Discover the healing power of Gan Cao (甘草), a premium-quality licorice root widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its numerous health benefits. Sourced from the finest farms in China, our Gan Cao Herb offers exceptional purity and potency to support your well-being.
Key Features:
- 100% natural, high-quality licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) with no additives or preservatives
- Traditional Chinese Medicine staple for over 2,000 years, known for its sweet, neutral taste
- Expertly harvested and processed to preserve its active compounds
- Geo-authenitc Chinese herb meeting strict quality standards
- Available in 1 lb (16 oz), 1/2 lb (8 oz), 1/4 lb (4 oz), or 1 (oz) resealable bags for convenient storage and use
How to Use:
Gan Cao Herb can be used in various forms, such as decoctions, tinctures, and powders. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or herbalist for personalized advice on incorporating Gan Cao into your health regimen.
Experience the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with out premium Gan Cao Chinese Herb. Shop now and unlock the full potential of this versatile and potent licorice root.
Caution
Licorice root should be used with caution by individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. Pregnant or nursing women and those taking medication should consult their healthcare professional before using this product.
High Quality Gan Cao: What does it look like?
High quality Gan Cao typically has a uniform, dark brown color and a characteristic bittersweet taste. It should be free of any impurities or foreign matter, and have a consistent texture throughout. Additionally, it should be properly sourced, harvested and processed in accordance to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) standards and regulations. It should be non-GMO, free of pesticides and heavy metals, and sulfur-free.
How is Gan Cao prepared and processed?
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is a perennial herb that belongs to the legume family. It is commonly known as licorice root and it is native to southern and eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
The optimal growing conditions for Gan Cao include:
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Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5 are ideal for Gan Cao.
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Temperature: Gan Cao prefers a cool climate, with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will not thrive in extreme heat.
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Sunlight: Gan Cao prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate light shade as well.
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Water: Gan Cao is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water. It prefers well-drained soils and should not be overwatered.
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Fertilizer: Gan Cao prefers poor soils, and does not require much fertilizer. It can benefit from a light application of organic compost or well-rotted manure in the spring.
Gan Cao can be grown in gardens and meadows, but also it can be cultivated in fields. Since it is a perennial herb, it will grow back year after year, but it takes 3-4 years for the roots to become large enough to harvest
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is considered a sweet and neutral herb that is used to regulate the spleen, stomach, and lungs. It is used to harmonize the actions of other herbs and to reduce toxicity.
The traditional processing method of Gan Cao in TCM involves several steps:
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Cleaning and washing: The root of the plant is cleaned and washed to remove any dirt or impurities.
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Sun-drying: The root is then sun-dried to remove any moisture and to concentrate its flavors and medicinal properties.
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Cutting and slicing: After drying, the root is cut into small slices to make it easier to use in various formulations.
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Steaming: Some Gan Cao is steamed to soften it and to enhance its medicinal properties.
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Boiling: Some Gan Cao is boiled in water to extract its active compounds.
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Roasting: Some Gan Cao is roasted to enhance its taste and to change its property from cold to warm.
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Powdering: The dried, sliced, steamed, boiled or roasted root is ground into a fine powder for use in decoctions, pills, and other formulations.
The processed Gan Cao is then used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine where it is used as a tonic to aid the healthy immune system and to support overall health.
Popular Recipe for Gan Cao
Licorice root is a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and is also used in a variety of culinary applications. One of the most popular recipes for licorice root is homemade licorice candy. This recipe typically involves simmering licorice root with sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring to create a sweet and chewy candy. Another popular recipe is licorice tea, which is made by steeping licorice root in hot water to extract its flavor and potential health benefits. The tea can be sweetened with honey or other sweeteners, and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Additional Information on Gan Cao
Other Names: Gan Cao (Licorice root); Glycyrrhizae Uralensis; Radix Glycyrrhizae
Properties: Sweet, neutral
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Heart
Additional Information: Gan Cao, meaning sweet grass in Chinese, is so named because of the sweetness that this herb exhibits.
