Gan Cao (甘草) Health Benefits
What Is Licorice Root?
Licorice is an herb that is classified botanically as a member of the perennial species of the leguminous (Fabaceae) family. The underground parts, such as the rhizome, are the most commonly employed for medicinal purposes.
The root of the plant consists of various chemical components such as flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins. One of the most crucial ingredients found in the root of this plant is glycyrrhizin, which is also known as glycyrrhizic acid. It imparts the sweet taste of licorice and is responsible for most of the undesirable effects of this plant.
Licorice has been used traditionally in China and many other places in the world since ancient times.
Licorice Root in Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Qi Tonic
Among the most well-known uses of Gān Cǎo from the traditional perspective is the tonic effect on Qi.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of Qi can be defined as the energy and activity in the body. The Spleen and Stomach systems are believed to produce Qi. Gān Cǎo is a herb that is known to have strong effects on the spleen and stomach. Thus, when the practitioner recognizes patterns of:
Fatigue or weakness
Poor appetite
Digestion problems
General exhaustion
Physical depletion
the use of formulations containing Gān Cǎo can be recommended.
2. Harmonizes Herbal Formulas
Perhaps one of the most unique functions of licorice is its use as a formula harmonizer.
Instead of considering Gān Cǎo as a single-use herb with a single function, it can often be used in combination with others in a specifically formulated concoction.
Some reasons for using it include:
Harmonizing the herbs in a formula
Mollifying the strong properties of another herb in the formula
Improving the taste of a bitter herb formula
Classical Chinese Herbal texts attach a lot of significance to this function. Modern reviews have also highlighted licorice as one of the most common ingredients of a traditional formula.
One of the many reasons why Gān Cǎo has become such a popular herb in TCM.
3. Traditionally Supports the Throat and Lungs
There is a long history of traditional use of Licorice in formulas for coughs, throat irritation, and respiratory problems.
The sweet taste and nature of licorice have been a contributing factor behind the popularity of licorice root in:
Traditional herbal teas
Lozenges
Herbal syrups
Decoctions
Formulas for the respiratory system
Some studies have been conducted on modern preparations of licorice in relation to particular throat and mouth conditions. Some of them have found preliminary evidence of the efficacy of licorice gargles and lozenges in reducing post-operative throat irritation or some preparations for recurrent canker sores. But there is not enough evidence to say that licorice helps with respiratory disease.
Therefore, it will be more appropriate to say:
Traditional use: a soothing effect on the throat and respiratory system.
Modern research: some preparations show promising preliminary results.
4. Traditionally Used for Muscle Spasms and Cramping
Gān Cǎo has another classical use for cases where there are acute cramps, spasms, and pain.
It is classically used in combination with other herbs, rather than as a single herb for this use.
One example of a classical formula which exemplifies this is Shaoyao Gancao Tang. This formula is historically known as being a combination of white peony and licorice for TCM cramps and spasms.
The example shows that the classical action of an herb will vary depending upon the other herbs used with it.
5. Traditionally Used to "Clear Heat" and "Resolve Toxicity"
Gān Cǎo is also considered to play a role in removing heat and toxicity in some of the formula actions in TCM nomenclature.
These words can sometimes be misleading, because they do not precisely mean what “toxins” or “inflammation” mean in the biomedical context.
In the context of TCM, the use of such terms applies to the following conditions:
Throat problems
Problems in the mouth
Some forms of skin problems
Swelling and irritation
Acute inflammation-like presentations
The above should be regarded as TCM terminology, and not as scientific proof that licorice removes toxins from the body.
What Makes Licorice Interesting?
Licorice is made up of various natural substances, which include:
Glycyrrhizin
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Flavonoids
Isoflavonoids
Chalcones
Others
Glycyrrhizin is especially vital since it makes licorice sweet and biologically active.
However, it is equally the substance behind the health risks associated with excess consumption of licorice.
This is just an example of how wrong the notion that “natural is safe” can be.
Licorice Root: What Does Modern Research Say?
The modern studies of licorice and its components have been conducted in connection with several possible effects.
Yet, there is no solid evidence base to claim that licorice root is an effective treatment for various diseases.
As it is stated by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is currently no sufficient high-quality evidence to support the effectiveness of licorice for any particular health condition. There is some preliminary positive evidence regarding the use of licorice for oral or throat problems, but it depends on the type of licorice preparation, dosage, and the disease under consideration.
Thus, a reliable wellness article needs to separate:
Traditional usage: How this herb has been used by TCM doctors traditionally.
Modern research: What has been investigated through laboratory and human experiments.
