Can beef and licorice be eaten together?
Jun 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Beef and licorice are not recommended to be consumed together in large quantities or over a long period; under special circumstances, they should be combined only as directed by a physician. Beef is rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc, B-complex vitamins, and other nutrients, and has functions including strengthening the spleen, fortifying bones, nourishing blood, and replenishing vital energy. It provides energy, promotes muscle repair, and enhances immunity. Licorice has a sweet taste and neutral property, and is used to replenish middle-jiao qi, clear heat, detoxify, relieve acute conditions, and alleviate pain.
Generally, beef and licorice are not recommended to be consumed together in large quantities or over a long period. Under special circumstances, appropriate combinations should be guided by a physician's advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Beef is rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B complex, and other nutrients. It helps strengthen the spleen and bones, nourish the blood, and boost energy levels, providing energy, promoting muscle repair, and enhancing immunity. Licorice has a sweet taste and neutral nature, affecting the heart, lung, and spleen meridians. It functions to strengthen the middle jiao, replenish vital energy, clear heat, detoxify, relieve spasms, and alleviate pain. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach.
Iron in beef may combine with glycyrrhizin in licorice to form complexes that are difficult to absorb, potentially reducing iron absorption and affecting the efficacy of blood nourishment. Additionally, long-term excessive use of licorice may cause water and sodium retention and elevated blood pressure; therefore, patients with hypertension should use it cautiously. However, in specific medicinal recipes, small amounts of licorice combined with beef, cinnamon, and other ingredients, through appropriate pairing and control of cooking temperature, can warm the middle jiao, dispel cold, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. This combination is suitable for symptoms such as limb edema and cold stomach pain caused by deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach. However, such medicinal food should be used under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid self-administration and misuse.
Occasional and small amounts of consumption of food combining beef and licorice generally do not cause significant discomfort in healthy individuals. However, those with conditions such as qi and blood deficiency, anemia, or hypertension should avoid or consume such foods cautiously. Attention should also be paid to cooking methods, avoiding prolonged high-temperature stewing that may lead to nutrient loss or the production of harmful substances. It is recommended to plan a suitable diet under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist according to individual constitution and health status.
