Licorice Root
Glycyrrhiza uralensis / glabra
甘草
Pinyin: Gān Cǎo
Plant Family
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Part Used
Root and rhizome
Origin
China (G. uralensis), Mediterranean (G. glabra), Middle East, Russia
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Licorice is a perennial legume with purple flowers and long, sweet roots. It is the most widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, appearing in more formulas than any other herb. Known as the "Great Harmonizer," it harmonizes the actions of other herbs in a formula, moderates harsh tastes, and enters all 12 meridians. Glycyrrhizin, the primary sweet compound, is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
neutral (raw) / slightly warm (honey-fried)
Flavors (五味)
sweet
Meridians (归经)
heart, lung, spleen, stomach, all 12 channels
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Harmonizes and moderates - in almost every formula
- Tonifies spleen qi and benefits qi
- Clears heat and detoxifies
- Moistens the lungs and stops cough
- Relieves spasms and pain (muscle cramps, abdominal pain)
- Used in very small amounts in most formulas as envoy herb
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as dried root slices, powder, capsules, liquid extract, lozenges, and as a flavoring agent. In Chinese formulas, it is almost always included in small amounts to harmonize. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is used for digestive issues without the blood pressure concerns.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 2-10g daily. Powder/Capsules: 500-2000mg daily. DGL: 380-760mg before meals for ulcers. Long-term use should be limited to 2-3g daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Spring and autumn, from plants 2-3 years old. Roots are dug, cleaned, and dried in the sun.
Quality Indicators
Thick, solid roots with yellow interior and sweet taste. Chinese licorice (G. uralensis) from Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia is preferred for TCM use. Glycyrrhizin content should be at least 6%. The outer bark should be reddish-brown with longitudinal wrinkles.
Storage
Store dried root in airtight container in cool, dry place. Can be stored for 2-3 years. Protect from moisture and insects.
Safety Information
Contraindications
High blood pressure (hypertension)Heart disease or heart failureKidney diseaseDiabetes (may affect blood sugar)Pregnancy (high doses may cause preterm labor)BreastfeedingLow potassium levels (hypokalemia)Hormone-sensitive cancers
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe at low doses (under 2g daily)
- High blood pressure (with long-term high doses >10g/day)
- Water retention/edema
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Important: Long-term use or high doses can cause serious side effects - use responsibly!
Drug Interactions
- Blood pressure medications (may reduce effectiveness)
- Diuretics (increased potassium loss)
- Corticosteroids (increased effect and side effects)
- Warfarin (may affect INR)
- Lithium (may increase levels)
- Insulin/oral diabetes drugs
- Hormone therapies (estrogen, progesterone)
- MAO inhibitors
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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