Can I drink licorice root tea during pregnancy?

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

Licorice has effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and harmonizing various herbs. It can relieve discomforts such as sore throat, excessive phlegm, and coughing, and may help alleviate cough symptoms caused by colds or other factors in pregnant women. In addition, licorice can also improve symptoms such as poor appetite and spleen deficiency in pregnant women.

In addition to relieving cough and expelling phlegm, licorice also has certain labor-inducing effects. Consuming large amounts may increase the risk of premature birth and cause irregular uterine contractions. Therefore, pregnant women should strictly control their intake of licorice to avoid excessive consumption. If a pregnant woman naturally has a cold body constitution, it is not recommended to consume excessive 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. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid long-term and excessive consumption of licorice tea. Before drinking licorice tea, pregnant women should consult a doctor to ensure safe medication use. Especially for pregnant women with conditions such as gestational hypertension or diabetes, the use of licorice should be done under the guidance of a physician.