Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Is Licorice Root safe?

by Jennifer
(Virginia)

I've heard that licorice root can be toxic to your unborn baby. I've recently found that it is in a lot of the herbal teas I drink. Is there any truth to this?

Answer:

Hi Jennifer,

In Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year herbalist Susan Weed lists licorice as an herb to avoid during pregnancy due to its steroid-like factors (p.13)

It is safe to take in teas postpartum.

Based on her advice I would switch to a different tea until after your baby's birth.