Dried Licorice Root Slices Gan Cao 甘草 500g for Herbal Tea and Decoction

Dried Licorice Root Slices, known in TCM as Gan Cao (甘草), from Glycyrrhiza uralensis. These naturally sun-dried large slices are a classic Chinese herbal ingredient traditionally valued for their sweet flavor and harmonizing role in herbal formulas. In TCM theory, licorice is considered sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, associated with the heart, lung, spleen, and stomach channels. Suitable for tea, decoctions, and culinary herbal use.

Key Selling Points

• Whole dried licorice root cut into large slices for easy brewing and decocting
• Botanical source Glycyrrhiza uralensis known in TCM as Gan Cao 甘草
• Naturally sun-dried with no further processing beyond drying
• Traditionally used to harmonize other herbs and add natural sweetness to blends
• 500g bulk pack suited to regular home herbal preparation

Quality & Sensory

Slices typically show a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown exterior with a pale yellow fibrous cut surface. The texture is firm and slightly fibrous, with a faint characteristic herbal aroma. When steeped or simmered, licorice typically yields a mild golden infusion with a distinctly sweet, mellow taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Steep slices in hot water as a mild sweet herbal tea
• Simmer in herbal decoctions with other botanicals
• Add to soups and slow-cooked dishes for traditional flavor
• Use in congee and seasonal herbal cooking

Traditional Uses

In TCM practice, Gan Cao is one of the most frequently used herbs, traditionally valued for harmonizing the actions of other botanicals in a formula and moderating harsh flavors. It is commonly paired with herbs such as chrysanthemum, goji berry, and jujube in daily teas, or added to soups and decoctions. Folk practice also uses licorice slices in throat-soothing and seasonal wellness drinks.

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