Is it possible to use licorice syrup for pregnant women. Contraindications to the use of the root of the medicinal plant. What does the medicine help for?

The immunity of a woman during pregnancy is weakened, the defenses are reduced. The body is more susceptible to respiratory infections during a period of increased epidemiological conditions. To relieve symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat, and chest, doctors prefer to prescribe to women herbal preparations based on extracts medicinal herbs. Natural remedies relatively safe, do not have a toxic effect on the fetus. The article discusses the question of whether it is possible to use licorice root during pregnancy, the pharmacological properties of the drug, alternative treatment.

Brief overview of the drug

Licorice root extract is available as an oral syrup (by mouth). It is a brown viscous liquid, sweet in taste, with a specific odor.

Licorice root has a complex effect on the body. It contains saponins, natural organic compounds that are irritating. In small doses when taken orally, they enhance the secretory function of the mucous membranes. respiratory tract... This increases the volume of sputum and contributes to its smooth and rapid evacuation from the bronchi and lungs. Therefore, licorice root syrup is prescribed for coughs as an expectorant.

The plant contains flavonoids of organic origin - aromatic phenols. They are antioxidants, support the normal course of all physical and chemical processes in the body for molecular level... Flavonoids neutralize free radicals, prevent their destructive effect on the body, slow down the processes of cell decay.

Licorice contains ascorbic acid. It has restorative properties, promotes tissue regeneration and rapid healing. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that flushes toxins and waste products from the body. After taking the syrup, the signs of intoxication decrease - heat, nausea, headaches and joint pains. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, strengthens protective functions mucous membranes at the local level.

Indications for the use of licorice root syrup:

  • SARS, flu, which are accompanied by a dry cough;
  • pharyngitis, laryngitis with difficult to separate sputum;
  • bronchitis, including obstructive;
  • pneumonia (as part of complex therapy).

Pharmacological properties of licorice:

  • mucolytic;
  • expectorant;
  • wound healing;
  • stimulation of the motor function of the epithelial cilia;
  • immunomodulatory;
  • astringent;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • antimicrobial.

The standard treatment regimen for adults: 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day. Syrup is drunk for 7 days or more, depending on the diagnosis.

During treatment, side effects are possible. Usually these are mild allergic reactions in the form of a skin rash, itching, redness, swelling.

In case of an overdose, in rare cases, the following pathological processes are observed:

  • violation of the water-salt balance;
  • the rise blood pressure;
  • muscular dystrophy;
  • the presence of oxygen-binding protein in the urine of the heart and skeletal muscles.

Syrup and pregnancy

Licorice contains plant hormones: steroid glycosides and saponins (spirostan, furostan), estriol. These biologically active substances destabilize the level of hormones in a woman's body. This condition is dangerous, as it poses a threat. normal flow pregnancy and intrauterine development fetus.

Licorice syrup during pregnancy is contraindicated in all trimesters. The drug disrupts hormones and water-salt metabolism in tissues.

Excess hormones

In the 1st trimester, the plant affects the level of progesterone in a woman's body. Deviations of indicators upward by early dates gives a malfunction of the adrenal glands in the mother. On the part of the fetus, abnormalities in the formation of the placenta may develop.

Negative symptoms caused by licorice syrup:

  • headaches and dizziness;
  • increased fatigue, loss of strength;
  • daytime sleepiness;
  • nausea not associated with food intake;
  • dyspeptic disorders - increased gassing, bloating, epigastric discomfort, heartburn.

With an excess of estrogen in the 2nd trimester, genetic disorders can form in the fetus.

For a woman, a high concentration of estrogen is dangerous with the risk of developing malignant processes in the breast. Elevated levels hormone can provoke premature birth in the 3rd trimester. In pregnant women, body weight increases, kidney and liver diseases are exacerbated.

Signs of high estrogen:

  • nausea, vomiting;
  • increased nervous irritation;
  • swelling of the limbs;
  • pain in the area of ​​the mammary glands;
  • increased blood pressure.

