Pharmaceutial name: Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis
Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Family: Leguminosae
Common name: Chinese Licorice, Licorice Root, Sweet Root
Properties: Sweet, neutral (raw), warm (toasted)
Channels entered: All 12 meridians- mainly Heart, Lung, Spleen, stomach

Actions and indications: It 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 has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, laxative, and soothing properties. It is the most used herb in the Chinese materia medica, because of its harmonizing effects on other herbs.

Contraindications: It should not be used when there is excess dampness, nausea, or vomiting and generally should be used with caution by those who tend to retain water.

If you have any questions about the safety of any herb used in Chinese medicine, consult with Dr. April L. Schulte-Barclay, DAOM, LAc