Library

(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)
It harmonizes the five zang and six fu organs, bringing them to the center; internally it strengthens the sinews and bones, externally it nourishes the muscles, encompassing the four directions.
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats cold and heat pathogenic factors in the five zang and six fu organs, strengthens sinews and bones, promotes muscle growth, doubles physical strength, treats metal wounds (trauma caused by metal weapons), and detoxifies. Long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs life.
[Verification] It is said: Licorice Root (Gancao), also known as Cao, Lingtong, Guolao, Meicao.
It grows in the provinces of Hedong in Shaanxi, and in various barbarian areas such as Wenshan. Sprouts emerge in spring, reaching a height of five or six chi, leaves resemble those of the locust tree, flowers bloom in July, purple-red like Naidong flowers, fruits form pods resembling broad beans. The root is three to four chi long, varying in thickness, with reddish skin, featuring horizontal main stems above and fine lateral roots below. Those that are solid and have clear grain are superior; those that are light, hollow, vertically grained, and finely tough are unsuitable for use. When preparing for medicinal use, remove the head and tail, as well as the red skin, cut into three-cun lengths, split into six or seven pieces, place in porcelain vessels, soak in good wine, steam from Si hour to Wu hour, take out, dry in the sun, grind finely for decoction. Sophora Root (Kushen, 苦参) and Dried Tree Bark (Ganqi, 干漆) act as its assistants. It opposes Polygala Root (Yuanzhi, 远志). It is incompatible with Euphorbia Ferox Root (Daji, 大戟), Genkwa Flower (Yanhua, 芫花), Kansui Root (Gansui, 甘遂), and Sargassum Thallus (Haizao, 海藻). Pork is contraindicated.
My late father said: Licorice embodies the principle of generation and completion, its pathways connect ability and object, the herb follows soft transformation, harmonizing diverse sentiments. He further stated: "Harmony" has four meanings: one is integration, two is purity, three is clarity, four is continuity; Licorice possesses all four virtues. He also said: Green shoots, purple flowers, white hairs, and locust-like leaves all originate from the yellow center penetrating the grain, indicating that Earth possesses the characteristics of the Four Elements, which goes without saying. He added: Earth penetrates the four sides, governing the whole body; thus Earth generates all things and becomes their refuge.
[Discussion] It is said: The Book of Documents states, "Earth is suited for sowing and reaping; sowing and reaping produce sweetness." This means Earth's nature is to generate, and among the plants it produces, only crops best obtain the harmony of Earth's Qi. Thus, selecting these verifies the nature and flavor of Earth. Some say: Earth resides in the center. Others say: Earth penetrates the four sides. A skeptic asks: If a pole is set in the center, looking east reveals west, looking south reveals north; the center is hard to define. I propose that "center" should be discussed longitudinally, and "four" horizontally. The Neijing states: "What does the earth rely on? The Great Qi supports it." Thus we know that above and below there is only Qi, while Earth alone resides in the middle. The "four" refers to this central Earth, penetrating horizontally to the four sides; without the four, there is no center. In summary, Licorice's color, flavor, nature, and temperament contain the virtue of Earth, serving as the leader of the five flavors; therefore, it treats the organs residing in the center. When attacked by pathogens, causing external manifestations of cold and heat, along with internal sinews/bones and external muscles, it uses its horizontal penetrating power to strengthen and nourish them. Qi gathers in the form; when the form is complete, strength doubles; when the form decays, Qi perishes. Metal wounds, like digging earth or stripping land, cause the interruption of Couli (pores/skin texture). This belongs to the essence of the Nine Earths, exercising the function of Earth, connecting the Earth's veins, maintaining connection and union. The fierce toxicity is immediately alleviated by the quiet, peaceful nature of Earth, causing the toxin to retreat from the Heart. Complete form leads to a light body; solid form leads to longevity. The center inside and out, left and right, all sides, are penetrated by Earth. If disease arises from Earth or affects Earth, it is suitable to use Licorice; if borrowing the principles of the Four Elements, further contemplation is required.
(The phrases "Earth is suited for sowing and reaping," "Metal is suited for changing," etc., point directly to the true nature of the Five Elements; the concepts of "able to generate" and "that which is generated" refer to the substance and function of the Five Elements.)