"I thought it was just a sweet-tasting herb—until I discovered Gan Cao's deep ability to soothe my digestion, calm my cough, and bring balance to my whole body."
The Secret Workhorse of Chinese Herbal MedicineLicorice root, or Gan Cao (甘草), is more than just a flavor enhancer in herbal formulas. Known as “The Great Harmonizer” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this humble root plays a powerful role: it harmonizes complex formulas, soothes digestive discomfort, eases spasms, supports adrenal function, and relieves toxicity.
Gan Cao is one of the most commonly used herbs in TCM because it can enter all 12 meridians, amplify the effects of other herbs, and reduce their harshness. And when used alone, it’s a go-to herb for coughs, fatigue, and gut irritation.
If you’ve ever had a formula “just work better,” Gan Cao might be the reason.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Pinyin Name | Gān Cǎo (甘草) |
| Botanical Name | Glycyrrhiza uralensis / Glycyrrhiza glabra |
| Common Names | Chinese Licorice Root, Sweet Root |
| Part Used | Root |
| Taste & Temperature | Sweet / Neutral to Slightly Warm |
| Meridians Entered | All 12 channels (especially Spleen, Lung, Stomach, Heart) |
| TCM Category | Tonify Qi, Harmonize Herbs |
| Top Uses | Cough, digestion, spasm, toxicity, fatigue, throat issues |
| Contraindications | Avoid in high doses for those with hypertension, edema |
Tonifies Spleen Qi – Supports digestion, energy, and immune defense
Moistens Lung – Calms cough, soothes throat
Clears Heat & Relieves Toxicity – Useful in skin eruptions, food or herb toxicity
Eases Spasms – Relieves cramping pain in gut or muscles
Harmonizes Other Herbs – Enhances benefits, reduces harshness of other ingredients
Gan Cao is considered a chief herb in formulas for adrenal exhaustion and immune depletion, especially when paired with herbs like Ren Shen or Huang Qi.
| Form | Daily Use |
| Cut & Sifted | 3–9g decocted 20–30 min |
| Powder | ¼–½ tsp in warm water or capsule |
| Extract Powder | ⅛–¼ tsp 1–2x daily |
5g Gan Cao
5g Bai Shao
5g Chen Pi
2 slices fresh ginger
Simmer in 2.5 cups water for 25 minutes. Sip for digestion and calm.
| Form | Best For | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Cut & Sifted Root | Traditional decoctions and TCM herbal formulas | Delivers the full spectrum of constituents. Ideal for long boils and synergy in multi-herb blends. Perfect for traditionalists and herbal practitioners. |
| Powdered Root | Quick teas, capsules, and herbal smoothies | Easily mixed into warm water or encapsulated. Great for daily tonics or when convenience matters most. Mild sweetness makes it easy to enjoy. |
| Extract Powder | High-potency formulas and targeted protocols | Standardized for consistent potency. Works well in stress/adrenal blends or cough formulas when you need fast, reliable results. Best choice for modern adaptogenic use. |
| Timeframe | What You May Notice |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | You may feel soothed digestion, a gentler throat, and fewer gut spasms. If you're using it for a cough, you may notice looser phlegm or a less scratchy throat. |
| Week 2–3 | Energy becomes more sustained—less reliance on caffeine or sugar. You may notice fewer inflammatory flares, less bloating, and an overall calmer body response to stress. |
| Month 1+ | The deeper benefits of Gan Cao begin to shine: improved adrenal resilience, more balanced immunity, and reduced sensitivity to environmental triggers. If using as part of a larger formula, expect greater harmony and smoother digestion across the board. |
“I had persistent acid reflux that nothing helped. A friend suggested Gan Cao, and within days, my stomach felt soothed. I kept it in my tea routine—and the change lasted.”
—Lara, 42
✔️ GMP-Certified
✔️ Non-GMO
✔️ Wildcrafted & Lab-Tested
✔️ Practitioner Recommended
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) — Powder, Cut, or Extract
Premium-quality Glycyrrhiza uralensis, sourced from sustainable farms and tested for safety.
Buy Licorice Root Now - see all forms below
Anti-inflammatory: Glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation and supports adrenal resilience【PubMed: 18446788】
Cough Suppressant: Helps reduce upper respiratory inflammation【PubMed: 24066561】
Gut Healing: Supports mucosal repair in gastritis and ulcers【PubMed: 27918442】
Anti-viral: Studied for effects on SARS, herpes, and hepatitis viruses【PubMed: 16580098】
⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.
NuHerbs Lab Tested
Herbal Information for Andrographis Herb in Cut Form
Nu Herbs Lab Tested
Uncaria spp. (Gou Teng): The Hooked Vine That Calms the Mind and Balances the Body Few herbs in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine offer the remarkable versati
Herbal Information for Eleuthero Root in Organic Powder Form Eleuthero root powder is a versatile and powerful herb that offers a host of benefits for the body and mind. Whether you're looking to...
Starwest Botanicals
Versatile 6x8 Reusable Muslin Bags: Your Eco-Friendly Solution for Tea Introducing Our Eco-Friendly 6x8 Reusable Muslin Bags: Versatile, Stylish, and Sustainable!
ActiveHerb
Cordyceps .9x Mushroom Extract Granules: Potent Energy and Immune Support Cordyceps mushroom extract granules are a concentrated form of the Cordyceps mushroom, specifically prepared for ease of
Nuherbs Organic
Herbal Information on Organic Japanese Bushy Knotweed Rhizome in Bulk Powder Form Hu Zhang: Unveiling the Miraculous Benefits of Japanese Knotweed Hu Zhang, also known as Jap
Thrive Through Fall: Immunity Power Herbs for a Healthier Season 1 pound each of Cut Astragalus Root, Cut Ginger, and Whole Forsythia Fruit. As the crisp autumn air arrives and the leaves begin...
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information for Raw Rehmannia Root Single Extract FormSheng Di Huang: A Comprehensive Overview
Z Natural Products
Herbal Information for Organic Turmeric Powder What Is The Historical Use Of Turmeric Root?Turmeric root has been used for over 4,000 years in various cultures for its medicinal, culinary, and
Plum Flower
Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao): Powerful Antiviral Herb for Immune Support, Detox, and Cold & Flu Relief in Traditional Chinese Medicine In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) forsythia fruit is used...
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information on Isatis Root in 6X Extract Granule Form Unlocking the Power of Ban Lan Gen: A Comprehensive Guide to Isatis Root Powder Introducti
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information on Scutellaria Root in Concentrated Granules Comprehensive Guide to Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis)