9Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome

Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems as the "Great Harmonizer" and Qi-TonifierChinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao), also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root), literally "sweet herb," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried roots of one of the most important and universal herbs in TCM. This herb has been held in high regard for over 3000 years and is classically described as the "Great Harmonizer" – meaning it is used to balance other herbs in formulas, reduce their side effects, and strengthen the overall coherence of the formula. It is also very frequently used as a standalone herb for Qi tonification, digestion support, lung comfort and general vitality.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) is described as a sweet and neutral herb with cooling to warming character (depending on preparation). In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on all 12 meridian channels, but especially on the Heart, Lung, Spleen and Stomach meridians. According to this traditional description, chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) primarily tonifies the so‑called "Qi" and strengthens the "Spleen" – central in TCM for normal digestion, energy distribution and nutrient absorption.Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) is also seen as an herb that "detoxifies," "reduces inflammation," "normalizes lung moisture" and "calms spasms." It is traditionally used to promote normal digestion, support normal lung function, ease normal cough and superficial sore throat, and harmonize all formulas with which it is combined.Special Property: "Harmonizer and Ambassador"Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) is particularly known as the "Great Harmonizer" (調和藥) in TCM – meaning it is used in almost all formulas (up to 70% of all TCM formulas contain chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) to:Help other herbs work better togetherImprove the taste and tolerability of formulasWeaken potential side effects of stronger herbsHarmonize the overall action of the formulaThis makes chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) essential in TCM practice.Botanical Composition and ResearchChinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) contains over 150 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Glycyrrhizin (3-15%) – the main active component, gives sweet tasteGlabridin – polyphenol with antioxidant actionLiquiritin and isoliquiritin – flavonoidsFlavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) – antioxidant substancesPolysaccharides – immune supportCoumarins and phenolic acids – anti-inflammatory substancesIsoflavones and pterocarpans – phytoestrogen-like componentsEssential oils and volatile componentsModern scientific research shows that chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) extracts can offer diverse benefits:Qi-tonification and digestion support: Studies show that certain components can support normal digestive enzyme activity and normal stomach secretions. Glycyrrhizin can promote normal gastro-intestinal mucosa protection.Anti-inflammatory action: Glycyrrhizin and glabridin have powerful anti-inflammatory effects comparable to mild corticosteroids – without the side effects. This helps maintain normal inflammation balance in the body.Antioxidant activity: Flavonoids and glabridin possess strong free-radical-fighting action, providing protection against oxidative stress.Liver support: Research suggests that glycyrrhizin can support normal liver enzyme function and may have hepatoprotective effects.Lung comfort and respiratory support: Traditionally used for normal cough relief; research suggests glycyrrhizin can support normal mucus production and normal respiratory comfort.Immune support: Polysaccharides can support normal immune cell activity and normal antivirus response.Stress and cortisol support: Studies suggest that certain components can support normal cortisol levels and normal adrenal function.Antimicrobial and antiviral action: Research shows that glycyrrhizin can have antimicrobial and potentially antivirus effects.Heart health: Certain components can support normal blood pressure and normal cholesterol levels.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) is classically used in situations described as:Qi-deficiency related fatigue or weaknessWeak digestion or bloated sensationCough (both productive and dry) with mucusSore throat or superficial throat discomfortSupporting normal lung comfortCalming spasms or superficial muscle tensionNormal adrenal stress supportLiver detoxification supportSupporting normal skin healthHarmonizing all formulasThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Two Preparation Forms with Different Effects:Raw Gan Cao (生甘草): More cooling, more detoxifying, less tonifyingHoney-Fried Gan Cao (炙甘草): Warmer, more tonifying, better for digestionClassical Formulas with chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao)Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) is used in almost all classical TCM formulas, but plays a particularly crucial role in:Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Formula – classical Qi tonic)Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat & Jujube – classical heart rest formula)Xiao Yao San (Free Wanderer – classical stress relief formula)Many more – up to 70% of all formulasSafe and Universal ProfileChinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) is known as one of the safest TCM herbs, suitable for long-term daily use, for children, pregnant women (except caution with high blood pressure), and elderly people.Seasonality and Daily UseChinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) fits well into daily wellness routines, not seasonally dependent. It can safely be used for years.Well-being and Daily UseChinese Licorice Root & Rhizome (Gan-cao) is valued by modern users as part of a conscious wellness routine aimed at overall vitality, normal digestion, normal lung health, normal stress support and general balance. The herb works optimally in daily tea, in formulas, or as part of nutrition, combined with regular movement and adequate nutrition.Many users see chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) as an essential daily element – as a harmonizing, tonifying herb that keeps everything in the body in balance, alongside professional guidance and regular medical care when needed.CAUTION: High Blood PressureAlthough very safe, long-term excessive use of chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) (more than 30-60 grams per day over longer periods) may potentially affect normal blood pressure regulation in sensitive individuals. Normal, professional dosages (3-15 grams per day) are very safe.CAUTION: Drug InteractionsIndividuals on certain medications (especially corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, diuretics) should seek professional advice before using high doses of chinese-licorice-root-rhizome (Gan-cao) long-term.Important Note for the ConsumerThis product is a dietary supplement and can also be used as a food ingredient or flavor enhancer. TCM terms such as Qi-Tonification, Spleen-Strengthening and Harmonization are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine. If you have persistent digestive, respiratory or heart problems, you should always consult a doctor or health expert.