Sheng Gan Cao- Licorice root has various effects and uses, mainly for treating digestive system diseases, respiratory system diseases, skin diseases, and so on.
1. Digestive system diseases: Licorice root can promote gastric juice secretion, increase appetite, alleviate symptoms such as stomach pain and gastritis; it can also reduce gastric acid reflux and prevent the occurrence of gastric ulcers.
2. Respiratory system diseases: Licorice root can relieve symptoms such as cough, sore throat, bronchitis, helping to clear phlegm from the respiratory tract and alleviate inflammation.
3. Skin diseases: Licorice root has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antioxidant effects, which can alleviate symptoms such as skin itching, eczema, and promote skin repair.
It is important to note that licorice root contains components such as glycyrrhizin, and excessive or long-term use may lead to adverse reactions such as sodium and water retention, and increased blood pressure. Therefore, it should be used under medical advice and should not be abused without supervision. Additionally, licorice root is not suitable for pregnant women, hypertensive patients, and other specific groups.