Violation of water and electrolyte balance

Licorice root syrup during pregnancy causes disturbances in water-salt metabolism. In the first half of pregnancy, a decrease in the volume of extracellular fluid is observed, and urine production decreases. In the third trimester, women develop preeclampsia (late toxicosis).

This condition is dangerous for future mother the development of severe pathology:

  • kidney damage, up to the development of acute renal failure;
  • intoxication of the brain, destruction of its cells;
  • disruption of the central nervous system - visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting that does not bring relief, convulsions;
  • in severe cases - violation cerebral circulation, stroke, acute respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, coma.

Danger to the fetus as a result of imbalance in the water-salt balance:

  • violation of the processes of communication through the placenta in the "mother-fetus" system;
  • hypoxia (lack of oxygen);
  • retardation of physical and mental development;
  • premature placental abruption, risk of death of the child.

In gynecological practice, during pregnancy, there are cases when a woman was prescribed licorice root. For example, if a woman has used this medicine before planning pregnancy and in the absence of alternative medicines.

In the case of taking syrup during the period of therapy, the functioning of the kidneys and liver should be constantly monitored. Pregnant women are prescribed clinical analyzes urine and blood. If necessary, carry out biochemical research taken material.

Licorice has general contraindications for all patients:

  • individual intolerance to plant components;
  • increased sensitivity of the body;
  • chronic kidney and liver diseases;
  • obesity 2 and 3 degrees;
  • type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus;
  • hypertonic disease.

The drug is rarely prescribed in obstetric practice... Licorice during pregnancy is undesirable even for later dates. Taking syrup requires careful monitoring of the woman and her condition during treatment. For colds accompanied by a cough, it is better to prescribe an alternative, more safe treatment for a woman and an unborn child.

Adherents traditional therapy even in modern world in excess. Some people flatly refuse to be treated with pharmaceutical medicines, preferring herbs, herbal preparations and others. natural products with healing properties. Special attention deserves licorice root, which has remained one of the most sought-after medicinal plants for many years.

Composition and properties of licorice root

Licorice - medicinal plant, the rhizome of which is of particular value for admirers alternative medicine... For the first time her healing properties were discovered in the East several millennia ago, although later references to this plant were found in the ancient Chinese "Treatise on Herbs". It turns out that in medical purposes this plant was used even before our era.

The rhizome of licorice contains glycyrrhizin and numerous derivatives of glycyrrhizic acid, almost 30 flavonoids, mono- and disachrides, starch, pectins, resins, bitter substances, phenol carboxylic acids, coumarins, tannins, alkaloids, essential oil and organic acids.

As for micro- and macroelements, licorice contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, boron and other substances.

The composition of licorice, which is also called licorice, resembles the periodic table. Over time, scientists have managed to study every component present in the root of this plant, and create many modern drugs based on these components. Thanks to this, it was possible to find a cure for some incurable diseases.

Licorice roots have antispasmodic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. For many years, the plant has been used to treat tuberculosis, bronchitis, chronic constipation, poisoning, in case of violations different types exchanges, as a diuretic, for hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers and even oncology.

Today, licorice rhizomes are used:

  • In the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The plant is able to liquefy mucus in the bronchi, expelling phlegm with a large number of microbes. Now licorice is used in complex therapy in the treatment of tuberculosis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, laryngitis.
  • In complex with pharmaceutical preparations, enhancing their therapeutic effect.
  • In the fight against various kinds of inflammation.
  • With spasms of smooth muscles, pain in the heart, pathologies of cardio-vascular system, with diseases of the thyroid gland.
  • To restore the function of the pancreas. Licorice stimulates the production of its own insulin, and glycyrrhizic acid is often included in sugar substitutes.
  • To neutralize certain toxins (for example, in case of alcohol poisoning).
  • For the prevention and treatment of cancer, prostate adenoma.
  • With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and constipation.
  • In the treatment of allergies and skin diseases.
  • For the prevention and improvement of the condition in case of inflammation Bladder and kidneys.
  • For the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and other joint diseases.
  • With mood swings, increased fatigue, a tendency to depression.
  • For the treatment of radiation damage to the body.
  • In the fight against tobacco addiction.

