Overview of the efficacy and functions of licorice

Licorice is a common Chinese medicinal material withTonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, clearing away heat and detoxifying, eliminating phlegm and relieving cough, relieving pain and relieving pain.and other effects. Its main active ingredients include glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, etc., which are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and modern health products. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, licorice can be used to treat symptoms such as weak spleen and stomach, cough with excessive phlegm, and sore throat. It can also harmonize the properties of the medicine and reduce the toxic and side effects of the medicine. The following are the main functions of licorice:

Clinical application and combination of licorice

In traditional Chinese medicine practice, licorice is often used in combination with other medicinal materials. For example, withGuizhiCombination can enhance the warming effect (from "Treatise on Febrile Diseases"), andskullcapCombined use can enhance the heat-clearing and detoxifying effects ("Synopsis of the Golden Chamber"). Modern research has also found that licorice extract has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa and is often used as an auxiliary treatment for gastric ulcers. It should be noted that long-term overdose may cause edema or increased blood pressure. It is recommended that the daily dosage does not exceed 10 grams (dry product).

Modern products and manufacturers of licorice

Common licorice products currently on the market includeLicorice tablets (Nenjian, Kyoto), licorice lozenges (Golden Throat)etc., mainly used for soothing throat and relieving cough. Some health product companies such asTong Ren Tang, Kang En BeiLicorice extract capsules are also produced. In addition, licorice is widely used in candies and beverages as a food additive (such as ammonium glycyrrhizinate). When purchasing, you need to look for the approval number of the regular manufacturer (such as the national drug approval number Z******).

Summary and Notes

Although licorice has many uses, it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation. Pregnant women and patients with hypertension should use it with caution and avoid taking it with cardiac glycosides. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician. High-quality licoriceProduced in Inner Mongolia and GansuThe ones with thin skin and red color are better. Its efficacy was first recorded in the "Shen Nong's Materia Medica" and was listed as top grade. Modern pharmacological research has further verified the scientific nature of its traditional use.

Cited sources: 1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 edition 2. "Shen Nong's Materia Medica" Han Dynasty 3. Official website of the State Food and Drug Administration (licorice tablets approval number inquiry)