DonguiHub — The Hub of Donguibogam Knowledge
Home › Herbs › Licorice Root
Botanical illustration of Glycyrrhiza glabra (related species)
DonguiHub 편집팀 제작 (AI 보조 생성, 재작업 후 부위·형태 재검수) · DonguiHub

Licorice Root

감초 (甘草) · Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.
Harmonizing herb Neutral Sweet Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach
NatureNeutral
TasteSweet
MeridiansHeart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Part usedRoot and rhizome
FamilyFabaceae
CategoryHarmonizing herb
Find by concern: CoughSore throatAbdominal painIndigestion

Overview

Licorice root, the dried root and rhizome of a perennial legume, appears in more traditional Korean formulas than almost any other herb. Known as the harmonizer, it is used to moderate and unify the actions of other ingredients, ease the digestive system, and soothe coughs. The Donguibogam states this role in strikingly specific terms — that licorice alone can settle seventy-two kinds of mineral drugs and twelve hundred kinds of herbs into harmony, which is why the text honors it with the title 'elder statesman' (國老). The Korean saying 'like licorice in the medicine cabinet' describes something present everywhere. The text also records where the root's alternate name 'powder herb' (粉草) comes from — the root is judged good quality when it is firm and dense enough that snapping it releases a fine powder.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性平, 味甘, 無毒. 解百藥毒, 爲九土之精, 安和七十二種石, 一千二百種草, 調和諸藥, 使有功, 故號爲國老.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It resolves the toxins of the hundred medicines; as the essence of the nine earths it settles the seventy-two minerals and twelve hundred herbs, and by harmonizing all medicines to make them effective it is called the "state elder" (guk-ro).

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Harmonizes formulas
  • Tonifies the spleen and qi
  • Moistens the lung, relieves cough
  • Relieves spasmodic pain
  • Moderates herb toxicity

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Digestive weakness
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Included in most classical formulas

Traditional preparation

Decoction 2–6g; roasted (honey-fried) licorice is used for tonifying purposes, since roasting is said to harmonize the middle while the raw root instead purges heat. The Donguibogam separately records two sub-parts: the thin root tip (梢), used for painful, difficult urination, and the root nodes (節), used raw to reduce swelling and clear toxicity.

Cautions

Caution: Long-term or high-dose use may raise blood pressure and lower potassium (glycyrrhizin effect). Caution with hypertension, edema, and certain diuretics. The Donguibogam itself, citing the classical text Uihak-jeongjeon (醫學正傳), already cautioned that those prone to vomiting, abdominal fullness, or heavy alcohol use should not take licorice long-term or in large amounts. Consult a professional.
Advertisement

Frequently asked questions

Why is licorice in so many formulas?

Traditional sources describe licorice as harmonizing the hundred medicines: it moderates harsh ingredients, unifies a formula's action, and improves taste.

Is licorice root the same as licorice candy?

Not exactly. The herb is the dried root; much modern candy is flavored with anise instead of real licorice.

Does raw and roasted licorice work the same way?

No — the Donguibogam distinguishes them: roasted (honey-fried) licorice harmonizes and warms the middle, while the raw root instead purges heat, which is why prescriptions specify one or the other.

Sources