Licorice is a common traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use in ancient China. Licorice has the functions of clearing heat, detoxification, and moisturizing the lungs. It is commonly used to treat cough with excessive phlegm, pain relief, and spleen nourishment. Let's take a closer look at the efficacy of licorice.
1. Balancing and nourishing organs
Licorice can balance and nourish the heart, lungs, spleen, and stomach. Its medicinal properties are mild, and it can also moderate the properties of other drugs and detoxify them. Therefore, licorice is commonly used in Chinese medicine prescriptions. When combined with Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, and other herbs, it can improve symptoms of spleen and stomach weakness. When combined with donkey-hide gelatin, Rehmannia glutinosa, Ophiopogon japonicus, and ginseng, it is beneficial for improving symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, palpitations, and insomnia caused by insufficient heart blood or weakened heart yang.
2. Relieving cough and asthma
Both raw licorice and roasted licorice have good effects in relieving cough and asthma and transforming phlegm. They have therapeutic effects on cough and asthma caused by colds, wind-cold, and other external factors. At the same time, they also have the effect of transforming phlegm and clearing and promoting lung function.
3. Clearing heat and detoxification
Raw licorice has the function of clearing heat and detoxification. It has a therapeutic effect on ulcers, abscesses, and other diseases caused by excessive heat. It can be taken internally or applied externally.
In addition, licorice combined with white peony can be used to relieve acute abdominal pain and spasmodic pain in limbs.
4. Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic
Licorice also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and can protect the inflamed throat and tracheal mucosa. Licorice paste and glycyrrhizic acid have detoxifying effects similar to glucuronic acid on certain toxins.
Friendly reminder: Licorice is prone to mold, and moldy licorice should not be consumed. Therefore, it is generally recommended to store it in a sealed glass jar or food bag in a well-ventilated and dry place. It can also be stored in the refrigerator. If there is a desiccant, it can be placed together with the licorice in a sealed bag or container.
