State/School

California License Exam, 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-Fried]

Action / Indication

1. Tonifies the Spleen and augments the qi: commonly used for Spleen deficiency with shortness of breath, lassitude, and loose stools. Also for qi or blood deficiency patterns with an irregular or intermittent pulse and/or palpitations. 
2. Moistens the Lungs and stops coughs: for cough and wheezing. Because of its neutral properties, it can be used for either heat or cold in the Lungs and for either productive or nonproductive coughs. 
3. Moderates spasms and alleviates pain: for painful spasms of the abdomen or legs. Traditionally, this effect is only seen when combined with Paeoniae Radix alba (bai shao), as in Peony and Licorice Decoction (shao yao gan cao tang).
4. Clears heat and resolves fire toxicity: used unprepared for carbuncles, sores, or sore throat due to fire toxin. For this purpose, it can be taken internally or applied topically. 
5. Also used as an antidote for a variety of toxic substances, both internally and topically. 
6. Moderates and harmonizes the characteristics of other herbs: by virtue of its sweet, neutral, and moderating properties, this herb moderates hot and cold herbs, and mitigates the harsh properties of other herbs. Because it is said to enter all twelve primary channels, it can lead and= conduct other herbs into the channels. 

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