Ingredient Spotlight

Licorice / Gan Cao

Traditionally supports: Digestive ease, Bloating support, Balanced bowels, and Comfort during cyclical changes

How It's Used

In Chinese herbal traditions, Licorice is treasured for its role in replenishing Qi, supporting spleen vitality, and clearing heat. Known as a “harmonizer,” it balances and enhances the effects of other herbs, making it a key ingredient in many traditional teas and remedies.

In Western herbal practices, Licorice is valued for its nourishing properties and its supportive role in promoting digestive comfort, respiratory ease, and cardiovascular balance. Its soothing qualities contribute to overall resilience and well-being.

Fun Fact: Licorice was a favorite of the Ancient Egyptians, who used it in beverages and remedies. It was even discovered in King Tutankhamen’s tomb, showcasing its longstanding cultural significance.

Licorice is used in almost all Chinese herbal formulas as a harmonizer. The philosophy is that licorice can make all the other herbs ‘play nice’ with one another.

- Lulu Ge, Founder

What the research says.

Proven by 4646 studies (and counting), doctors of all backgrounds can finally agree on the healing properties of this powerful herb.

Relaxative effect of core licorice aqueous extract on mouse isolated uterine horns

In a study conducted on mouse uterine contractions, licorice reduced uterine spasms by inhibiting calcium influx.

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Analgesic and Uterine Relaxant Effects of Isoliquiritigenin, a Flavone from Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice has a flavonoid, isoliquiritigenin, that has a spasmolytic effect on uterine contraction.

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Spasmolytic Mechanism of Aqueous Licorice Extract on Oxytocin-Induced Uterine Contraction through Inhibiting the Phosphorylation of Heat Shock Protein 27

Licorice has a uterine relaxant effect by inhibiting the phosphorylation of HSP27, which plays a key role in regulating uterine contraction.

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Glycyrrhizin inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production in endometrial epithelial cells

The main active component in Licorice, glycyrrhizin, produced anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced mouse endometrial epithelial cells by suppressing LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production.

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