Radix Glycyrrhiza (Gancao)

Radix Glycyrrhiza (Gancao)   [Action] To reinforce the function of the spleen and replenish qi, to remove heat and counteract toxicity, to dispel phlegm and relieve cough, to alleviate spasmodic pain, and to moderate drug actions. Radix Glycyrrhizae (processed with honey) To reinforce the function of the spleen and replenish qi, and to restore the normal cardiac rhythm.  [Indications] Weakness of the spleen and the stomach marked by lassitude and weakness; cardiac palpitation and shortness of breath; cough with much phlegm; spasmodic pain in the epigastrium, abdomen and limbs; carbuncles and sores. It is often used for reducing the toxic or drastic actions of other drugs. Radix Glycyrrhizae (processed with honey) Weakness of the spleen and the stomach with lassitude and lack of strength; arrhythmia.  1. It is efficacious in the treatment of syndromes due to deficiency of qi in the spleen and stomach and cough with dyspnea. 2. It is prescribed to treat insufficiency of blood and deficiency of qi, manifested as spontaneous sweating, palpitation, and knotted and intermittent pulses. 3. It is applied in the treatment of stomachache, abdominal pain and spasm and pain and spasm and pain of muscles. 4. It is often used to treat phylogenic infections, e.g. carbuncles, deep-rooted carbuncles, furuncles, multiple abscesses, scrofula, ulcer, sore throat, etc. It is also efficacious in the treatment of pesticides poisoning and food poisoning. 5. In a prescription, many medicinal matters are mixed together. Radix Glycyrrhizae has the function of reducing or relieving deviation or toxicity of other medicinal matters in a prescription. Raw Radix Glycyrrhizae has stronger actions in purging intense heat, detoxicating, moistening the lung and relieving cough. And it is often prescribed in the treatment of sore throat, food poisoning and in relieving poisonous action of any drug.  Honeyed Radix Glycyrrhizae is sweet in taste and warm in nature, and has a better action in supplementing qi and relieving spasm and pain. It is often used in the treatment of anorexia, abdominal pain and loose stool due to weakness of the spleen and stomach, fever caused by overexertion and fatigue, cough due to consumptive lung diseases, palpitation and intermittent pulse, epilepsy induced by terror and spasm of muscles.