The efficacy of licorice

Glycyrrhiza (licorice) is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb with multiple therapeutic effects. Its primary functions include: 1. Reinforcing the Spleen and Benefiting Qi: Licorice can strengthen heart Qi and is used to treat palpitations caused by insufficient heart Qi, often combined with herbs such as ginseng (Ren Shen) and rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang). It also helps to gently nourish the spleen and stomach, relieving symptoms such as weakness of the spleen and stomach, fatigue, and lack of energy. 2. Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough: Licorice helps resolve phlegm and relieve coughing and wheezing with excessive phlegm. It can be combined with other herbs depending on the condition, regardless of whether the condition is cold, heat, deficiency, or excess in nature. 3. Alleviating Spasms and Relieving Pain: Licorice has significant pain-relieving properties and is used to treat stomach pain, abdominal pain, and spasmodic calf muscle pain. It is often used together with peony (Shao Yao). 4. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Licorice clears heat and detoxifies the body. It is used to treat abscesses, carbuncles, ulcers, and sore throat. It can also counteract toxicity from drugs or food poisoning. Licorice should be used according to medical advice to avoid excessive or improper use.