Can I eat licorice roots during pregnancy?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Expecting a baby is a joyful and exciting moment for every mom. And even with the most ideal course of pregnancy, there is always a risk of catching colds. At the same time, both the course of the disease itself and the treatment can be dangerous for the child, since all medicines have their effect, even if insignificant, on the development of the baby.

Today we will talk about the most common ailments, from which rarely anyone can protect themselves in the spring-autumn period. ARI and SARS often lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and a banal cough. Is it possible to use licorice roots during pregnancy? Let's figure it out together.

Pros and cons

In fact, the first remedy that comes to mind when you have a sore throat is licorice. However, during pregnancy, its use is questionable. At the same time, traditional healers say that it is absolutely safe forwoman and fetus. However, traditional doctors do not prescribe licorice roots to women in an interesting position. During pregnancy, despite the fact that this remedy is completely natural, according to doctors, it is strictly forbidden to use it. However, the reasons for this are usually not explained. Let's try to understand this issue.

Medicinal plant properties

Before making a final decision, let's first understand the properties of licorice. During pregnancy, many people use roots out of habit, without thinking at all that today the body is undergoing significant changes. Even the most harmless drug can have a significant impact on the development of the baby, so you need to understand very well how it will affect the body.

Licorice root system has a wide range of useful actions. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, mucolytic, wound healing, choleretic properties. Based on this, it is possible to determine the range of application of licorice. Roots during pregnancy are used in violation of the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, but most often this is a real salvation for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, in which it is used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent. However, so far we have not seen anything that could be alarming, while it seems that it is quite possible to use licorice root during pregnancy.

The main arguments of doctors

We have already indicated that doctors categorically do not recommend ituse for expectant mothers. Moreover, it can be a categorical ban or a more loyal recommendation to use with caution. We will give three main reasons why licorice root syrup is prohibited during pregnancy. The fact is that substances obtained from licorice root can change the water-s alt metabolism in the body. That is, even with the normal functioning of the kidneys, swelling is possible, which is absolutely not necessary during the period of bearing the baby.

There is another reason. Licorice root syrup during pregnancy can lead to the activation of the hormonal system. There is no need to explain that this is not only not useful, but also extremely dangerous. These reasons apply both to the roots themselves and to the syrup.

However, one cannot fail to mention the last reason. The syrup contains alcohol, which is undesirable for the unborn baby. Even small portions of alcohol can cause irreparable harm to a growing organism.

Exceptions to the rule

Actually, every rule is there to be broken. Very often, doctors have to assess the possible risks for the mother and child and, based on this, make the final decision. Licorice root can be prescribed by a doctor only if other remedies are prohibited or are powerless for some reason. However, please note that women should use this medicine only under the strict supervision of a physician.

Complications of the course of pregnancy while takingdrug

What else is dangerous licorice root during pregnancy. The instruction warns that it is necessary to be as careful as possible. Licorice can cause uterine bleeding. Therefore, if a pregnant woman has a threat of miscarriage or other pathologies, then be sure to refuse this drug. If the reception is agreed with the attending physician, then it is necessary to start with the minimum dosages and constantly monitor your condition. If you experience nausea or dizziness, impaired liver function and joint pain, you should immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor. Remember that each of these symptoms can develop into a serious illness, which is highly undesirable during pregnancy.

Main contraindications

It must be remembered that during breastfeeding, this remedy should not be used either. And even after its completion, it must be borne in mind that licorice root, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which have been known since ancient times, can not be used by everyone. You can not use it for obesity of the third degree. If you have arterial hypertension, then you should also refrain from taking licorice. It is very important to consult a specialist if you have organic kidney and liver damage. Of course, you need to be very careful with the possibility of developing allergic reactions. With diabetes, you can not use either fresh roots or syrups. In general, if you plan to use licorice root, medicinal properties and contraindications must be carefullyanalyze and weigh.