What happens if you eat too much licorice tablets?

Licorice tablets are relatively safe and have relatively few side effects. They are effective in moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, clearing away heat and detoxifying. However, when taking licorice tablets, you must be aware of some precautions. Do not eat too much or take them for a long time. This is because some substances in licorice tablets are addictive. Eating too much may cause poisoning, which will have an adverse effect on your health.

What happens if you eat too much licorice tablets?

It is well known that licorice tablets can treat coughs. Licorice tablets are over-the-counter antitussive and expectorant drugs with a wide range of effects. They are often used in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions and Chinese patent medicines to replenish qi and spleen, harmonize the stomach and relieve urgency, and coordinate various medicines. We must use compound licorice tablets with caution, especially to avoid overdose.

1. Long-term use of licorice tablets can cause addiction

The ingredients of compound licorice tablets are licorice extract powder, opium powder, camphor, star anise oil, and sodium benzoate. Its licorice extract has the function of promoting throat and bronchial secretion, making sputum easier to cough up; opium powder has analgesic, sedative and antitussive effects. However, opioids are drugs that can easily cause human dependence (addiction). Even if the content is very low, long-term or large doses of opioids can cause addiction. According to clinical reports, if the drug is taken for too long, euphoria may occur, and people may gradually develop a desire and dependence on it. Once the medication is stopped, the patient may experience symptoms such as frequent yawning, cold sweats, runny nose, and even restlessness, which often take two or three months to get rid of. Therefore, it is not suitable for long-term use. Generally, it should not be used continuously for more than 7 days. You can stop taking the medicine when the cough symptoms are alleviated. It should not be abused and is best used under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Licorice tablets can easily cause opium poisoning

Compound licorice tablets are a compound preparation containing opium powder. If compound licorice tablets are given to infants under one year old, only 1/4 tablet is needed each time.

The danger of opioid poisoning lies in its inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, especially the respiratory center, which can lead to respiratory failure and may be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Therefore, when using compound licorice tablets to treat cough in young children, be sure to ask the doctor clearly about the dosage and number of times per day, and take the medicine strictly according to the doctor's instructions to prevent overdose in young children, which may cause adverse reactions and life-threatening.

3. Excessive intake of licorice tablets affects male sexual function

A recent British study showed that excessive consumption of licorice, which is used for medical purposes or as a food additive, can cause damage to men's sexual function. Researchers point out that excessive consumption of licorice can reduce the secretion of male hormones, leading to sexual dysfunction such as loss of libido. To this end, the European Union published a research report, which clearly recommends that people should not consume more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day. When taking licorice tablets, they should follow the doctor's advice and avoid taking excessive amounts to avoid affecting male sexual function.