1 TASTE
Sweet and neutral
2 MERIDIANS
Heart, lung spleen and stomach
3 FUNCTIONS
1. To tonify the spleen and replenish qi. 2. To moisten the lungs and stop coughs; 3. To relax spasms and stop pain; 4. To moderate the action of herbs; 5. To reduce fire and release toxins.
4 INDICATIONS
1. Deficient qi of the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, loose stool and lassitude. Licorice root (Gan Cao [3]) is used with White atractylodes (Bai Zhu [4]), Poria (Fu Ling [5]) and Ginseng (Ren Shen [6]) in the formula Sijunzi Tang.2. Cough and asthma. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with Apricot seed (Xing Ren [7]) and Ephedra (Ma Huang [8]) in the formula Sanniu Tang.3. Carbuncles, furuncles, sore throat and swelling due to toxic heat. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with Platycodon root (Jie Geng [9]), Scrophularia (Xuan Shen [10]) and Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi [11]) for sore throat; Licorice root (Gancao) can also be used with Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua [12]) and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao [13]) for carbuncles, furuncles and swellings.4. Abdominal pain due to spasms of the stomach or intestines. Licorice root (Gancoa) is used with White peony root (Bai Shao [14]).5. Moderating the action of other herbs. For example ,Licorice root (Gaocao) with Prepared aconite root (Fu Zi [15]) and Dried ginger (Gan Jiang [16]) can weaken the heating properties and lessen the side effects of some herbs. This combination is called Sini Tang.
5 DOSAGE
2-10 g
6 COUTIONS
This herb is contraindicated during cases of excess dampness causing distension and fullness in the chest and abdominal region, or vomiting. It counteracts Peking spurge root (Da Ji [17]), Genkwa flower (Yuanghua), Kansui root (Gan Sui [18]) and Seaweed (Hai Zao [19]). Prolonged overdosing of the herb may cause edema.
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