The efficacy and function of licorice

Licorice root is a very common Chinese medicine and is also a frequently used medicine. It has unique effects and functions in treating many diseases. Here we will tell you in detail about the effects of some traditional Chinese medicine licorice.

[Other names] Donna, tree licorice, white-headed general, wood spicy

[Source] Medicinal material source: the roots and stems of the Rubiaceae plant, Glechoma longituba.

[Original form] A shrub with cracked fruits and golden flowers, 1.5-3m tall. Rarely arborescent. The twigs are pubescent with scattered pale yellow lenticels. Leaves are opposite; petiole is 1-2cm long; stipules are deeply 2-lobed from the middle to near the base, lobes are caudate-acuminate, and covered with long soft hairs; leaf blade is elliptic-oblong to lanceolate-oblong, 10-20cm long, 4-8cm wide, apex acuminate, base cuneate, with soft hairs on both sides, sparse on the upper side, very dense on the lower side, and the veins are particularly obvious. The cymes are terminal; the bracts are small; the flowers are golden yellow and nearly sessile; the calyx is about 3 mm long, and one of the lobes of some flowers is enlarged into leaf-like, white; the corolla is tubular, with a slightly enlarged throat, 1.5-2 cm long, and covered with silky hairs. The capsule is obovate or gyroid, about 1 cm long, and yellowish brown.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in tropical forests, river valleys, hills, and sandstones.

【Nature and flavor】 sweet; neutral

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; relieves cough and resolves phlegm; acts as a diuretic and reduces swelling. Mainly used for lung heat cough; sore throat; nephritis edema; urinary tract infection

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The article introduces the effects and functions of licorice root in detail. We hope that everyone can remember its common effects, which will help us to use licorice root correctly in our lives. Licorice root can effectively improve our physical fitness and is very beneficial for improving our body's immunity.