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Fall 2007

Licorice isn’t just the flavor of the lonely, black jelly beans left at the bottom of the bag—it’s also an herb that civilizations around the world have used as medicine for millennia. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, the subject of the Center for Healthy Communities’ newest exhibit, From the Abundant Pharmacy: Traditional Chinese Medicine in L.A.’s Chinatown. The exhibit, which runs October 4 through February 8, 2008, is a collaboration between The California Endowment, the Chinese American Museum and the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California.

gan cao: the harmonizing herb

Chinese licorice, which is used in its root form or in prepared capsules, teas or syrups, is one of the oldest and most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is often used as a complementary herb that enhances the effectiveness and flavor of a prescription, but is
also a primary agent in some remedies for sore throats, coughs and stomach ulcers. “Chinese licorice, or gan cao, is essential to the history and practice of traditional Chinese medicine,” says Sojin Kim, curator of the exhibit. “Its role in many remedies as the synchronizer of other herbs reflects the importance of harmony and balance in this approach to healing.”

always in moderation

Don’t let licorice’s longevity as an herbal remedy fool you: it’s not for everyone. In high doses it can elevate blood pressure, and should be used with caution and only under medical supervision by those with heart or blood pressure problems. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid licorice. And it’s not an everyday drug: several sources say taking a regular dose of licorice for more than four to six weeks can lead to other side effects.

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FROM THE ABUNDANT PHARMACY OPENS OCTOBER 4
Chinese Licorice an Ancient Healer