Licorice Root
The grandfather of Chinese herbs — Licorice Root tonifies Spleen Qi, moistens the Lung, clears heat, resolves toxicity, and harmonises nearly every formula in the classical tradition with its sweet, balanced, and universally beloved nature.
What Is Licorice Root?
Licorice Root (Gan Cao, 甘草) — literally "Sweet Herb" — is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, a leguminous plant native to the grasslands of northern China, Mongolia, and Russia. It holds a unique position in Traditional Chinese Medicine as simultaneously one of the most clinically potent herbs and the most universally harmonising — appearing in more classical formulas than almost any other single herb. Often called "the grandfather of Chinese herbs" (国老, Guo Lao, meaning "Elder Statesman of the Nation"), its profound sweetness symbolises its mediating, balancing, and nourishing role.
Sweet and neutral in nature, raw Licorice Root (Sheng Gan Cao) enters the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels. Its actions span the full range of TCM clinical needs: tonifying Spleen Qi (building energy and digestion), moistening the Lung and stopping cough, clearing heat and resolving fire toxicity (used for sore throat, carbuncles, and toxic infections), and — most uniquely — moderating and harmonising the actions of other herbs within a formula. This last action is why Licorice appears in such a vast proportion of classical prescriptions: it reduces the harshness and side effects of stronger herbs, prolongs the duration of action, and ensures the formula works as a harmonious whole.
History & Origin
Licorice Root is one of the most ancient medicinal plants in the world, with documented use in Chinese medicine spanning over 3,000 years and parallel traditions in Ayurveda, ancient Greek medicine, and Egyptian healing reaching even further back.
Traditional Uses
Tonifies Spleen Qi
Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach to build energy, improve appetite, and support the generation of Qi and Blood — used for fatigue, poor digestion, and loose stools from Spleen deficiency.
Moistens the Lung & Stops Cough
Soothes and moistens the Lung, used for dry cough, irritable throat, and Lung dryness — its sweet, moist nature gently restores Lung moisture without being cloying.
Clears Heat & Resolves Toxicity
Raw Licorice (Sheng Gan Cao) clears heat toxin — used for sore throat, carbuncles, skin infections, and food poisoning. One of the classical antidotes to herbal toxicity.
Harmonises Formulas & Moderates Harshness
The most distinctive and philosophically unique action in all of TCM herbal pharmacy — Licorice moderates the extreme properties of harsh or toxic herbs, prolongs formula action, and ensures all herbs work together harmoniously.
Relaxes Spasms & Relieves Pain
Combined with White Peony Root (Bai Shao), forms Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang — one of TCM's most effective antispasmodic formulas for abdominal cramping, muscle cramps, and gastric spasm.
Resolves Phlegm & Supports the Lung
Used as a harmonising herb in respiratory formulas, supporting the Lung's descending function and moderating the stronger phlegm-resolving herbs alongside it.
Health Benefits
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Universal Formula HarmoniserAppears in more classical formulas than any other herb — moderates harshness, prolongs action, and brings the prescription into balance.
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Spleen Qi TonificationStrengthens the Spleen and Stomach for better digestion, energy, and the ongoing generation of Qi and Blood.
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Heat Clearing & DetoxificationClears heat toxin and moderates toxicity — used for sore throat, infections, and as a classical herbal antidote.
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Scientifically ValidatedGlycyrrhizin confirmed for anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and adrenal-supporting properties across hundreds of studies.
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AntispasmodicPaired with White Peony in Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang — one of TCM's most effective formulas for abdominal cramps and muscle spasms.
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products.
