What are the functions and effects of炙甘草 (roasted licorice)?
Processed licorice (prepared glycyrrhiza), as a processed form of licorice, may have various effects including strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing heat and detoxifying, alleviating spasms and pain, and harmonizing the properties of other herbs. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Strengthening the Spleen and Harmonizing the Stomach
Processed licorice can tonify qi and strengthen the middle burner, replenishing qi of the spleen and stomach. It helps improve symptoms caused by spleen and stomach deficiency, such as fatigue due to spleen weakness, indigestion, poor appetite, shortness of breath, general weakness, reduced food intake, and loose stools. It is commonly used together with herbs like ginseng, white atractylodes, and poria to enhance its effect of strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the digestive system.
2. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough
Processed licorice affects the spleen and lung meridians and has antitussive effects. It helps relieve symptoms such as cough and wheezing caused by upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and similar conditions. By tonifying lung qi, it enhances the lung's functions of dispersion and descent, thereby alleviating cough and shortness of breath.
3. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Processed licorice has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, effectively relieving symptoms caused by excessive internal heat, such as dry mouth, sore throat, abscesses, throat obstruction, or poisoning from drugs or food. Additionally, it can help break down alcohol toxins in the body, reduce alcohol-induced liver damage, and thus serve as an antidote for alcohol intoxication.
4. Alleviating Acute Conditions and Relieving Pain
Processed licorice can relieve acute spasms and pain. It is effective in alleviating abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach. It is often combined with herbs such as cinnamon twig (guizhi) and peony (shaoyao). For example, Shaoyao Gancao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction) uses processed licorice; when combined with mu tong, rehmannia, and bamboo leaf, it can treat oral ulcers and painful, difficult urination.
5. Harmonizing the Properties of Other Herbs
Processed licorice is commonly used in traditional Chinese herbal formulas to harmonize the actions of other herbs. It moderates the potency of other ingredients, reduces their potential irritation to the body, and makes the overall effect milder and longer-lasting. At the same time, it enhances the absorption and utilization of other herbs, improving the overall therapeutic efficacy.
Processed licorice also has a certain diuretic effect; however, excessive use may worsen edema, so patients with edema should use it cautiously.