Scroll useful properties licorice is practically endless. Licorice root is used to prevent diseases of the digestive organs and improve digestion, to remove toxins, toxins and cholesterol from the body, to normalize hormonal background and all types of metabolism, to strengthen immunity and prevent diseases of the teeth and gums.

However, there is another property that makes licorice a plant unacceptable during pregnancy: in ancient times, it was used as a contraceptive.

The use of licorice root during pregnancy

- in the 1st trimester

In the first trimester, the use of licorice root in medicinal purposes Absolutely forbidden. This is primarily due to the fact that the plant causes a sharp surge in estrogen. Such an amount of the hormone will inevitably lead to hormonal disruption, which, as a rule, results in a miscarriage.

Since the immunity of pregnant women is very weak, allergies may appear, even if the woman has never had this problem for anything in her life. An allergic reaction to a medicinal plant is always very bright and rapid, up to Quincke's edema.

Taking licorice can increase toxicosis and disrupt kidney function, cause a jump in blood pressure, hypertensive crisis and termination of pregnancy.

- in the 2nd trimester

In the second trimester, licorice is also a prohibited herb. Only in exceptional cases, a doctor can prescribe a syrup containing licorice extracts, but it is allowed to take it in a minimum dosage, in a very short course and under the strict supervision of a specialist.

During this period, although the fetus is already protected by the placenta, there is still a danger. Licorice root can still alter the activity of the adrenal cortex and lead to excess estrogen. This can affect the development of the fetus and worsen its health.

- in the 3rd trimester

V last weeks pregnancy, licorice root should still not be consumed. It can still increase blood pressure, increase swelling, and often lead to premature birth, and also significantly complicates the generic process.

In the third trimester, neither the plant itself nor medications based on it are prescribed.

What side effects can pregnant women have?

During pregnancy, almost all the beneficial properties of licorice are irrelevant in comparison with the possible negative reactions of the body. It can be:

  • Violation of the water-salt balance. With such an ailment, fluid retention in the body and increased swelling are possible.
  • Increased blood pressure up to eclampsia - a critical form late toxicosis(gestosis), in which there is a threat to the life of both mother and baby.
  • Sharp allergic reaction, Quincke's edema.
  • Dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.
  • Increased hormonal activity and excess estrogen synthesis.
  • Termination of pregnancy or onset of premature labor.

If we talk about minor negative reactions, these are nausea and hives.

Considering all possible side effects, it is better to stop taking licorice root during pregnancy and ask your doctor to find alternative way treatment.

Who is the medicinal plant categorically contraindicated?

Besides pregnancy, licorice has other contraindications. These are people with a history of the following diagnoses:

  • Diabetes;
  • Hypertension;
  • Individual intolerance to plant components;
  • Impaired liver and kidney function;
  • Hypokalemia;
  • All types of gastritis and ulcers;
  • Skin diseases;
  • Addinson's disease;
  • Obesity to any degree.

Also, therapy with this plant is prohibited during lactation.

Licorice root has a huge number of useful properties, but pregnancy - absolute contraindication to treatment with this miracle plant. Even medications, which contain licorice extract, cannot be prescribed during the gestation of a baby, except in isolated cases. It is better, of course, not to risk in any way and not to take decoctions and infusions with licorice.

Specially for- Olga Pavlova

Licorice root syrup is effective and absolutely safe remedy from cough, which can be successfully used in both adults and children.

