Gan Cao

Why Is Gan Cao (Licorice Root) A Valued Herb In Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Gan Cao, or Licorice Root, is a staple herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), prized for its versatility, natural sweetness, and numerous health benefits. If you're considering adding this herb to your collection, here's all the essential information to help you make an informed purchase.

What is Gan Cao (Licorice Root)?

Gan Cao (甘草), commonly known as Licorice Root, is the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza plant. It has a naturally sweet flavor and is often used in TCM as a harmonizer in herbal formulas, enhancing the effects of other herbs while reducing potential side effects.

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Key Benefits of Gan Cao (Licorice Root)

  1. Digestive Health:

    • Soothes the stomach lining and supports healthy digestion.
    • Helps reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

  2. Respiratory Support:

    • Eases sore throats and reduces coughing.
    • Acts as a natural demulcent, coating and soothing the respiratory system.

  3. Stress and Energy Management:

    • Functions as an adaptogen, helping the body manage stress.
    • Supports energy levels and reduces fatigue.

  4. Detoxification:

    • Aids liver health by helping the body eliminate toxins.
    • Often used in TCM to balance and detoxify herbal formulas.

  5. Immune Support:

    • Contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Types of Gan Cao Available

  1. Slices (Disc Cut): Convenient for boiling into tea or adding to soups.
  2. Powder: Perfect for smoothies, herbal blends, or capsules.
  3. Extracts: Concentrated for stronger potency and easier use.

How to Use Gan Cao (Licorice Root)

  • Tea: Boil 5–10 grams of sliced root in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
  • Soup Ingredient: Add to broths for natural sweetness and health benefits.
  • Powder: Mix with other herbal powders or use as a sweetener in recipes.
  • Herbal Formulas: Combine with other herbs for customized health support.

What to Look for When Buying Gan Cao

  1. Quality and Purity: Ensure the product is lab-tested for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial impurities. 
    We offer certificate of analysis to show that our product does not contain impurties.
  2. Source: Opt for Gan Cao sourced from reputable suppliers who follow ethical and sustainable harvesting practices.
  3. Cut and Form: Decide whether whole root, slices, powder, or extract suits your needs.
  4. Certifications: Look for certifications like organic, non-GMO, or third-party lab testing to ensure quality.
  5. Shelf Life: Properly stored Gan Cao retains its potency for up to 2 years.

Potential Side Effects and Cautions

While Gan Cao is generally safe, excessive or prolonged use may lead to:

  • High Blood Pressure: Due to glycyrrhizin content, which can affect potassium levels.
  • Water Retention or Swelling: Linked to excessive consumption.
  • Medication Interactions: May interact with diuretics, corticosteroids, or medications for heart conditions.

Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Gan Cao suitable for children?

Yes, in appropriate doses. Always consult with a pediatric herbalist for specific guidance.

2. Can Gan Cao be used daily?

Yes, in moderate amounts. Avoid overuse to prevent potential side effects.

3. What is the recommended storage method?

Store Gan Cao in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.

4. What are the differences between Gan Cao and Zhi Gan Cao?

  • Gan Cao: The raw form, known for detoxifying and harmonizing herbal formulas.
  • Zhi Gan Cao: Honey-fried licorice root, traditionally prepared to enhance its tonifying properties.

Customer Testimonials

  • "The quality of this Gan Cao is unmatched. The slices were fresh and fragrant, perfect for my TCM recipes." R. Clemms
  • "I’ve been using this licorice root tea to soothe my throat during cold season—it works wonders!" WH. Price.

Why Choose Our Gan Cao?

  1. Lab-Tested for Purity: Every batch is rigorously tested for contaminants.
  2. Ethical Sourcing: Sustainably harvested from trusted growers.
  3. Freshness Guaranteed: Properly dried and stored to preserve its medicinal properties.
  4. Expert-Recommended: Backed by 30 years of experience in herbal medicine.

Review Gan Cao Forms and Sizes Below

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Common Names: Licorice Root, Sweet Root, Chinese Licorice, Liquorice Root
Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis root
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Gan Cao
Gan Cao Dosage: Consult your healthcare provider for your correct dose.
Gan Cao Precautions: Do not take during pregnancy. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. In large doses, licorice can lead to increased blood pressure. 

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Quick Review
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) Benefits & Information

Gan Cao is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb to tonify heart Qi,
tonify spleen Qi, dispel phlegm, clear heat, relieve toxicity
and moisten the lungs.  Gan Cao contains anti-inflammatory,
adaptogen, and anti-allergy effects.

  • Promotes Respiratory Health
  • May Benefit the Throat
  • Supports a Healthy Immune System
  • Supports Adrenal Health
  • Benefits Seasonal Health
  • Benefits Skin Health
  • May Benefit Menstrual & Menopause Symptoms

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Gan Cao Properties: Sweet, Slightly Cold
Gan Cao Channels / Meridians: Heart, Lung, Spleen
Gan Cao Naturally Occurring Components: glycyrrhizic acid,
potassium, calcium salts, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, licorice saponines,
uralenic acid, 24-hydroxyglycyrrhetic acid, coumarins, stilbenoids, triterpenoids

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Herbs That Combine With Gan Cao

Bupleurum     Angelica Dahurica     Stephania     
White Peony     Dong Quai     Schizonepeta

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Buy With Confidence! 

98% Of Our Products Have Certificates Of Analysis Available. 

References:
http://alternativehealing.org/gan_cao.htm, 
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Gan-Cao-Cid5080, 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21184804, 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/25524718/, 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23663094 
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root

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