Licorice is a common Chinese herb with high medicinal value. It is known for its ability to nourish the lungs, relieve cough, and dissolve phlegm. There are many ways to consume licorice, but it should be used with caution by certain groups of people!
Effects of Drinking Licorice Water
1. Treating asthma and cough
Licorice contains licorice flavonoids, licorice extract, and glycyrrhizic acid, which have significant cough-suppressing effects. Licorice also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, protecting inflamed throat and bronchial mucosa. Therefore, drinking licorice water can help treat asthma and cough.
2. Beauty and skin care
Licorice extract can enhance the skin's resistance to diseases and alleviate allergies and adverse reactions. It can also inhibit the production of melanin and whiten the skin.
3. Relieving pain
Licorice has certain anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting the gastric mucosa. Drinking licorice water can help relieve stomach pain, abdominal pain, and acute pain in the calf muscles.
4. Clearing heat and detoxifying
Licorice can tonify the spleen and invigorate qi. Licorice extract and glycyrrhizic acid in licorice have a detoxifying effect similar to glucuronic acid. Drinking licorice water can clear heat and detoxify without harming the stomach.
People Who Should Avoid Licorice
1. Pregnant women
Pregnant women should not consume excessive amounts of licorice, as it can increase blood pressure and may even lead to premature birth.
2. Diabetics
Licorice contains substances similar to adrenal cortex hormones, which can increase blood sugar levels. It is also a high-sugar food that can affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics should not drink licorice water.
3. Hypertensive patients
Licorice can inhibit the conversion of cortisol, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients should avoid drinking licorice water as much as possible.
4. People with kidney diseases
Licorice extract can cause an excessive level of aldosterone. This hormone can hinder the excretion of sodium and lead to the excretion of potassium in the urine, which may worsen edema.
