Licorice

Licorice grows in the mountain valleys of Xichuan Historical Western Sichuan, Jisha Mountain, and Shangjun A historical commandery in northern Shaanxi. Today, it is found throughout the Shaanxi and Hedong The region east of the Yellow River, modern-day Shanxi prefectures.

In the spring, it produces green sprouts reaching one or two feet in height. Its leaves resemble those of the Scholar Tree original: 槐 (huai); Sophora japonica. In the seventh month of the lunar calendar; roughly late summer, it blooms with purple flowers that resemble millet. It produces seed pods similar to small beans original: 卑豆 (beidou). The roots can reach three or four feet in length. The bark is reddish with horizontal ridges; beneath these ridges grow many fine, fibrous roots.

The roots should be harvested in the second and eighth months on Chu days original: 除日 (churi); specific auspicious days in the traditional calendar used for medicinal gathering. They should be sun-dried for ten days until cured. To prepare the herb, remove the rhizome head original: 蘆頭 (lutou) and the red outer skin, then dry it in the shade.

There are several varieties of this herb. Those that are firm and possess a clear, solid grain when cut are considered the highest quality. Varieties that are light, hollow, have vertical fibers, or are sold as fine scraps are unsuitable for medicinal use.

Licorice is known by several alternative names, including Honey-Sweet original: 蜜甘 (migan), Beautiful Herb original: 美草 (meicao), Honey Herb original: 蜜草 (micao), and Dew Herb original: 露草 (lucao).

Its flavor is sweet and its nature is balanced. It neutralizes the toxicity of various drugs and harmonizes all other medicines, ensuring they work effectively. For this reason, it is nicknamed the State Elder original: 國老 (Guolao); an honorific title for a senior statesman who resolves disputes and brings harmony to the court. It is used to supplement the body after fatigue or injury, replenish essence, nourish the qi vital life force, and strengthen the sinews and bones. It also resolves ailments characterized by extreme cold or heat, and is used extensively in many medicinal formulas.