Gan Cao 6X Concentrated Extract Granules (Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome) — Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Gan Cao (甘草) is Chinese licorice root and rhizome—one of the most widely used supporting herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is famously used to harmonize formulas, support digestive comfort, and provide a gentle, balancing presence in multi-herb blends. This product is a 6X concentrated granule extract designed for fast mixing in hot water—no long simmer required.
Quick Summary
- What it is: 6X concentrated Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract granules (Gan Cao / licorice)
- Best for: supporting digestive comfort, soothing/“harmonizing” formulas, gentle daily wellness routines (traditional use)
- How to take: dissolve 1 g in hot water (or mix into food) once daily, or as directed by a practitioner
- What makes this granule unique: standardized markers (per label) — Liquiritin ≥ 10 mg/g; Glycyrrhizic acid ≥ 30 mg/g
- Who should avoid: pregnancy/nursing; people who must avoid licorice due to blood pressure/potassium concerns; anyone on certain medications (see safety section)
Quick Facts
- Common Names: Chinese Licorice Root & Rhizome, Licorice Root
- Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis
- Pin Yin: Gan Cao
- Other Names: Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis; Lin Cao; Mi Gan
- Form: 6X Concentrated Extract Granules
- Granule Composition: 90% extract + 10% dextrin
- Package Size: 100 g
- Active Ingredients (per label): Liquiritin ≥ 10 mg/g; Glycyrrhizic acid ≥ 30 mg/g
- Traditional Channels (TCM framework): Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach
- Traditional Properties: Sweet, Neutral
- Origin: China
- Brand: ActiveHerb Single Herb Extract
- California Prop 65: Applies (as listed)
What Is Gan Cao (Licorice Root & Rhizome)?
Gan Cao is the root and rhizome of licorice plants used in traditional East Asian herbal practice. It is known for its naturally sweet taste and its classic role as a formula harmonizer—often included to help a blend feel smoother, round out flavor, and provide supportive balance.
Modern research has explored key naturally occurring constituents in licorice, including glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhizic acid and flavonoids such as liquiritin. (See research links in the References section.)
What Does “6X Concentrated Granules” Mean?
“6X” indicates this product is a concentrated extract in granule form, created to deliver the herb’s extract in a convenient, consistent format. Instead of simmering sliced herbs for 30–60+ minutes, most people use extract granules by dissolving them in hot water in under a minute.
Why people choose extract granules
- Convenience: no decoction pot, no long simmer time
- Consistency: uniform servings and standardized marker compounds (when listed)
- Practical routines: easier for travel, busy schedules, and daily use
How many servings are in a 100 g bag?
If your serving is 1 g, a 100 g bag provides approximately 100 servings. (Serving size may vary based on practitioner instructions.)
What Is Gan Cao Used For?
In traditional use and modern wellness routines, Gan Cao is commonly used to support:
- Digestive comfort and a balanced “middle” (traditional Spleen/Stomach support)
- Seasonal throat & respiratory comfort as part of a wellness routine (traditional Lung support)
- Overall balance in multi-herb blends (classic “harmonizer” role)
- Occasional tension and comfort support (traditionally described as relaxing spasms)
- General wellness support when used appropriately and conservatively
Pro Tip: Gan Cao is often not the “star” herb—it’s the stabilizer that helps the rest of a formula work together smoothly.
How to Take Gan Cao Granules (Dosage + Directions)
Label guidance
Take 1 g each time, 1 time per day, or as instructed by a qualified herbal practitioner. Consult your healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Best mixing method (hot water)
- Pour 2–4 oz of hot water into a cup.
- Add 1 g granules and stir until dissolved.
- Top up with more hot water to taste (6–10 oz total is common).
Food method
You can mix Gan Cao granules into yogurt or a small amount of warm oatmeal. (Taste is naturally sweet, but still herbal.)
How to measure 1 gram accurately
- Best: use a small kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Good to know: “scoop size” varies between products and can change with humidity, so a scale is more consistent.
