Is It Safe for Infants to Drink Licorice Tea? Pros and Cons Explained

Is it suitable for newborns to drink Gan Li tea?

Hello Dr.
Chang, my younger brother is currently almost 3 months old and is being cared for by my mother-in-law.
At birth, he was consuming about 60cc of formula every 3 hours, and now he is taking approximately 110cc every 3 hours.
However, it seems that the baby is starting to show signs of milk aversion; sometimes he doesn't want to drink at all, or he only drinks half and then refuses more.
My mother-in-law is worried that he might not be getting enough nutrition (he currently weighs over 5 kilograms).
She wants to introduce solid foods and give him licorice tea.
I am very concerned about whether it is safe for such a young child to consume this.
Could you please provide information on the pros and cons of infants drinking licorice tea, so I can have more comprehensive information for our discussions? Thank you very much.

Xinshou Mama, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/12

Dr. Zhang Jinglong reply Pediatrics

Currently, my younger brother is almost 3 months old and is being cared for by my mother-in-law.
At birth, he consumed about 60cc of formula every 3 hours, and now he takes approximately 110cc, still around every 3 hours.
However, the baby seems to be developing a disinterest in feeding; sometimes he doesn't want to drink at all, or he stops after drinking half.
My mother-in-law is worried that he might not be getting enough nutrition (he currently weighs over 5 kilograms).
She wants to introduce solid foods and give him licorice tea.
I am concerned about whether it is safe for such a young child to consume this.
Could you please provide the pros and cons of infants drinking "licorice tea" so I can have more information for our discussion? Thank you very much.
1.
Your baby's weight is currently normal.
You can refer to the growth chart in the child health handbook for weight.
If the total daily milk intake reaches over 100cc per kilogram, there is no need to force him to drink more.
The period of disinterest in feeding usually occurs between 4 to 6 months, but it may not happen exactly during that month.
It is common for children to go through phases where their milk intake decreases during growth.
This is a normal adjustment phenomenon and shouldn't be overly concerning, especially as the baby grows and interacts more with the environment, which can distract him from feeding.
However, if there is a noticeable decrease in energy, it is advisable to consult a pediatric specialist nearby.
2.
It is generally recommended to wait until around four months before trying to introduce solid foods.
3.
The main ingredients of licorice tea include: Astragalus, Stonewall Grass, Reishi Mushroom, Yellow Flower Honey Vegetable, and Golden Silk Bitter Herb.
Considering that an infant's liver and kidney functions are not yet fully developed, licorice tea may impose a burden on a young infant's body.
It is not recommended for infants to drink licorice tea.
Wishing you peace and health.

Reply Date: 2004/07/12

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether it is safe for infants to drink licorice tea, there are several important factors to consider. Licorice tea, made from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, but it also carries certain risks, especially for young children.

Pros of Licorice Tea
1. Potential Soothing Properties: Licorice root is known for its soothing effects on the digestive system. It may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion or stomach discomfort, which could be beneficial for some infants.

2. Natural Sweetness: Licorice has a naturally sweet flavor, which might make it more appealing to some children compared to other herbal teas that may be bitter or bland.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that licorice may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically help with minor ailments.

Cons of Licorice Tea
1. Risk of Hypertension: One of the most significant concerns with licorice root is its potential to cause hypertension (high blood pressure). Glycyrrhizin, a compound found in licorice, can lead to sodium retention and potassium loss, which can be particularly dangerous for infants whose bodies are still developing.

2. Hormonal Effects: Licorice can affect hormone levels in the body. In infants, this could potentially disrupt normal hormonal development, leading to issues such as altered growth patterns or other endocrine-related problems.

3. Kidney Stress: Infants have immature kidney function, and the additional burden of processing compounds found in licorice could lead to kidney stress or dysfunction.

4. Allergic Reactions: As with any herbal product, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Infants may be particularly sensitive to new substances, and introducing licorice tea could lead to unexpected side effects.

5. Nutritional Concerns: If an infant is given licorice tea, it may replace more nutritionally beneficial fluids, such as breast milk or formula, which are essential for their growth and development.

Recommendations
Given the potential risks associated with licorice tea, it is generally not recommended for infants, especially those under six months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants should primarily receive breast milk or formula until they are about six months old, at which point solid foods can be introduced gradually.

If your infant is showing signs of disinterest in formula or breast milk, it is crucial to consult with a pediatrician before introducing any new foods or beverages, including herbal teas. The pediatrician can provide guidance on appropriate nutritional needs and help address any concerns about your baby's feeding habits.

In summary, while licorice tea may have some appealing properties, the potential risks far outweigh the benefits for infants. It is always best to prioritize their health and safety by sticking to recommended feeding practices and consulting healthcare professionals when in doubt.

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