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Gan Cao

甘草

  • State/School

    California License Exams, Pacific College Comps

  • Pharm Name

    Glycyrrhizae, Radix

  • Common Name

    Licorice Root

  • Category

    Tonify the Qi

  • Ingredients

  • Taste

    Sweet

  • Pao Zhi

  • Temperature

    Neutral [Raw], Warm [Dry-

  • Action / Indication

    1. Tonifies Spleen qi: used to treat fatigue, shortness of breath, loose stools, low appetite, and sallow complexion.
    2. Tonifies Heart qi: used to treat palpitations, irregular pulse, intermittent pulse, and arrhythmia. Also used to treat Zang Zao disorder, which is marked by emotional instability, insomnia, and fragility.
    3. Moistens the Lungs and stops coughing: for coughing and wheezing associated with various dsiorders, hot or cold, with or without phlegm. Can be used alone for Lung atrophy syndrome.
    4. Relieves cramps and stops pain: used to treat muscular cramping, especially in the abdomen and legs.
    5. Clears heat toxin: used to treat carbuncles, sores eczema, ulcers, burns, and sore throat. May be used internally or topically.
    6. Antidote for poisoning: useful for various types of food, drug, metal, and pesticide poisonings. Take either alone or with other herbs, depending on the poison.
    7. Protects the middle from harsh or damaging herbs.
  • Treatment Principles

    Tonifies Spleen Qi
    Moistens the Lung
    Stops Cough
    Clears Heat Toxicity
    Relieves Cramping
    Alleviates Pain
    Antidote for Poison
    Moderates Harsh Herbs

  • Contraindication

    Contraindicated with excess dampness, nausea, or vomiting, or adbominal distention. Do not take excessively large doses long-term. Overdose may cause headache, elevated blood pressure, edema, or dizziness.

  • Dosages

    1.5-9g. Up to 30g may be appropriate for large doses. Use raw, honey-fried, or in powders, pills, or syrup.

  • Meridians

    All 12 channels

  • Tom's Comment

    1. Gan Cao Shao (tips) or Xiao Gan Cao (little gan cao) is the ideal type that should be used for clearing heat toxin.
    2. Gan Cao has been shown in the laboratory to have glucocorticoid effects and is suggested that it has potential herb-drug interaction. However, within the context of TCM dosing, it is clinically irrelevant.
  • Source

  • Formula Type