Ingredient Spotlight

Licorice / Gan Cao

Why we love it

Licorice is widely valued for its ability to support abdominal comfort and overall balance, making it a key ingredient in traditional and modern holistic practices.

Traditionally Supports:

  •  Digestive ease

  • Bloating support

  • Balanced bowels

  • Comfort during cyclical changes

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How It's Used

In Chinese herbal traditions, Licorice is treasured for its role in replenishing Qi, supporting spleen vitality, and clearing heat. Known as a “harmonizer,” it balances and enhances the effects of other herbs, making it a key ingredient in many traditional teas and remedies.

In Western herbal practices, Licorice is valued for its nourishing properties and its supportive role in promoting digestive comfort, respiratory ease, and cardiovascular balance. Its soothing qualities contribute to overall resilience and well-being.

Fun Fact: Licorice was a favorite of the Ancient Egyptians, who used it in beverages and remedies. It was even discovered in King Tutankhamen’s tomb, showcasing its longstanding cultural significance.

“Licorice is used in almost all Chinese herbal formulas as a harmonizer. The philosophy is that licorice can make all the other herbs ‘play nice’ with one another. ”

- Lulu Ge, Founder & CEO

What the research says

In a study conducted on mouse uterine contractions, licorice reduced uterine spasms by inhibiting calcium influx.
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Licorice has a flavonoid, isoliquiritigenin, that has a spasmolytic effect on uterine contraction.
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Licorice has a uterine relaxant effect by inhibiting the phosphorylation of HSP27, which plays a key role in regulating uterine contraction.
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The main active component in Licorice, glycyrrhizin, produced anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced mouse endometrial epithelial cells by suppressing LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production.
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Feel the difference for yourself

Your cycle is unique, and the only way to know if Elix will work for you is to try your personalized blend. We’re here to listen to your body, adjust your blend as needed.

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