonizing other medicinal ingredients. Glycyrrhizin in licorice has hormone-like effects; long-term and excessive use may lead to water and sodium retention in the body, causing symptoms such as limb swelling and fatigue. Certain components in licorice may affect blood pressure regulation, potentially elevating blood pressure, particularly evident in individuals who already suffer from hypertension.
After metabolism in the liver, glycyrrhizinic acid may produce metabolites with toxic effects; long-term and excessive use might cause liver damage. At the same time, licorice may also have adverse effects on kidney function, such as increasing urine output and impairing the kidney's filtration function. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to certain components in licorice, which may result in symptoms like skin itching and rashes after consumption, and in severe cases, even anaphylactic shock may occur.
Although drinking licorice-infused water offers certain health and therapeutic benefits, it should be consumed in moderation, and long-term continuous use should be avoided. When using licorice or other traditional Chinese medicines, it is recommended to do so under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. If any adverse symptoms occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.
