Who should not eat licorice? Four types of people should not eat licorice

Licorice is not suitable for everyone to consume, and it is not advisable for individuals with weak spleen and stomach, hypertension, hypokalemia, and pregnant women to take licorice. Although licorice has the effects of tonifying the spleen and qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, some people may experience worsening discomfort due to physical or disease factors.

1. For those with weak spleen and stomach [SEP], licorice has a sweet and flat taste, but excessive consumption may cause greasiness and hinder the stomach. People with weak spleen and stomach have poor digestive function, and taking licorice may lead to symptoms such as bloating and decreased appetite in the epigastric region. Long term use may also exacerbate dampness and stagnation, resulting in thick and greasy tongue coating, and sticky stool. This group of people should use formulas containing licorice with caution, such as Sijunzi Tang, Buzhong Yiqi Tang, etc.

II. The glycyrrhizic acid in glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch of hypertension patients

has an aldosterone like effect, which may cause water and sodium retention. hypertensive patients are prone to blood pressure fluctuations after taking medication, which increases the risk of dizziness, headache, and other symptoms. Clinical observations have shown that continuous use of licorice preparations for more than 4 weeks may significantly increase systolic blood pressure. When using diuretics in combination, it is even more important to be vigilant about the risk of low potassium.

III. Hypokalemia patients

Glycyrrhetinic acid's sodium retention and potassium excretion effects may induce or exacerbate hypokalemia. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as muscle weakness and arrhythmia, which can lead to respiratory muscle paralysis in severe cases. Heart disease patients who are taking digitalis drugs should pay special attention, as a low potassium state may increase the probability of digitalis poisoning.

Fourth, pregnant women

Licorice may interfere with hormone balance in the body, excessive intake in early pregnancy, or affect fetal development. Animal experiments have shown that high-dose licorice extract has a teratogenic risk. When pregnant women experience vomiting during pregnancy, they should avoid using antiemetic formulas containing licorice, such as Xiaobanxia and Fuling decoction.

In addition to the above population, patients with renal insufficiency and aldosteronism should also use licorice with caution. Long term use of licorice by healthy individuals should not exceed 3 grams per day, and continuous use should not exceed 4 weeks. During use, pay attention to monitoring blood pressure and potassium levels. If symptoms such as edema and fatigue occur, stop using the medication in a timely manner. It is recommended to use licorice and related preparations based on syndrome differentiation under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and avoid taking them together with western medicines such as cardiac glycosides and diuretics.