Licorice Root

 

Licorice Root is called “gan cao” in Chinese.  It is used as an energy tonic and is the most commonly used herb to harmonize or balance an herbal formula.  It is used in Western Herbal Medicine to stop coughing and strengthen the adrenal glands.

It is combined with peony root to make a formula that relaxes the muscles and relieves spasms.

Chinese Medicine Indications:

Tonifies the spleen, augments Qi – commonly used for spleen deficiency.  Qi or blood deficiency with intermittent pulse or palpitations

Moistens the lungs, stops coughing – for coughing and wheezing – either heat or cold in lungs

Clears heat, relieves fire toxicity – use raw for carbuncles, sores or sore throat due to fire toxin.

Moderates spasms alleviates pain – painful spasms of the abdomen or legs

Moderates and harmonizes the characteristics of other herbs.  Moderates hot and cold herbs, mitigates the violent properties of other herbs, can lead and conduct other herbs into all the channels

Antidote for toxic substances.