What are the potential benefits of incorporating honey-fried licorice into one's regimen?

Herbal Information on Gan Cao - Zhi, unsulfured in Bulk Cut Form

Honey-fried licorice is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb preparation method where licorice root is stir-fried in honey until it becomes sticky and coated with honey. This process enhances the sweetness and medicinal properties of licorice, making it more palatable and easier to consume. Honey-fried licorice is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health benefits.

• Soothing effects on the throat and respiratory system
• Alleviates coughs
• Supports gastrointestinal health
• Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

What are the differences between Licorice Root and Honey Coated Licorice Root?

Plain Licorice Root

Properties:

• Anti-inflammatory: Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which acts similarly to corticosteroids, reducing inflammation.
• Antiviral and Antimicrobial: It has properties that help fight off viruses and bacteria.
• Digestive Health: Licorice root can soothe gastrointestinal issues and is often used for conditions like gastritis and acid reflux.
• Adrenal Support: It aids in regulating cortisol levels, helping to manage stress and fatigue.
• Respiratory Health: Licorice root is used as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus and relieve symptoms of coughs and colds.

Honey-Coated Licorice Root

Properties:

• Enhanced Soothing Effect: Honey adds a soothing layer, which can be particularly beneficial for throat irritation and cough. The combination is often used in cough syrups and lozenges.
• Improved Taste: Honey masks the strong, sometimes bitter taste of licorice, making it more palatable and easier to consume, especially for children or those sensitive to strong herbal flavors.
• Additional Antimicrobial Benefits: Honey itself has antimicrobial properties. When combined with licorice, the mixture can offer enhanced benefits against microbes.
• Moisturizing Properties: Honey adds a moisturizing component, which can benefit dry or irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.
• Increased Stickiness: The honey coating may slow down the digestion of the licorice, potentially extending the release of its active compounds, although this can also affect how quickly its medicinal effects are felt.

Medicinal Differences

1. Onset of Action: Plain licorice may act faster in terms of digestive relief compared to honey-coated licorice, as the latter may take longer to digest due to the honey coating.

2. Longevity of Effect: The effects of honey-coated licorice might last longer once they begin, due to slower digestion and absorption rates.

3. Specific Applications: Plain licorice is often used in larger doses in herbal medicine for systemic effects like adrenal support or overall inflammation reduction. In contrast, honey-coated licorice is typically used for more targeted, symptomatic relief, particularly in the throat and upper respiratory tract.

4. Palatability and Compliance: The sweeter taste of honey-coated licorice can lead to better compliance in those who dislike the taste of plain licorice, particularly children or those with a sensitive palate.

Both forms of licorice maintain the core benefits of the herb, but the addition of honey can modify its use, especially in targeting specific symptoms and enhancing user experience and compliance. When choosing between the two, consider the primary health need and personal taste preferences.

Product Description of Honey Fried Licorice 

Common Name:  Licorice Root

Botanical Name:  Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis

Channels/Meridians: Heart, Lung, Spleen Stomach

Pin Yin Name:  Gan Cao Zhi

Other Names: Glycyrrhiza uralensis root- honey-fried, Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis coated in honey and baked until dark brown, Honey baked Licorice

Other Ingredients: This product has been baked in honey.

Package Size:  500 grams (1.1 pounds)

Form: Cut

Dosage: Consult your healthcare professional for correct dosage.

Brand: Plum Flower

Origin: China

Cautions:   Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with weak digestion

California Prop 65 

Naturally Occurring Components:  Glycyrrhizic acid, 24-hydroxyglycyrrhetic acid [1] , licorice saponins A3, B2,C2,D3, F3, G2, H2, J2, K, and K2, uralenic acid, licochalcone A, licochalcone B, licoflavone,  liquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin,ononins and 4′，7-dihydroxyflavone;  riterprenoids

Additional Information:    Clears Heat, Sweet and Warm Energy, Guides all 12 channels

Product Properties: Sweet

How To Use Honey Coated Licorice

Honey-coated licorice is not only a delightful treat but also a versatile ingredient in various soothing remedies and recipes. Here’s how you can use honey-coated licorice, including detailed steps for preparing herbal tea, a decoction, and an extract:

Common Uses of Honey-Coated Licorice

1. Eat it as a Sweet Treat: Enjoy honey-coated licorice pieces as a natural, soothing snack. This is a great way to benefit from its health properties while indulging in its sweet, rich flavor.

2. Prepare Licorice Tea: Steep honey-coated licorice in hot water to create a soothing herbal tea. This tea can help alleviate coughs and throat irritation.

• Ingredients:

  • A few pieces of honey-coated licorice
  • 1 cup of boiling water

• Method:

  1. Place the honey-coated licorice in a teapot or mug.
  2. Pour boiling water over the licorice.
  3. Cover and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain and enjoy warm.

3. Blend into Beverages: Add honey-coated licorice to smoothies, teas, or other beverages for a subtly sweet and beneficial flavor.

• Smoothie Suggestion:
  • Add a small piece of honey-coated licorice to your favorite smoothie blend for added sweetness and soothing properties.

4. Incorporate into Recipes: Use honey-coated licorice in cooking or baking to add a unique sweet flavor to dishes. It pairs well with desserts and can be ground into a powder or melted into syrups.

How to Make a Licorice Decoction

Ingredients:

• Honey-coated licorice pieces
• Water

Method:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Use about 30 grams of honey-coated licorice for every liter of water.
2. Boil the Water:
   • Add the licorice to the water and bring it to a boil.
3. Simmer:
   • Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30-60 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger the decoction will be.
4. Strain:
   • Remove from heat, strain the liquid, and discard the solids.
5. Serve or Store:
   • The decoction can be consumed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

How to Make a Licorice Extract

Ingredients:

• Honey-coated licorice
• Alcohol (like vodka or pure grain alcohol)

Method:

1. Prepare Licorice:
   • Chop the honey-coated licorice into small pieces to maximize the surface area.
2. Mix with Alcohol:
   • Place the chopped licorice in a jar and cover it with alcohol. The ratio should be about 1 part licorice to 5 parts alcohol.
3. Seal and Store:
   • Seal the jar tightly and store it in a dark, cool place.
4. Wait and Shake:
   • Let the mixture sit for about 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally to mix the contents.
5. Strain:
   • After the waiting period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into another container.
6. Store:
   • Store the extract in a dark glass bottle away from light and heat.

These methods provide a variety of ways to enjoy the distinctive flavor and soothing benefits of honey-coated licorice, whether you're seeking relief from respiratory ailments or looking to add a unique twist to your culinary creations.

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:

• How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
• How to make a citrus facial splash
• Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
• Citrus potpourri basket       

About Plum Flower Quality Herbs

Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.

Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs

• Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
• Free from Chlorine
• Manufactured without the use of sulphur
• Preservative Free
• Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
• Aluminum Phosphate free
• Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
• Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
• Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
• Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
• No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
• We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
• 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs

Traditional Chinese Herbs

Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.

References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root
https://www.botanicalmedicine.org/licorice-root-antiviral-antimicrobial-antifungal/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123991/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24520776
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12804082
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23663094