The difference between fried licorice and raw licorice

There are several differences between honey-fried licorice (Zhi Gancao) and raw licorice (Sheng Gancao): 1. **Medicinal effects**: Honey-fried licorice has a stronger tonic effect, capable of tonifying the spleen, harmonizing the stomach, promoting yang circulation, restoring pulse, and reinforcing qi. Raw licorice, on the other hand, primarily focuses on clearing heat, detoxifying, resolving phlegm, and relieving cough, while also possessing a mild effect in tonifying spleen qi. 2. **Processing method**: Honey-fried licorice is prepared by stir-baking raw licorice with honey, resulting in a darker color. Raw licorice is simply the dried form of the natural herb without further processing. 3. **Adverse effects**: Excessive intake of honey-fried licorice may lead to significant potassium loss, potentially causing edema. Long-term use of raw licorice may impair the spleen and stomach yang, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort. The specific choice between the two should be based on individual conditions and under medical guidance.