How to take licorice correctly?

Licorice is a common Chinese medicinal material that has the functions of tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving cough and reducing phlegm, etc. However, when taking it, you need to pay attention to the dosage, incompatibility and applicable groups. This article will focus on the efficacy, usage, contraindications and common products of licorice to help readers use licorice safely and reasonably. The main content includes: the core functions and applicable symptoms of licorice, the taking methods of different dosage forms (such as soaking in water, decoction, and oral administration), the risks of long-term use and contraindications, and finally introduces the common licorice products on the market.

Efficacy and applicable symptoms of licorice

The main active ingredient of licorice isGlycyrrhizic acidandLiquiritin, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-regulating effects. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it canTonify the spleen and replenish qi, moisten the lungs and relieve cough, relieve anxiety and relieve pain, often used to treat symptoms such as weakness of the spleen and stomach, swelling and pain in the throat, and cough with excessive phlegm. Modern research also shows that licorice has certain auxiliary therapeutic effects on gastric ulcers and liver damage. However, it should be noted that licorice is not a panacea and must be used symptomatically to avoid abuse.

The correct way to take licorice

Licorice is available in various dosage forms, and the methods of taking it are also different:1) Soak in water: Take 3-5 grams of sliced licorice and brew it in boiling water for 10 minutes, suitable for daily health care;2) Decoction: When combined with other traditional Chinese medicine, it needs to be boiled for more than 30 minutes to fully release the medicinal effect;3) Take it bucally: Licorice tablets can be sucked directly to relieve throat discomfort. In addition, commercially available licorice extracts (such as licorice zinc capsules) must be taken according to the dosage instructions. It should be noted thatIt should not be taken continuously for more than 4 weeks, to avoid causing edema or high blood pressure.

Licorice taboos and precautions

Although licorice has many uses, itPregnant women, patients with hypertension, and people with hypokalemiaUse with caution. Long-term or overdose may causepseudoaldosteronism, manifested by edema and elevated blood pressure. In addition, licorice andCardiac glycosides (such as digoxin)Or the combined use of diuretics may increase adverse reactions. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, especially for patients with chronic diseases.

Summary and common licorice product recommendations

The rational use of licorice requires the principle of "symptomatic, appropriate amount, and short-term" to avoid blindly following the trend. Common licorice products on the market include:

Product name	Manufacturer	Dosage form
Licorice zinc capsules	Beijing Tongrentang	capsule
Compound licorice tablets	Shanghai Xinyi Pharmaceutical	tablet
Licorice slices	Yunnan Baiyao	Chinese medicinal materials

When choosing, you need to look for the official brand and strictly follow the usage and dosage.

Quote sources:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition (Efficacy and Standards of Licorice)
2. Zhang Boli's "Manual for the Rational Clinical Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (Part of Incompatibility)
3. Beijing Tongrentang and Shanghai Xinyi Pharmaceutical official websites (product information)