Licorice root (Gancao)
Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.
Pharmaceutical Name: .
Botanical Name: 1. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.; 2. Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat.; 3. Glycyrrhiza
glabra L.
Common Name: Licorice root
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong
Bencao Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The rhizomes are dug in spring or autumn. After the fibrous
roots and bark have been removed, the rhizomes are cut into slices and dried in
the sun.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and
neutral.
Meridians: Heart, lung, spleen and
stomach.
Functions: 1. To tonify the spleen and
replenish qi; 2. To moisten the lungs and stop coughs; 3. To relax spasms and
stop pain; 4. To moderate the action of herbs; 5. To reduce fire and release
toxins.
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficient qi of the spleen and stomach
manifested as poor appetite, loose stool and lassitude. Licorice root
(Gancao) is used with White atractylodes (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling) and Ginseng
(Renshen) in the formula Sijunzi Tang.
2. Cough and asthma. Licorice root
(Gancao) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren) and Ephedra (Mahuang) in the
formula Sanniu Tang.
3. Carbuncles, furuncles, sore throat and
swelling due to toxic heat. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with Platycodon
root (Jiegeng), Scrophularia (Xuanshen) and Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) for sore
throat; Licorice root (Gancao) can also be used with Honeysuckle flower
(Jinyinhua) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao) for carbuncles, furuncles and
swellings.
4. Abdominal pain due to spasms of the
stomach or intestines. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with White peony root
(Baishao).
5. For epigastric and abdominal pains,
it is used with Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao),
and Saccharum Granorum (Yi Tang) in “The Minor Decoction for Strengthening the
Middle Heater” ( Xiao Jian Zhong Tang). For spasm and pain of the extremities,
it is used with Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) in “The Decoction of Peony and
Licorice” (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang).
6. Moderating the action of other herbs.
For example, Licorice root (Gancao) with Prepared aconite root (Fuzi) and Dried
ginger (Ganjiang) can weaken the heating properties and lessen the side effects
of some herbs. This combination is called Sini Tang.
Dosage: 2-10 g, decocted in water for
an oral dose. For clearing away Heat and poisons, it is used unprepared; for tonifying
the Spleen and Stomach, it is honey-baked.
Cautions & Contraindications: This
herb is contraindicated during cases of excess dampness causing distension and
fullness in the chest and abdominal region, or vomiting. It counteracts Peking
spurge root (Daji), Genkwa flower (Yuanhua), Kansui root (Gansui) and Seaweed
(Haizao). Prolonged overdosing of the herb may cause edema.
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