Zhi Gan Cao in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, combining different herbs into a formula as treatment for patients is a difficult and calculated task. Things to be concerned are the individual herb’s dosage, toxicity, property, incompatibility, as well as method of processing. Because of the complexity of each formula, a harmonizing herb is often added in to balance as well as improve the actions of other herbs. Zhi Gan Cao in Chinese medicine is often used as one of the main harmonizers for a formula. It also has its own medicinal effect when used alone.

Zhi Gan Cao

Zhi Gan Cao, or licorice root, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a plant that is in the legume family native to Asia and southern Europe. A perennial plant that can grow up to one meter high, Zhi Gan Cao is mostly known for its sweet-tasting compounds called anethole and glycyrrhizic acid, which are much sweeter than sugar. This characteristic makes licorice a sweet addition to flavor food, drinks, and some recipes. These compounds are also known for their medicinal effects such as being anti-viral and endocrine-stimulating.

In Chinese Medicine

Sweetness is the flavor that characterizes the main digestive organs of the body, the spleen and the stomach. Any herb that has a sweet taste usually improves the functions of these organs. Zhi Gan Cao affects the channels of the heart, lungs, spleen, and stomach, and it falls into the category of Qi tonic.

It revitalizes the heart by nourishing and improving the blood flow. This can effectively treats heart conditions such as palpitations and insomnia. It strengthens the lungs by improve its function of qi dispersion and water metabolism. As a result, lungs can be moistened, coughs can be reduced, and sore throats can be relieved. This is why licorice is often added to cough drops or syrups. By strengthening the spleen qi, the transformation of food and fluid into qi and blood is improved and the person can gain back strength and energy. This is if the Zhi Gan Cao is pan-roasted in preparation, because the spleen itself prefers to be warm and dry. As for the stomach, the herb acts as a protector because in formulas, it can help harmonize and detoxify any excess toxins from other herbs. By itself, Zhi Gan Cao can help soothe any stomach’s indigestion problem.

This herb has a warm energy, and is recommended to be used in small quantity. In a small amount, it can help the liver detoxify. However, in larger amounts, it has the opposite effect: being toxic to the liver. If a person has edema, hypertension, or abdominal distension, then Zhi Gan Cao should not be used. If there is diarrhea, and the herb is needed, then it must be pan-roasted, to complement the spleen’s characteristic of liking to be warm and dry. It can be taken in many forms, from decoction, to pills, to tea. It is not to be mistaken with licorice candy, which has no real licorice in it. Thus, Zhi Gan Cao should be limited to medicinal or flavor use, but not as a food. Supplements can be mail-ordered, or consult a local Chinese medicine practitioner for the appropriate formula based on your health conditions.