Gān Cǎo (甘草) — Licorice Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Gān Cǎo (甘草) — Glycyrrhiza uralensis / inflata / glabra — is known in English as Licorice root / Liquorice root. It belongs to the category of Qi tonics / Harmonising herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Gān Cǎo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Gān Cǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 甘草 |
| Latin name | Glycyrrhiza uralensis / inflata / glabra |
| English name | Licorice root / Liquorice root |
| Nature | Neutral (raw); slightly warm (honey-fried, zhi gan cao) |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | All twelve channels |
| Category | Qi tonics / Harmonising herbs |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies the Spleen and augments Qi
- Moistens the Lungs and stops coughing
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity (raw form)
- Moderates spasm and alleviates pain
- Harmonises the actions of other herbs and moderates toxicity
Indications
- Spleen Qi deficiency with fatigue, loose stools and shortness of breath
- Cough and wheezing from multiple patterns (combined with appropriate herbs)
- Carbuncles, sores and sore throats from Heat toxin (raw form)
- Limb spasm and abdominal cramping (combined with Bai Shao in Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang)
- Used in virtually every classical formula as a harmonising agent
- Addison’s disease equivalent (adrenal insufficiency)
4. Key formulas containing Gān Cǎo
Gān Cǎo is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao) is the most commonly prescribed Chinese medicinal herb, present in the majority of classical formulas. Key bioactive constituents include glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, isoliquiritin and flavonoids. Glycyrrhizin has potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune-modulating effects and inhibits the metabolism of cortisol, explaining the herb’s adrenal-supporting properties. Research confirms anti-inflammatory effects comparable to hydrocortisone, anti-ulcer effects protecting gastric mucosa, antiviral activity against influenza and SARS-CoV, hepatoprotective effects and oestrogen-modulating activity relevant to PCOS. Licorice extract is one of the most widely used pharmaceutical precursors in conventional medicine.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Prolonged use of large doses of raw Gan Cao (particularly glycyrrhizin) can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism — oedema, hypertension and hypokalaemia. Avoid in patients with pre-existing hypertension, oedema and hypokalaemia. Honey-fried form (Zhi Gan Cao) is more tonifying and less likely to cause adverse effects. Use at standard formulary doses is extremely safe.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Gān Cǎo as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Burnout, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Digestive disorders. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
