Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Zhi Gan Cao
English Name: Honey Fried Licorice Root

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • This preparation increases the qi tonifying aspects of the heart and spleen along with its general harmonizing function within formulas.  See Gan Cao for complete information.

Functional Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 2-12g

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

There are currently no contraindications listed.

Staff Clinician Notes

There are no additional notes for this herb.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.

  • Ba Zhen Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Pale complexion, fatigue, low stamina, light headedness, vertigo, palpitations (may be frequent), anxiety, poor appetite, reduced energy for speaking.

    The Pulse will be thin and frail or large and weak and the Tongue will be pale with a white coat.


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    • Ba Zhen Pian - Anemia, Heavy Menstruation, Weakness Herbal Formula

  • Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    For Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency - spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, desire for warm beverages, shortness of breath, intermittent fever, weak speech/low voice, weak limbs, loose/watery stools.

    The Pulse will be deficient and rootless in the spleen position or simply deficient overall and the Tongue will be pale with a thin white coat.


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  • Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Ge Gen Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Gui Pi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    The formula is used to tonify both the spleen and heart which can be damaged from excessive overthinking, compulsions, etc. along with poor dietary habits and stressful lifestyle.  General indications are anxiety, phobias, palpitations, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor appetite, pallid complexion.

    In women spleen and heart deficiencies may lead to prolonged periods with little flow or early periods, heavier with pale blood.

    The Pulse will be thin and frail and the Tongue will be pale with a thin white coat.


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    • Gui Pi Pian - Insomnia, Fatigue, Anemia Herbal Formula

  • Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Fever w/chills, chest oppression, abdominal pain, nausea, possibly vomiting and/or diarrhea, loss of taste, headache.

    The Pulse will be soggy and moderate and the Tongue will have a white greasy coating.


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  • Shao Yao Gan Cao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Si Jun Zi Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Si Ni Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Used for Yang Collapse in emergency situations but also to tonify Kidney Yang Deficiency in less severe cases.  Aversion to cold, very cold limbs, sensations of deep cold, fatigue, sleepiness, diarrhea with undigested food, vomiting, abdominal pain.

    The pulse will be deep and thin or deep and faint and the Tongue will be pale with a white, slippery tongue coating.


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  • Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Xiao Yao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Depression, anxiety, Headache, vertigo, hypochondriac pain, fatigue, poor appetite, bitter taste in the mouth.  In women - PMS, breast distention, irregular menstruation, fertility issues.

    The Pulse will be wiry and deficient and the Tongue will be pale-red/purplish.


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    • Xiao Yao Pian
    • Ease Tonic (concentrated capsules of xiao yao wan, easier to take over longer periods of time)
    • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Pian (modified version with the addition of heat clearing herbs, better for issues listed above along with skin issues such as eczema or dermatitis and/or stronger headaches, flushed face, etc.)