Medical treatment: What is based on sufficient clinical evidence.
These three groups must not be confused.
Licorice Root Tea
Some people use the licorice root as an herbal tea or decoction because the root is naturally sweet in taste.
One of the simplest ways of making traditional medicine may include:
Ingredients
Small piece of dried licorice root
1 cup of boiling water
Procedure
Place dried root in a cup or small pan.
Pour hot water over it.
Let it steep following the directions on the product's package.
Afterward, strain the mixture before consumption
It is not advisable to believe that using more will result in more benefits.
Since the content of glycyrrhizin varies between different products, it is better to follow the instructions on how to prepare the product rather than make a daily high-dosage tea.
If you have some medicines, it is recommended to consult a specialist before consuming licorice.
Licorice Root Is Not an Everyday Herb for Everyone
It is important to know that normal licorice root may have an impact on your health if taken in large quantities or for a long time.
The major issue here is glycyrrhizin.
Overdosing may lead to:
Low potassium content
Water retention
High blood pressure
Weakness
Cardiac arrhythmia
In severe cases, cardiovascular issues
As NCCIH states, even minor glycyrrhizin overdosage may lead to health issues in some people who have high blood pressure or heart or kidney issues.
Who Should Be Especially Careful?
Special care should be taken for individuals who have:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Low potassium levels
A high-salt diet
Are pregnant
Undergo treatment with medicines that may interact with the herb licorice, or are under corticosteroid therapy
Or are taking medicines that have some effect on blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances
Specifically, NCCIH states that if one is taking medicines, then licorice needs to be discussed with a doctor since the herb interacts with other medicines.
Pregnancy needs special caution, as there are pregnancy-related risks for high oral intake of licorice.
Ordinary Licorice vs. DGL
But not all licorice products are alike.
Common Licorice Root
Normal licorice has glycyrrhizin in it, so there are inherent risks of glycyrrhizin side effects.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice - DGL
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice is the acronym used for DGL.
DGL lacks a lot of glycyrrhizin in its products. Thus, DGL becomes chemically distinct from common licorice roots, and this might help lessen the inherent risks of glycyrrhizin.
But DGL cannot be seen as inherently suitable for all. There are variations in formulations of DGL products, and people on medications or with medical conditions must consult a specialist. As per NCCIH, oral licorice products that lack glycyrrhizin can be safe for some patients for a period of time, but this does not make them risk-free for all.
How Licorice Fits Into a Balanced Herbal Lifestyle
Licorice represents a wonderful case study demonstrating the tendency of traditional medicine to use formulations rather than single herbs.
In Chinese Medicine, Gan Cao is appreciated because it has:
Sweet taste
Qi Tonic function
Traditional association with Spleen and Stomach
Auxiliary function in some throat and respiratory formulas
Traditional application in the treatment of cramping and spasms
Harmonicizing function within formula
On the other hand, because of the pharmacological activity of its components, it cannot be regarded as an endless wellness tea.
One should always remember a simple but very valuable principle of herbal education: respect the tradition, respect the evidence, respect the dose.
Quick Licorice Root Facts
Feature | Information |
Chinese name | 甘草 (Gān Cǎo) |
Common name | Licorice / Liquorice |
Common species | Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, G. inflata |
Family | Fabaceae |
Part traditionally used | Root and rhizome |
Taste in TCM | Sweet |
Traditional role | |
Qi tonification and formula harmonization | |
Key compound | Glycyrrhizin |
Traditional uses | Throat, respiratory formulas, cramping, digestive/Qi-deficiency patterns |
Major safety concern | Excessive/prolonged glycyrrhizin exposure |
DGL | Licorice with much of the glycyrrhizin removed |
Final Thoughts
Licorice root (Gān Cǎo) has received a unique status in TCM as a multi-purpose medicine and harmonizer, which helps to combine different plants.
It is used to treat Qi deficiency disorders, throat and breathing problems, cramps, and formula combinations. There are many studies about licorice's ingredients and potential uses, but the results are very specific or insufficient to say that it is an effective treatment in general.
But perhaps the main lesson we should learn from licorice is that a herb of traditional medicine is useful and effective and therefore requires equal care about safety and possible side effects.
First of all, this plant cannot be considered just a tasty root. Glycyrrhizin contained in it means that the dose, time of usage, health state, and interactions with other medicines are significant factors.
Thus, the most appropriate message for the audience of a wellness blog and herbal-tea blog will be:
Learn the tradition. Learn the evidence. Use herbs responsibly. And remember that natural is not always safe.
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