Differences Between Raw Licorice Root and Honey-Processed Licorice Root

Differences Between Honey-Processed Licorice Root (Zhì Gāncǎo) and Raw Licorice Root (Shēng Gāncǎo): Their preparation methods and therapeutic effects differ. Raw licorice root is produced by simply air-drying ordinary licorice root, whereas honey-processed licorice root is prepared by soaking raw licorice root in honey, resulting in a darker color. The primary actions of raw licorice root are clearing heat, detoxifying, resolving phlegm, and relieving cough; it is commonly used to treat boils and carbuncles, cough, and asthma. Honey-processed licorice root primarily functions to warm and tonify; it helps regulate spleen- and stomach-qi deficiency, alleviate pain, and treat palpitations and fatigue.