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Licorice Root (Gancao) has a sweet taste and neutral nature, is non-toxic, and enters the Spleen Meridian. It is born from the harmonious Yang Qi of Earth, hence it is called the "Essence of Nine Soils." Various poisons are transformed when encountering Earth, thus Licorice Root can resolve myriad toxins. Raw Licorice Root is cold in nature, while roasted Licorice Root is warm; the tip (Sha) relieves painful dysuria, the nodes (Jie) reduce swelling from carbuncles and smallpox, the rootlets (Zi) clear heat in the chest, and the main stem tonifies the Middle Jiao. Those that are thick with prominent transverse striations are preferred.

Licorice Root resolves various toxins, benefits the throat to relieve pain, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies the Triple Burner, stops diarrhea, relieves thirst, alleviates irritability, harmonizes the properties of other herbs, relieves acute abdominal pain, and clears pathogenic heat from the Zang-Fu organs. When combined with hot-natured herbs, it moderates their heat; when combined with cold-natured herbs, it moderates their coldness. It tonifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Middle, moistens the Lungs and resolves heat. The tip treats pain in the urethra, and the nodes treat sores and ulcers. However, it is contraindicated in cases of fullness in the middle jiao; although it acts on the Lower Jiao, it should not be added in such conditions.

Indications (Reference for Smallpox and Rashes): Raw use purges fire, resolves heat toxins, and reduces carbuncles and ulcers; roasted use tonifies the Yuan Qi of the Triple Burner, strengthens the Stomach and harmonizes the Middle, and resolves drug toxicity. For treating smallpox and rashes, raw pieces are preferred, specifically smaller ones. If used in tonifying formulas, larger roasted pieces are preferred. To resolve epidemic pestilence toxins and malignant sores, preparing it as Renzhonghuang (Human-Excrement-Hollowed Bamboo Charcoal) is best. Raw nodes reduce swelling and guide out toxins.

Commentary: Licorice Root is red outside and yellow inside, possessing the colors of Kun (Earth) and Li (Fire); its sweet taste and neutral nature support the functions of Wu and Ji (Spleen and Stomach). It harmonizes various ingredients, earning the title of "Elder Statesman," and universally treats various pathogens, embodying the use of the King's Way. Sweet flavor resides in the center yet connects with the Five Elements; it can go up or down, inside or outside; it harmonizes and moderates, tonifies and drains; it benefits Yin and removes heat, aiding the Metal Palace (Lungs), thus treating cough, sore throat, and Lung萎 (Flaccidity). Its sweet moderation specifically nourishes Spleen Earth, making it essential for diarrhea, deficiency heat, and muscle disorders. In Lizhong Tang, it is used to prevent hot herbs from ascending excessively; in Chengqi Tang, it is used to prevent harsh purgatives from acting too rapidly. Hot herbs combined with it moderate their heat; cold herbs combined with it moderate their coldness. Sweetness can cause fullness, so it is avoided in cases of middle jiao fullness; sweetness can relieve urgency, so it is suitable for tendon spasms. The head aids emetic formulas, and the tip reaches the Kidney to clear fire. It is contraindicated in vomiting, alcohol-induced illness, and distension. (Method for preparing Renzhonghuang: Take a section of bamboo tube, scrape off the green skin, make a small hole at one end. Fill it tightly with Licorice Root, seal the hole with oil paste, and place it in a public thoroughfare toilet where no women enter on the day of Start of Winter. Retrieve it on the day of Start of Spring, wash it clean with water, dry it in the shade in a ventilated area without direct sunlight for half a month, then split open, take out, and sun-dry. It is divine in treating all heat toxins and epidemic toxins.)