Licorice root contains a huge amount of biologically active substances. Its main effect on the human body is:

  • the ability to thin phlegm;
  • cause expectoration of sputum;
  • relieve coughing attacks;
  • disinfect the respiratory tract;
  • heal small wounds that occur when coughing

According to the instructions, licorice root syrup should be used by adults 1 tablespoon three times a day. Children are given one teaspoon of syrup three times a day. The drug has a rather pleasant taste. Infants can be bred warm before use. boiled water in a 1: 1 ratio.

Indications for use

The use of licorice root syrup in practice should be accompanied by a number of additional measures... Need to increase drinking regimen... A child who is given licorice root syrup should consume about fifty percent more fluids than normal.

If a child has a local taste intolerance to licorice root syrup, then you can try to dilute it various juices with a pronounced taste.

Dosage form of licorice root

Licorice root can be used in two dosage forms:

  • in the form of a syrup, which is made in the factory;
  • in the form of decoctions and tinctures, they are prepared at home immediately before use.

The second option is more effective in mind high concentration and biological activity of all active ingredients... Syrups can be ineffective for a variety of reasons. Therefore, if licorice root in the form of syrup does not help you or your child, we recommend trying to make a decoction yourself.

Licorice root for children

For children, drugs based on licorice root can be given from the very early age starting from the moment of birth. This drug is completely harmless and has no negative side effects.

Infants under the influence of licorice root syrup not only get rid of cough, but also receive a certain dose of tannins, which have a beneficial effect on his condition. gastrointestinal tract... Licorice root syrup for babies is absolutely harmless.

Contraindications for the use of syrup during pregnancy

Treatment colds during pregnancy is a complex process, which is accompanied by the fact that many drugs are contraindicated for use by pregnant women. Special care must be taken in the first and last trimester pregnancy. Amid all this, licorice syrup is absolutely safe drug for the treatment of cough in pregnant women. It helps not only to eliminate the cough reflex, which negatively affects her condition, but also disinfects the respiratory tract.

In the article, we talk about licorice root during pregnancy. You will find out if this remedy can be used when carrying a child, and whether it is safe for the health of the woman and the fetus. You will understand how you can replace licorice in the treatment of cough, and when the plant is contraindicated.

Can licorice root during pregnancy

Licorice root, often used by pregnant women, has powerful expectorant properties. The natural remedy is used to strengthen the immune system, treat heart disease, and normalize hormonal levels. Licorice root is undesirable during pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking any medication However, according to the instructions, licorice root is undesirable to use during pregnancy.... The plant can negatively affect the health of the woman and the fetus, lead to irreversible consequences. Let's figure out at what period licorice is completely contraindicated during pregnancy, and when it is permissible:

  • Licorice root during pregnancy in 1 trimester is strictly contraindicated... Natural medicine contains phyto-analogs of adrenal hormones, and any hormonal intervention in the early stages is unacceptable. It also thins the blood, which can cause bleeding and miscarriage. As an exception, licorice during early pregnancy is used on the recommendation of a doctor for severe coughing attacks.
  • Licorice root during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is sometimes used if a woman starts having coughing fits. During this period, medicines and folk remedies provide least influence on the fetus protected by the placenta. And yet, you should not abuse licorice. Use it in the form of a decoction or water infusion carefully, in minimal dosages, only after consulting a doctor.
  • Licorice root during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester is undesirable for use... The plant can cause edema as it traps sodium salts in the blood. In this case, licorice removes potassium salts, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart, and thins the blood. These conditions can become the first steps on the way to late toxicosis (gestosis) and complicate the process of childbirth.

The question of whether licorice is possible for pregnant women is difficult to answer unequivocally. In some Western countries, licorice root for coughing during pregnancy is not contraindicated. If you decide to use this remedy when carrying a child, be sure to consult your doctor.

Instead of an infusion or decoction, you can use licorice syrup during pregnancy. The exact dosage of such a drug is easier to determine, which will allow the doctor to track changes in the state of your body.

