Licorice: the "King of All-purpose" with the same source of medicine and food

Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal materials in clinical and daily health care of traditional Chinese medicine.Tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, clearing away heat and detoxifying, eliminating phlegm and relieving cough, relieving pain and relieving pain.Multiple functions. Its core function is to reconcile medicinal properties and alleviate toxicity, and is known as the "old man of the country". This article will start from its traditional efficacy, modern research, applicable groups and precautions, and analyze the value of this "all-purpose" medicinal material clearly.

1. Traditional efficacy: a “neutralizing product” that harmonizes various medicines

Licorice is listed as top grade in "Shen Nong's Materia Medica".Replenish the spleen and stomachIt is its basic function and is suitable for symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue. itsSweet and detoxifyingIts properties can neutralize the toxicity of aconite, aconite and other drugs, so it is often used in compound recipes. In addition,Relieves cough and resolves phlegmThe effect is remarkable, and it is often combined with almonds and platycodon to relieve sore throat or chronic cough. Among the 113 prescriptions in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" by Zhang Zhongjing, an ancient physician, 70 contained licorice, which shows its status.

2. Modern research: scientific verification of active ingredients

Modern pharmacological discovery, licorice containsGlycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acidOther ingredients have anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effects, can inhibit gastric acid secretion and repair mucous membranes. itsAntioxidantProperties help slow down aging, whileImmunomodulationFunction may be beneficial in allergic diseases. The following table lists some research data:

3. Applicable scenarios and taboos: dialectical use is the key

Although licorice is mild, itlong term overdoseIt may cause edema and high blood pressure (due to water and sodium retention). The daily dosage is recommended not to exceed 10 grams. People with damp and hot constitutions should use it with caution, and pregnant women should follow medical advice. You can make tea or have meals every day, such asLicorice and Mung Bean SoupIt can relieve heat, but you need to avoid eating it with seaweed and kansui (the "eighteen antis" taboos in traditional Chinese medicine).

4. Summary: The wisdom of balance

The "harmonizing" nature of licorice embodies the concept of "taking balance as the basis" of traditional Chinese medicine. Although its efficacy span is large, it requiresSyndrome differentiation and compatibility, cannot be abused. Modern research supports its traditional use, but personal use still requires a combination of physical fitness and professional guidance. From ancient times to the present, licorice has always been a model of "medicine and food coming from the same source", balancing the delicate boundary between treatment and health care.

Quote sources:
1. "Shen Nong's Materia Medica"
2. Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Febrile Diseases"
3. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2018)
4. Journal "Phytomedicine" (2020)