Are the side effects of licorice significant?

Whether the side effects of licorice are significant cannot be generalized and requires judgment and analysis based on the medication taken. When licorice is taken in normal dosages, the side effects are usually not significant. However, when taken in excess, the side effects are typically more pronounced. Licorice is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to tonify qi. It has a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and is associated with the heart, lung, spleen, and stomach meridians. It can nourish qi and the middle jiao, eliminate phlegm and relieve cough, alleviate urgent symptoms and pain, detoxify, and moderate the properties of other herbs. It is commonly used to improve conditions such as spleen and stomach weakness, fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, excessive cough with phlegm, and recurrent pain. If the medication is strictly taken as prescribed by a doctor, without any self-medication or overdose, the side effects are generally not significant. Conversely, if the medication is not taken strictly as prescribed, and an overdose occurs, the side effects are relatively more significant. In such cases, side effects such as elevated blood pressure, headache, and weight gain may appear. In severe cases, it may even damage the kidneys, affecting overall health. If noticeable discomfort occurs after taking the medication, it is crucial to stop taking it immediately and seek medical treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, medications should be taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor and not blindly, to avoid adverse effects on one's health. During medication, it is also important to rest adequately and avoid excessive fatigue.