How to replace licorice in the treatment of cough

If you are in doubt about whether you can drink licorice root during pregnancy, you can use other medicines allowed while carrying a baby. Of the expectorant drugs, Mukaltin, drugs produced by the Doctor IOM trademark, Herbion syrup are considered acceptable.

It is better not to use herbs during pregnancy, as it is precisely to determine safe concentration infusion of them is difficult. In addition, you do not know all the contraindications that this or that remedy has.

To relieve coughs, resort to dairy products, vegetables that have an expectorant effect:

  • hot milk drink with butter and honey;
  • radish juice mixed with honey;
  • honey with onions, slightly heated to a warm state;
  • rosehip broth.

These natural remedies safe during pregnancy and do not adversely affect the health of the woman and the fetus.

Precautions for using folk remedies

By choosing folk recipes from a cough while carrying a baby, make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients. To do this, take a few sips of the prepared medicine and observe the body's reaction. Any deterioration in general condition- a sign that the chosen tool will have to be abandoned.

Read the contraindications before use. Not everyone natural medicines safe for mother and fetus. For example, contraindications to licorice during pregnancy are impaired liver and kidney function, excess weight, hypertension, diabetes mellitus.

It is unacceptable to use vegetable tinctures for alcohol.

When deciding to take licorice during pregnancy, consult your doctor and warn him about your choice of expectorant. If the condition worsens during the intake, stop using the plant and pick up another medicine that is less hazardous to health.

For more information on treating colds and coughs during pregnancy, see the video:

What to remember

  1. Licorice is completely contraindicated in the 1st trimester, but it is acceptable in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
  2. Consider contraindications when negative reaction body, give up the selected medicine.
  3. Replace licorice with other expectorants if your doctor has told you not to use this herb.

Pregnant women very often use traditional medicine for treatment during pregnancy. This is due high level safety of folk remedies, both for the fetus and for the mother. Licorice root during pregnancy must be used as carefully as possible. This is due to the fact that this plant can have Negative influence on the health of a pregnant woman.

The use of licorice in folk and traditional medicine

In folk medicine, licorice is very often used, which belongs to the category of perennial plants. For medicinal purposes, the rhizomes of this plant are most often used.

Licorice has the following effect:

  • Antispasmodic
  • Choleretic
  • Healing
  • Anti-tuberculosis
  • Expectorant

For diseases of the heart, choleretic tract, stomach ulcers, licorice root is also used. Due to the presence of tripertene in the composition of this plant, the water and salt balance in tissues and organs is brought back to normal. Decrease inflammatory processes and strengthening of blood vessels is carried out due to the content of flavonoids in licorice root.

The collection of licorice root is done in the spring or autumn period... In this case, the ground part of this plant should be completely absent. If the collection is made during this period, then the effectiveness of the medicine prepared from the root will be at its best. An infusion and a decoction are prepared from licorice root, the application of which is carried out immediately after preparation.

Licorice is widely used in traditional medicine thanks to a huge number healing agents.

In pharmacies, you can often see syrup from this plant, which is widely used to treat organs and systems such as:

  • Digestive system
  • The cardiovascular system
  • etc.

Also, this medication can be used as a wound healing and analgesic drug. One of the most effective drugs is licorice. That is why it can be taken by both adults and children. While taking this plant in the form of a medicine for coughing, relieving coughing attacks, healing small wounds that occur when coughing, coughing up phlegm, disinfecting the respiratory tract.

Characteristics of licorice syrup

Licorice syrup is characterized by a very rich composition. This medication consists of an extract of licorice root, sugar syrup and ethyl alcohol... Taking the drug if the patient has it diabetes mellitus is prohibited because it contains a large number of Sahara.

The syrup contains sodium glycyrrhetinic acids, which are able to suppress the activity of the simplest worms in the human body. Licorice root is used to treat various diseases since ancient times. Its effectiveness has been proven several centuries ago. If you have lupus erythematosus or allergies, chronic skin diseases, you must take this medication.

