Chinese Liquorice

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Other Names : Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Chinese Licorice Root, sweet herb, beauty grass, radix glycyrrhizae, Gan Cao, gān cǎo (Chinese: 甘草)
Chinese licorice root is an ancient herbal remedy commonly used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Its primary use is as a detoxifying agent and expectorant, although it displays many other properties potentially beneficial for health. Chinese licorice is used alone or mixed with other herbal remedies for enhancement and to limit side effects. Like most herbal remedies, Chinese licorice root has not been scientifically investigated to the satisfaction of American health authorities, so it should not be thought of as a cure for any particular disease as of yet. Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of any herbal supplement.

Special Precautions of Chinese Liquorice

  • Do not confuse with Licorice
  • Avoid with excess dampness, nausea, vomiting.
  • Incompatible with Gan Sui, Da Ji, Yuan Hua, Hai Zao (although used in some formulas with Hai Zao).
  • If taken for long periods of time, may cause hypertension and/or edema.

Actions

  • Tonifies the spleen and augments qi - spleen deficiency w/shortness of breath, fatigue, loose stools (si jun zi tong).
  • Qi and/or blood deficiency w/irregular pluse or palpitations (Zhi Gan Cao Tang).
  • Moistens the lungs and stops cough - heat/cold in the lungs (Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang).
  • Clears heat and toxic fire (raw) - carbuncles, sores, sore throat due to fire toxin (internally or topically).
  • Alleviates pain and stops spasms - abdomen or legs (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang).
  • Often used to harmonize and/or moderate characteristics of other herbs.
  • Antidote for toxic substances (internally and topically)

Benefits and uses of Chinese Liquorice are

Chinese licorice, or Glycyrrhiza uralensis, is a perennial plant native to China and should not be confused with the licorice species from Europe or America, such as Glycyrrhiza glabra. Chinese licorice has different properties than other species of licorice. In China, it’s also referred to as "the great detoxifier" because of the various toxins it’s reputed to be able to remove from the body, according to the book “The Way of Chinese Herbs.” The root of Chinese licorice is the part most used medicinally as it contains many beneficial substances including glycyrrhizin, plant sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is one of the most important herbs for treating disease and promoting good health, along with ginseng and green tea.Some of the compounds in Chinese licorice root display anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic, demulcent and mild laxative properties, according to “Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.” Consequently, the herb may be helpful for boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, fighting mild infections, combating oxidation damage from free radicals and promoting regular bowel movements, although scientific studies need to be conducted before any specific recommendations can be made.
Possible Indications :
Due to its varied properties, Chinese licorice root is recommended for a wide-variety of conditions and symptoms, such as sore throat, tooth decay, gingivitis, canker sores, chronic coughing, bronchitis, influenza, other bacterial and viral infections, arthritis, gout, gastritis, stomach ulcers, indigestion, constipation, enlarged prostate, and liver and pancreatic conditions.

Used in Patent Medicine

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