Gān Cǎo · Licorice Root
Gān Cǎo (甘草, Licorice Root) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Qi Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Spleen Qi, Moisten Lungs, Clear Heat and Toxins.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Gān Cǎo
- Characters
- 甘草
- Botanical name
- Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Part used
- Root and rhizome
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach
- Category
- Qi Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Slightly toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China, Central Asia
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Spleen Qi
- Moisten Lungs
- Clear Heat and Toxins
- Harmonize Other Herbs
Traditional uses
- Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency
- Dry cough and sore throat
- Carbuncles and sores
- Painful spasms and cramps
- Drug and food toxicity
Studied effects and current applications
- Soothes digestive system
- Relieves cough and sore throat
- Reduces inflammation
- Balances hormones
- Protects stomach lining
- Enhances other herbs' effects
Applications under investigation
- Peptic ulcers
- GERD and heartburn
- Respiratory infections
- Adrenal fatigue
- Eczema and skin conditions
- Formula harmonization
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Hypokalemia
- Pregnancy
Relative contraindications
- Diabetes
- Edema
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
- Pregnancy
- May cause preterm birth and developmental issues.
- Breastfeeding
- May reduce milk supply and affect infant.
- Children
- Use only short-term in small amounts.
- Older adults
- Use with great caution; monitor blood pressure and potassium
Possible adverse effects
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle weakness
When to stop
- Blood pressure increases
- Edema develops
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- After 4-6 weeks continuous use
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diuretics | Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide | Severe | Increased potassium loss, risk of severe hypokalemia Avoid combination or monitor potassium closely |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone, Hydrocortisone | Severe | Potentiates corticosteroid effects and side effects Avoid combination |
| Antihypertensives | All blood pressure medications | Severe | May counteract blood pressure medications Avoid with hypertension |
| Digoxin | Digoxin | Severe | Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia Avoid combination |
With other herbs
- diuretic_herbs Increased potassium loss
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 2-10 grams daily
- Powder
- 1-3 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 4-6 weeks max
- Maximum
- Avoid continuous use over 6 weeks (hypertension risk)
- Children
- Use cautiously, avoid prolonged use due to glycyrrhizin.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 2-10g for 15-25 min. Add last 5 min when in formulas.
Harmonizing formulas, cough, digestion
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid) and chalcone flavonoids
Triterpene saponin · Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, expectorant
11β-HSD inhibition (mineralocorticoid effect), viral replication inhibition, IFN induction · 2-9% in dry root
Triterpene aglycone (glycyrrhizin metabolite) · Anti-inflammatory, anti-gastric ulcer
11β-HSD2 inhibition, gastric prostaglandin modulation · Systemic active metabolite of glycyrrhizin
Flavanones glycosides · Antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant
Dopamine and serotonin modulation, direct antioxidant activity · 1-2%
Chalcone · Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic
NF-κB inhibition, apoptosis induction, α-glucosidase inhibition · 0.05-0.2%
Isoflavane · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin depigmentation
Tyrosinase inhibition, free radical scavenging, COX blockade · 0.1-0.6% in root extract
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (before bud break) or autumn (October-November), 3-4 year old plants
Roots harvested in autumn when glycyrrhizin content is maximum. The roots must be at least 3-4 years old to reach adequate concentrations. Surface stems and twigs are removed.
Root cut into 3-5 mm slices and dried in the sun. Reddish-brown outer skin, yellow interior. Most used form in decoctions.
Slices mixed with diluted honey (25 ml per 100 g) and fried over medium heat until the honey is absorbed and the surface is golden brown without sticking. Honey enhances the toning action.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
