Can licorice be taken long-term?This issue requires a comprehensive analysis based on its efficacy, potential risks and usage recommendations. Although licorice can relieve coughs, reduce phlegm, and reconcile medicinal properties, long-term overdose may cause side effects such as edema and high blood pressure. This article will start from the perspectives of pharmacological effects, applicable groups, contraindications and product selection to help readers scientifically understand the use of licorice.

Pharmacological properties and short-term benefits of licorice: In licoriceGlycyrrhizic acidIt has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, and is often used to relieve sore throat or assist in the treatment of gastric ulcers. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it can "harmonize various medicines" and is safer when used in a compound formulation for short periods of time (such as 1-2 weeks). Modern research shows that daily intakeNo more than 3 grams of hay(Containing approximately 200mg glycyrrhizic acid) relatively safe. Representative products such as Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s licorice tablets are mostly used to relieve acute symptoms.

Risks and contraindications of long-term use: Continuous use of licorice for more than 4 weeks may inhibit renal potassium excretion, resulting inpseudoaldosteronism. People with high blood pressure, pregnant women and people with renal insufficiency should avoid long-term use. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare recommends that the daily intake of glycyrrhizic acid does not exceed 100mg. Clinical cases show that a patient developed severe hypokalemia after taking 5 grams of licorice powder daily for six months (Journal of Adverse Drug Reactions, 2018).

Scientific usage suggestions: If you need long-term conditioning, it is recommended to chooseGlycyrrhizic acid preparations(such as Glycyron from Bionorica, Germany) or used at intervals (2 weeks on, 1 week off). Traditional Chinese medicine expert Zhou Chaofan suggests that compound licorice preparations (such as Xiaobuihu decoction) should be used under the guidance of a physician, and single licorice should be taken continuously for no more than 1 month. At present, most of the licorice drugs approved in China are short-term symptomatic treatments, such as Tianjin Zhongxin Pharmaceutical's compound licorice lozenges.

Summary and product selection: As a homologous substance of medicine and food, licorice is safe and effective for short-term use, but it should not be taken blindly for a long time. Choose products from regular manufacturers (such as licorice slices from Shanghai Leiyunshang, licorice granules from Lanzhou Foci), and strictly follow the dosage and treatment duration. Special groups of people should consult a physician before taking the drug and avoid taking it with diuretics or antihypertensive drugs. Health care should focus on overall conditioning rather than relying on a single medicinal ingredient.

References:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition
2. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Guidance Values for Intake of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Foods”
3. Zhou Chaofan, "Guidelines for the Rational Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine", People's Medical Publishing House