Gān cǎo (Liquorice Root; 甘草) is a tonic that strengthens the spleen and replenishes Qi. It is commonly found in many TCM formulas due to its ability to harmonise and moderate the effects of other herbs.

Benefits:
● Commonly paired with Ren Shen (人参) and Bai Zhu (白术) to treat spleen Qi deficiency syndrome (e.g. nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, etc.)
● Alleviates heart palpitations due to lack of Qi in the heart
● Dispels phlegm and relieves cough
● Relieves spasms and pain
● Clears heat and removes toxins to treat toxic heat symptoms (e.g. ulcers, sore throat), and medicinal or food poisoning

Contraindications:
Avoid use with jīng dà jǐ (京大戟), yuán huā (芫花), and gān suí (甘遂). Not recommended for individuals with excessive dampness (e.g. edema and abdominal distension). Prolonged use of Gan Cao in large doses may also cause edema due to retention of water and sodium. 

Ingredients:
Gān cǎo (Liquorice Root; 甘草)

Origin:
Xinjiang, China

Dosage:
1.5g to 9g

Storage:
Best kept refrigerated

Suggested use:
Boil 2-3 slices of ginger and 1 piece of liquorice root (gān cǎo) in 500ml water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Allow the tea to cool down for a bit before adding some honey. Serve it warm. This tea is great for soothing respiratory infections and boosting the immune system.

How to soothe a swollen sore throat:
Rinse herbs before use. Put 10g Honeysuckle (jīn yín huā; 金银花), 9g Chrysanthemum Buds (tāi jú; 胎菊), 10g xuán shēn (玄参), 10g mài dōng (麦冬), and 3g gān cǎo (Liquorice Root; 甘草) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover the herbs. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer under low heat for 20 minutes. Add rock sugar or honey to taste (optional). Serve it warm. (Serving size: 1 to 2)

How to make a Yin-nourishing tea:
Add 10g mài dōng (麦冬), 10g xuán shēn (玄参), 5g wū méi (乌梅), and 3g gān cǎo (甘草) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover the herbs. Bring to a boil and let it simmer under low heat for 20 minutes. Add rock sugar or honey to taste. Serve it warm. This healthy tea aids in moistening the lungs to alleviate dry cough and sore throat. (Serving size: 1 to 2)