Fabaceae
Licorice Stick
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Central and Eastern Asia
Also known as: Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Ural Licorice, Sweet Root
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Chinese licorice species — used in 70%+ of TCM formulas as harmonizer. Addison's disease support, hepatitis C, peptic ulcer, respiratory catarrh, adrenal fatigue. Properties similar to G. glabra.
Herbal Actions
Harmonizer (TCM), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, expectorant, adrenal support, mild corticosteroid-like
Active Constituents
Glycyrrhizin (5–15%), liquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoflavones (formononetin, calycosin), polysaccharides, asparagine, beta-sitosterol
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2–4g root simmered 15 min in 250ml, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Gan Cao — most common TCM herb (appears in 70% of classical formulas as harmonizer). DGL form for ulcer treatment. Maximum 6 weeks whole root. Glycyrrhizin induces pseudoaldosteronism — monitor blood pressure. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy, hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease. Avoid with diuretics, antihypertensives. Maximum 6 weeks.
Side Effects: Pseudoaldosteronism (hypertension, hypokalemia, edema). Estrogenic effects. QT prolongation.