Quality & Standardized Active Markers (Why It Matters)
Many shoppers want two things: (1) clear identity and (2) consistent potency. One advantage of extract granules is that some products list measurable markers on the label. This Gan Cao granule lists: Liquiritin ≥ 10 mg/g and Glycyrrhizic acid ≥ 30 mg/g (per product labeling).
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
If you would like COA documentation (when available), contact us and we will help you obtain the lot/batch paperwork. A COA typically supports transparency by documenting identity and quality checks for a specific batch.
Want a trust-first link here? Add your internal COA hub: What Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Why It Matters?
Gan Cao Comparisons: Granules vs Raw Herb vs DGL
| Option | Best For | Prep Time | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gan Cao 6X Extract Granules | Fast daily routines, consistent mixing, travel-friendly use | Under 1 minute | Often includes standardized markers; contains dextrin as a carrier |
| Sliced/Cut Gan Cao (raw herb) | Traditional decoctions and custom simmered blends | 30–60+ minutes | Excellent for long-simmer formulas; requires more time and equipment |
| DGL Licorice (deglycyrrhizinated) | People who want licorice without most glycyrrhizin | Varies | DGL is processed differently; this product is not DGL because glycyrrhizic acid is listed |
If you carry these other forms, add internal links here to keep shoppers on your site: Shop Sliced Gan Cao
Safety, Cautions & Who Should Avoid Gan Cao
Licorice is powerful when used inappropriately or in high intake. Use conservative amounts and follow practitioner guidance when needed.
Do not use
- If pregnant or nursing (unless directed by your clinician)
- In large doses or for prolonged high intake without supervision
- If you have been instructed by your clinician to avoid licorice due to blood pressure, fluid retention, or potassium concerns
Use extra caution / ask your clinician first if you:
- Have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a history of low potassium
- Experience swelling/edema easily
- Take prescription medications (see below)
Possible side effects with excessive intake
- Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dry mouth (label cautions)
- In some individuals, excessive intake may contribute to fluid retention or blood pressure changes
Medication interactions
If you take medications—especially diuretics, digoxin, corticosteroids, or blood pressure medications—consult your clinician before use.
California Prop 65 notice applies as listed on the product label/page.
What Does “Root & Rhizome” Mean?
A rhizome is an underground stem that grows horizontally and can send out both roots and shoots. Many medicinal plants use roots and rhizomes because these parts often store concentrated plant compounds.
Add your internal educational link here: Rhizome Anatomy (Parts of Plants)
FAQ
Is Gan Cao the same as licorice root?
Gan Cao is licorice root and rhizome used in Chinese herbal practice. “Licorice” can refer to multiple species; this product lists Glycyrrhiza uralensis.
Is this product the same as DGL licorice?
No. DGL is processed to remove most glycyrrhizin. This product lists glycyrrhizic acid as an active marker, so it is not a DGL product.
Why does it contain dextrin?
Dextrin is commonly used as a carrier in granules to help with flow, consistency, and dissolving. This product lists 90% extract + 10% dextrin.
Can I combine Gan Cao granules with other granules?
Traditionally, Gan Cao is often used in formulas. If you are mixing extract granules, it’s best to follow a qualified practitioner’s guidance, especially if you take medications or have blood pressure concerns.
How should I store granules?
Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Use a dry spoon and reseal promptly.
Shop Gan Cao 6X Extract Granules
Want a simple way to add Gan Cao to your routine without long simmering? 6X extract granules dissolve fast and make daily use easier. If you have questions about selection, usage, or COA documentation, contact us—we’re happy to help.
RELATED LINKS
- How to Use Bulk Herbs
- What No One Tells You About Chinese Herbs (7 Common Mistakes + Fixes)
- Contact Us
- Free Ebook: 10 Vital Medicinal Herbs That Work
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): What It Is & Why It Matters
- How to Use Extract Granules (Measuring, Mixing, and Timing)
- Herb Safety & Interactions: What to Know Before You Buy
References
- Licorice pharmacology review (PubMed / PMC): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123991/
- PubMed (licorice-related research): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12804082/
- PubMed (licorice-related research): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24520776/
