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
- What is Licorice?
- Uses of Licorice Root
- How is Licorice Consumed?
- Some Interesting Facts About Licorice
- Health Benefits of Licorice
- Side Effects of Consuming Licorice
- Is it Safe to Consume Licorice While Breastfeeding?
- Is it Safe to Consume Licorice Candy While Breastfeeding?
- FAQ’s
What is Licorice?
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.
Uses of Licorice Root
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.
How is Licorice Consumed?
Licorice can be consumed in the following forms:
- Dried Licorice
- Licorice Paste
- Licorice Extract
- Powdered Licorice
- Licorice Syrup
Some Interesting Facts About Licorice
The herb licorice has been used by people for thousands of years. Check out these interesting facts about licorice:
- In Buddhism, on the occasion of Buddha’s birthday, it is ritual to bathe the statue of Buddha in an infusion of licorice.
- It was a tradition with Egyptian pharaohs to consume a drink made out of licorice, which has healing powers.
- In ancient times, the Chinese used licorice to help with the healing process and prolong life.
- Texan folk medicine used the root to reduce fever after childbirth and to expel the placenta after delivery.
- Apparently, Napoleon Bonaparte used to chew on licorice root constantly. He would always carry it in a small tortoiseshell box. His teeth turned black from excess consumption of licorice.
[Read: Senna During Breastfeeding]
Health Benefits of Licorice
Licorice is known for its medicinal properties. It bears a lot of health benefits. Some of them include:
1. Multi-Beneficial Properties
Licorice has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties that help heal wounds faster.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing spasms and inflammation.
3. Anti-Oxidant Properties
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.
4. Anti-Malarial
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.
5. Expectorant Properties
Licorice aids in the secretion of mucus and therefore can be an excellent home remedy for reducing cough, dry throat, and throat irritation.
6. Protection to the Liver
This root offers protection to the liver by reducing any kind of inflammation and also aids in reversing liver damage.
7. Heals Wounds Quickly
A licorice root when applied to the wound helps the wound to heal faster.
8. Reduces Fever and Acts as a Painkiller
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.
9. Ulcer Healer
Licorice roots have the quality of reducing gastric ulcers.
10. Maintaining Dental Health
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.
11. Demulcent
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]
Side Effects of Consuming Licorice
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.
Is it Safe to Consume Licorice While Breastfeeding?
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:
- Intake of licorice by breastfeeding mothers can decrease serum prolactin levels, which reduces the production of milk in the early stages of lactation.
- An excessive intake of licorice can cause severe headaches, hypertension, and hypokalemia.
- When a lactating mother consumes excess licorice tea, the infant becomes very weak and cannot suck properly. They also show minimal response to pain stimuli.
- If the lactating mother is using diuretic medications, it is better to avoid licorice as it reduces the potassium levels in the body and can prove to be very fatal to the mother.
- Licorice or its supplements can affect the estrogen levels of the lactating mother and interfere with the quality and the quantity of the milk production. For this reason, nursing mothers should stay away from licorice.
- Babies feeding on mothers who have consumed licorice in a large quantity seem to have a slight laxative effect on them.
- Overdose of licorice can lead to muscle paralysis.
- Heart rhythm disorders can also occur in some lactating mothers.
- Reactivation of breast cancers.
Is it Safe to Consume Licorice Candy While Breastfeeding?
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]
FAQ’s
1. Can be Consuming Licorice Affect Breast Milk?
Yes, it can. It can change the taste of the milk to an extent. While some babies fuss, some don’t bother about it.
2. Can I Use Licorice Topically?
Yes, you can. Apply some licorice to a wounded area. This will accelerate healing.
3. Can Licorice Cause Heart Issues While Breastfeeding?
Licorice can result in water retention and stress. Consuming too much licorice can affect your heart. It can get into breast milk as well.
4. Can I Have Licorice Regularly, While Breastfeeding?
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?
