What are the functions and benefits of processed licorice root (Zhi Gan Cao)?

Feb 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

In general, the functions and effects of炙甘草 (processed licorice root) include strengthening the spleen and regulating the stomach, invigorating qi to restore the pulse, relieving cough with phlegm-resolving action, clearing heat and detoxifying, and harmonizing the properties of other herbs. 炙甘草 can enhance spleen function, promote digestion and absorption, and improve symptoms such as fatigue and poor appetite caused by spleen deficiency. It is commonly used together with herbs like ginseng (人参) and white atractylodes (白术) to enhance its spleen-strengthening effects.

Generally speaking, the functions and benefits of processed licorice (Zhi Gancao) include strengthening the spleen and stomach, invigorating qi and restoring pulse, relieving cough and expelling phlegm, clearing heat and detoxifying, and harmonizing the properties of other herbs. Specific details are as follows:

1. Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach

Processed licorice can enhance the functions of the spleen and stomach, promote digestion and absorption, and improve symptoms such as fatigue and poor appetite caused by spleen weakness. It is often used together with herbs like ginseng (Ren Shen) and white atractylodes (Bai Zhu) to enhance its spleen-strengthening effects.

2. Invigorating Qi and Restoring the Pulse

Processed licorice has the function of invigorating qi, improving symptoms such as irregular pulse and palpitations caused by qi deficiency. In treating conditions like insufficient heart qi and inadequate blood vessel filling, processed licorice is often used in large amounts and combined with herbs such as ginseng and donkey-hide gelatin (E Jiao).

3. Relieving Cough and Expelling Phlegm

Licorice significantly alleviates cough symptoms. Whether the cough is due to cold wind, heat wind, or excessive phlegm, processed licorice can be combined with other appropriate herbs to achieve cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects. For example, for cold wind cough, it can be used together with ephedra (Ma Huang) and bitter apricot seed (Ku Xing Ren); for heat wind cough, it can be combined with mulberry leaf (Sang Ye) and bitter apricot seed.

4. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Processed licorice has certain effects of clearing heat and detoxifying and can be used to treat symptoms such as heat-toxic sores, abscesses, and sore throat. In treating heat-toxic sores and abscesses, processed licorice can be used alone or together with herbs like honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) and forsythia (Lian Qiao). For sore throat, it can be combined with herbs like scrophularia (Xuan Shen) and wheat winter (Mai Dong).

5. Harmonizing the Properties of Other Herbs

Processed licorice often plays a role in harmonizing other herbs. It can moderate the potent properties of other herbs, allowing them to work together more effectively in treatment. It can also reduce the toxicity and side effects of certain herbs.

Processed licorice should not be used together with herbs such as Euphorbia pekinensis (Jing Da Ji), Genkwa flower (Yuan Hua), and Sargassum (Gan Sui). Additionally, individuals with excessive dampness and fullness in the middle jiao should consult a physician before using processed licorice. When using processed licorice, it is important to follow the guidance and advice of a physician to ensure safe and effective medication use.

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The efficacy of drinking water infused with honey-fried licorice root

In general, the benefits of drinking prepared licorice (Zhi Gan Cao) steeped in water include strengthening the spleen, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, alleviating spasms and pain, clearing heat and detoxifying, and enhancing immunity. Prepared licorice gently harmonizes the spleen and stomach, effectively alleviating symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness, indigestion, and loss of appetite. Drinking an appropriate amount of prepared licorice water helps improve the transforming and transporting functions of the spleen and stomach, promoting the absorption and utilization of nutrients.

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What are the functions and effects of processed licorice (Zhi Gancao)?

In general, Zhi Gancao is a type of processed Chinese herb made by roasting licorice root with honey. It is warm in nature and sweet in taste, and is associated with the heart, lung, stomach, and spleen meridians. It has multiple functions and effects, including strengthening the spleen and replenishing vital energy, harmonizing the middle jiao, protecting the liver, clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving spasms and pain, and moderating the properties of other herbs. Despite its wide range of therapeutic benefits, Zhi Gancao should still be used according to medical advice and in appropriate amounts.