Gan Cao

Latin name: Glycyrrhizae Uralensis, Radix

Gan Cao Also Known As: Licorice Root, Alcacuz, Alcazuz, Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Gan Zao, Glycyrrhiza, Isoflavone, Isoflavones, Lakritze, Licorice Root, Liquiritiae radix, Liquirizia, Liquorice, Orozuz, Phytoestrogen, Reglisse, Regliz, Russian Licorice, Spanish Licorice, Subholz, Sweet Root.

Properties: SWEET - NEUTRAL (Cooked = Warm)

Dosage: 2-12g.

Meridians/Channels: ALL 12 Meridians MAINLY= HEART, LUNG, SPLEEN, STOMACH

• tonify spleen & stomach Qi - digestive disorders
• moisten lung - stops dry cough -tonify heart Qi - regulates pulse
• clears heat & toxic fire
• alleviates pain - stops spasms
• harmonize & moderates characteristics of other herbs
• antidote for toxicity *easily causes bloating, don't use with hypertension, edema,

Also Used For: Gan Cao (Licorice Root) is used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, sore throat, bronchitis, chronic gastritis, colic, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, dry cough, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and for bacterial and viral infections. It is also used for liver disorders, hypokalemia, hypertonia, malaria, tuberculosis, abscesses, food poisoning, diabetes insipidus, and contact dermatitis. Licorice Root has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, laxative, and soothing properties. The constituents, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibit 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase . This inhibition blocks metabolism of prostaglandins E and F2 alpha and may be responsible for peptic ulcer healing observed with these products