Efficacy, Benefits, and Contraindications of Licorice Root Slices Steeped in Hot Water

Licorice root is a herb with a sweet taste and neutral nature, entering the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. It functions to tonify the Spleen Qi, clear heat and resolve toxicity, expel phlegm and relieve coughing, and alleviate acute pain and spasms. It is commonly used for Spleen and Stomach deficiency patterns manifesting as fatigue, lassitude, weakness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating upon exertion; it also serves to replenish deficiency. Additionally, licorice tea may be used to treat cough and excessive phlegm, promoting phlegm resolution, clearing heat, resolving toxicity, and soothing the throat. Licorice tea also helps alleviate acute pain, including abdominal pain. Furthermore, it clears heat and resolves toxicity in cases of carbuncles, sores, abscesses, and toxic swellings. However, licorice tea should not be taken concurrently with herbs such as *Cirsium japonicum* (Da Ji), *Ephorbiae Flos* (Yuan Hua), or *Euphorbiae Radix* (Gan Sui). We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health!