Licorice root, the sweet underground rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a cornerstone TCM tonic herb prized for harmonizing other herbs and fortifying the spleen-qi while soothing inflammation and cough. Its distinctive glycyrrhizin compound imparts remarkable sweetness and enables its signature role as a traditional mellowing agent in complex herbal formulas across East Asian medicine.
root
decoction, powder, tincture, tea
3–12g dried root daily as decoction; 1–2g extract daily in divided doses
Long-term use can cause hypertension and low potassium. Use DGL form for extended use.
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