Who is not suitable to eat licorice

Licorice is not suitable for everyone to consume. People with weak spleen and stomach, hypertension, pregnant women, hypokalemia patients, and those allergic to licorice should use it with caution or avoid taking it. Although licorice has the effects of tonifying the spleen and qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, some people may experience adverse reactions due to physical or disease factors.

1. For those with weak spleen and stomach [SEP], licorice has a sweet and neutral taste, but excessive consumption may increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms such as bloating and loss of appetite. People with weak spleen and stomach have poor digestive function. Long term or excessive use of licorice may affect gastrointestinal motility and even cause diarrhea. If this group of people need to regulate their spleen and stomach, they can choose milder Chinese medicinal herbs such as Poria cocos and Atractylodes macrocephala.

2. The glycyrrhizic acid component in licorice of hypertension patients

has an aldosterone like effect, which may lead to water sodium retention and elevated blood pressure. Long term use of licorice preparations by hypertensive patients may counteract the effects of antihypertensive drugs and increase cardiovascular burden. Clinical observations have found that taking licorice in large quantities for more than two weeks can cause blood pressure fluctuations.

3. Pregnant women

Pregnant women taking licorice may increase the risk of premature birth, among which glycyrrhetinic acid may affect placental function. Animal experiments have shown that high-dose licorice extract has potential teratogenic effects. Pregnant women who need to moisten their lungs and relieve cough can consult a doctor to switch to safer alternatives such as honey and loquat leaves.

4. Hypokalemia patients

Glycyrrhetinic acid can promote potassium ion excretion, and long-term use may lead to or worsen hypokalemia, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness and arrhythmia. People who are taking diuretics or have adrenal diseases should be particularly vigilant. If necessary, blood potassium levels can be monitored and potassium rich foods such as bananas and oranges can be supplemented.

5. Allergic constitution

Some people are allergic to the saponins in licorice, and may experience skin itching, redness, swelling, or respiratory discomfort after taking it. Before using licorice for the first time, a low-dose test can be conducted. If there is an allergic reaction, it should be stopped immediately. People with severe allergies should avoid contact with foods, drugs, and cosmetics containing licorice.

Before using licorice, it is recommended to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and choose according to the differentiation of constitution. Daily compound preparations containing licorice, such as licorice tablets and Ganju soup, should also pay attention to the applicable population. Short term and small doses of licorice are usually safe for healthy individuals, but continuous use should not exceed 4 weeks. If symptoms such as edema and headache occur during use, seek medical attention promptly and avoid co administration with cardiac glycosides. When storing, it should be placed in a cool and dry place, moisture-proof and insect proof.