Gan Cao - Licorice Root
TCM Materia Medica
Gan Cao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "gan cao" which in english is 
"licorice root", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify qi" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the gall bladder, heart, kidney, large intestine, liver, lung, pericardium, small intestine, spleen, stomach, triple heater and urinary bladder channels and exhibits neutral (ping), sweet (gan) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 2-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- 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).
Gan Cao has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding gan cao:
- Affects all 12 meridians, but most used with the heart, lung, spleen, and stomach meridians.
- When raw it has more neutral properties, when dry-fried it is more warming.
Gan Cao may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain, fatigue, leg pain and/or sore throat
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, gan cao is generally included in the following 63 formulas:
As noted above, gan cao is within the herbs that tonify qi functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... herbs in this category are generally sweet and rich. they are most often combined with herbs that move and regulate the qi. )".
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