Ingredient Name: Licorice root, Licorice (Liquorice), Sweet root, Chinese Licorice, Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Traditional Chinese Name:甘草 (gān cǎo)

What is this?

• The root of the licorice plant which is extracted and dried
• Common Chinese herbal ingredient and often found in Chinese medicines
• Mainly grown in China (Eastern & Northern parts)
• Slightly sweet in flavor

How do I prepare it?

• Rinse in warm water prior to use

Where can I buy this?

This is available in most Asian supermarkets
Also available in Chinese herbals stores

What is the cost

• 10 g cost around $2-3 HKD
• Extremely affordable

Any benefits?

• Used to aid cough, sore throat, asthma and remove phlegm
• Helps in detoxifying the body
• Reduce heatiness in the body
• Considered a cool food

Any precautions?

• Not be consumed by women who are pregnant – especially in first trimester as it’s a cooling food
• People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice

References:

• http://nccam.nih.gov/health/licoriceroot/