Written by Editorial Team
Breastfeeding is a delicate phase, so it is necessary to make the right choices as far as the diet, lifestyle, and health choices of the nursing mother are concerned. Licorice has expectorant properties and is useful in treating cough and swelling. Several skin conditions can be treated with licorice root extract. But is it safe to consume licorice during breastfeeding?
Many herbs are beneficial to lactating mothers. But then certain things can cause side effects too. Like pregnancy, even a breastfeeding mom has to be very careful of what she eats or drinks. Any food that the mother consumes shows a significant influence on the baby’s health. Some of the ingredients can pass into the milk and affect the baby’s health.
In This Article
Licorice root is a herbal plant. It is also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra and is sweet in flavor. For this reason, licorice is also called sweet root or Gan Zao in Chinese. In India, the licorice root carries the ancient Sanskrit name of ‘Yastimadhu’. It is widely used in Ayurvedic and other herbal formulas because of its medicinal properties. Licorice use is quite common in parts of Asia and Southern Europe.
Licorice root is used as a flavor in candies and sweeteners. It is also used as a flavoring agent in tobacco to give it a natural sweetness and make it easier for inhaling. In addition, the root is used in herbal medicines.
Licorice can be consumed in the following forms:
The herb licorice has been used by people for thousands of years. Check out these interesting facts about licorice:
[Read: Senna During Breastfeeding]
Licorice is known for its medicinal properties. It bears a lot of health benefits. Some of them include:
Licorice has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties that help heal wounds faster.
Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing spasms and inflammation.
The Human body produces free radicals, which can sometimes harm the body cells and tissues. Licorice helps in reducing the free radicals in the body.
According to many studies, licorice can completely eradicate malarial parasites that are present in the body. It can also eliminate viruses such as the influenza virus.
Licorice aids in the secretion of mucus and therefore can be an excellent home remedy for reducing cough, dry throat, and throat irritation.
This root offers protection to the liver by reducing any kind of inflammation and also aids in reversing liver damage.
A licorice root when applied to the wound helps the wound to heal faster.
When you apply licorice root on your skin, it gets absorbed quickly. With this quality, it works as an instant pain killer. It also has fever-reducing properties.
Licorice roots have the quality of reducing gastric ulcers.
Licorice can help prevent cavities and thereby is excellent in maintaining dental health. Chewing on wild licorice stem can work as a tooth cleaner and help in preventing gum disease.
When licorice comes in contact with water, it tends to become slimy and slippery. This special quality helps coat the mucous membrane and thus acts as an excellent demulcent.
[Read: Eating Jackfruit During Breastfeeding]
Consuming Licorice in excess can cause many side effects like hypertension, water retention, cataracts, etc. People with heart problems should avoid the consumption of licorice as it affects the adrenal glands, hormones, and blood pressure that can lead to heart failure. Other side effects of consuming excess licorice include diabetes, kidney failure, and liver disease.
There is no scientific evidence to establish the effects of licorice on nursing mothers. Lactating mothers should avoid taking licorice due to the following reasons:
Licorice Candy tastes similar to licorice root extract, but it does not contain licorice root. Both the red and black licorice candies do not have the presence of licorice root in them, but they have another ingredient called anise in them instead of licorice. The safety of consuming licorice candy during breastfeeding is not yet known.
So we find that though licorice is beneficial in many ways, it also has side effects on nursing moms. So before consuming licorice while breastfeeding, it is always better to consult your doctor. Avoid prolonged use of licorice and moderation is the key!
[Read: Apple Cider Vinegar While Breastfeeding]
Yes, it can. It can change the taste of the milk to an extent. While some babies fuss, some don’t bother about it.
Yes, you can. Apply some licorice to a wounded area. This will accelerate healing.
Licorice can result in water retention and stress. Consuming too much licorice can affect your heart. It can get into breast milk as well.
No, don’t. Overconsumption can lead to severe side effects. It can even seep through the milk and affect a baby’s brain development.
Read Also: Is It Safe To Use Garcinia Cambogia While You Are Breastfeeding?
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