Is Licorice root safe during pregnancy?
Avoid licorice root tea and large amounts of real licorice in pregnancy. Ask your clinician about use while breastfeeding.
What the sources say
NHS advises avoiding herbal teas containing liquorice root in pregnancy. NCCIH says large amounts of licorice (about 250 g a week) in pregnancy are unsafe and linked to earlier delivery, and its glycyrrhizin can cause serious effects, especially with high blood pressure or heart or kidney conditions. Little is known about safety while breastfeeding. Check tea-blend ingredient lists for licorice root.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
licorice root tea, liquorice root, liquorice, licorice tea, glycyrrhiza, glycyrrhiza glabra, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, black licorice, mulethi, yashtimadhu
Sources
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy
- NIH (NCCIH): Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety
- Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.