Gan Cao (Licorice Root): The Harmonizer Herb with Hidden Power

"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 Medicine

Licorice 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.

 Gan Cao (Licorice Root) is one of the most widely used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It helps harmonize formulas, soothe the digestive tract, calm coughs, relieve toxicity, and support energy and adrenal function.

 Quick Facts on Gan Cao (Licorice Root)

 TCM Theory: Why Gan Cao Works

• 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.

  Suggested Use & Recipe

 Gan Cao Soothe Tea Recipe

• 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.

Gan Cao Product Comparison Table

What to Expect Over Time

What Our Customers Are Saying 

“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

✅ Trust & Quality Badges

✔️ GMP-Certified
✔️ Non-GMO
✔️ Wildcrafted & Lab-Tested
✔️ Practitioner Recommended

 Shop This Herb

Gan Cao (Licorice Root) — Powder, Cut, or Extract
Premium-quality Glycyrrhiza uralensis, sourced from sustainable farms and tested for safety.

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Research-Backed Benefits

• 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.