It is also quite effective during the treatment of diseases such as:

  • Allergic dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Neurodermatitis
  • Pemphigus, etc.

For the treatment of the skin, infusions and decoctions are used, which are prepared from the root of this plant. If the patient has kidney pathology, then use medications based on licorice root. Doctors prescribe this medication to patients in the presence of pyelonephritis. If a person has urolithiasis disease, inflammation of the bladder, then licorice root is a highly effective remedy in the fight against these diseases.

If patients have or, then they are also prescribed licorice root. It is also used to ensure high-quality liver function. By taking licorice root for prevention, you can get rid of the risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis.

With the help of licorice root, the concentration of transaminase enzymes is significantly reduced, which helps to ensure liver health.

Since ancient times, it was believed that with the help of licorice root, you can preserve beauty and youth. But you should not use it for cosmetic purposes during pregnancy. While taking licorice root, the level of cholesterol in the blood is significantly reduced, which has a positive effect on the patient's well-being. While taking the syrup of licorice root, an adjustment is made endocrine system, as well as stimulation of the secretory function of the glands. Strengthening immune system, the manifestation of the properties of an antidepressant is also the functions that licorice root performs.

Taking licorice during pregnancy


Despite the excellent characteristics and properties of licorice root, it is categorically contraindicated. This is due to the fact that this folk remedy negatively affects the health of a pregnant woman, which can affect the child.

Taking licorice root leads to a change in the water-salt balance in the human body. This can lead to edema of a pregnant woman, which is the root cause of late toxicosis. During the intake of licorice root, hormonal activity of the body is produced. During pregnancy, taking this medicinal product is strictly prohibited, since a pregnant woman may experience hormonal disbalance, which will negatively affect the health of the baby.

Reception of licorice root is allowed to be taken by pregnant women only if other means are in in this case powerless. Reception of a folk remedy by female representatives should be carried out only under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is forbidden to start taking the drug on your own without medical supervision.

During pregnancy, you must be as careful as possible with the intake of licorice root.

This is because licorice can cause uterine bleeding... If a pregnant woman has a threat of miscarriage, then in mandatory it is necessary to refuse to take this medication.

If the patient has a tendency to bleed, then it is strictly forbidden to take syrup from licorice root.Licorice root syrup has side effects, which can negatively affect the well-being of a pregnant woman.

More information about licorice can be found in the video.

While taking this medication, you may experience:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Joint pain

For a pregnant female, such side effects are fraught with complications.

Licorice root is available in the form of a syrup, which is intended for internal use... You can buy this medication in pharmacies. The drug is dispensed without a prescription, which allows any patient to purchase it.

Storage of licorice root syrup is carried out in a dark place at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees.

It is necessary to store the drug for no more than two years. It is strictly forbidden to prepare syrup on your own and take it for the treatment of various diseases. This is due to the fact that it is possible not to calculate the dose of the components. Improperly prepared homemade syrup can negatively affect human health. During pregnancy, it is strictly forbidden to take a folk remedy in the form of licorice root syrup. In spite of high efficiency the drug, it can be harmful to health if prepared and dosing incorrectly.

Features of taking licorice syrup

Dosage and contraindication in the use of the drug

Pregnant women need to take licorice root syrup three times a day, one teaspoon. In this case, the dose of the drug is stirred in half a glass of water. The course of treatment for pregnant women with this medication should be no more than 10 days.

In the event that licorice syrup is used by a pregnant woman who is suffering, then the treatment must be carried out under the daily supervision of a doctor. Licorice syrup has no unwanted content, so it can be used in complex treatment pregnant women.

If a female representative has an individual intolerance to syrup, then in no case should it be taken. During the intake of licorice syrup in the indicated doses, an overdose is not observed.

Licorice syrup should not be taken by patients with peptic ulcer or stomach inflammation.

Licorice syrup is effective remedy in the fight against. Reception of this drug pregnant women should be done with caution and under the strict supervision of a physician.