Gan Cao (Licorice Root)
Latin Name: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Properties: sweet, neutral
Actions: tonifies spleen, strengthens Qi, moistens lung, stops cough, dispels phlegm, clears heat and reduces fire toxins, alleviates spasmodic pain, harmonizes formulas and coordinates action of other herbs in a prescription
Medical Indications: cardiac palpitation, shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, weakness of spleen and stomach, spasmodic pain in stomach, abdomen, and limbs, lack of appetite, loose stools, eczema, ulceres, sores, carbuncles, to mitigate effects of toxins
Contraindications: not to be used in cases of nausea, vomiting, or abdominal/chest fullness caused by dampness, not to be used in cases of edema or high blood pressure
Dosage: 3 to 10 grams
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