What are the functions and effects of processed licorice root?
Nov 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Processed licorice root (Jiu Gancao) is a prepared form of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb licorice root, processed through honey roasting. Its main functions and therapeutic effects include harmonizing the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi and restoring the pulse, moistening the lungs to relieve cough, detoxification, and alleviating spasms and pain. When using processed licorice root, it should be taken according to medical advice. Excessive or long-term administration should be avoided to prevent potential side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, it should not be used concurrently with Kansui root (Radix Kansui), Jingda Ji (Euphorbia pekinensis), Yuan Hua (Flos Genkwa), or seaweed (Sargassum species).
Processed licorice root is a type of processed traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from raw licorice root, prepared through honey-processing. Its main functions and therapeutic effects include harmonizing the spleen and stomach, replenishing vital energy and restoring pulse, moistening the lungs to relieve cough, detoxification, and alleviating spasms and pain. Detailed functions are as follows:
1. Harmonizing the spleen and stomach: Processed licorice root can strengthen the spleen and replenish qi, suitable for symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness, fatigue, and weakness.
2. Replenishing vital energy and restoring pulse: Processed licorice root has certain therapeutic effects on symptoms such as palpitations and irregular pulse.
3. Moistening the lungs and relieving cough: With a sweet and neutral property, processed licorice root can moisten the lungs, relieve coughing, and alleviate asthma. It can be used for cough and asthma caused by external or internal factors, cold or heat, deficiency or excess conditions, and impaired lung function in dispersion and descending.
4. Detoxification: It has detoxifying properties and is effective for conditions such as abscesses, throat obstruction, and poisoning due to drugs or food.
5. Alleviating spasms and relieving pain: Processed licorice root can alleviate spasms and relieve pain. It is often used together with cinnamon twig, peony root, and maltose to treat abdominal cramping pain caused by deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach.
In daily use, processed licorice root should be taken according to medical advice. Excessive or long-term use should be avoided to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects. Additionally, it should not be used together with Euphorbia kansui, Euphorbia pekinensis,芫花 (Genkwa flower), or seaweed (Sargassum).
