Shanghai Medical Clinic

10/10/2025

Why do people with depression suffer from memory loss?

08/10/2025

Why do people with depression have trouble concentrating?

04/10/2025

Why do people with depression lose interest in life?

24/05/2025

14/02/2025

Women's Health: Understanding Menstrual Issues and Fertility

14/02/2025

Women's Health: Understanding Menstrual Issues and Fertility

11/01/2025

How does liver Chi stagnation affect the body's meridians, leading to the manifestation of disease symptoms?

08/01/2025

Irregular menstruation and irritability in women are related to liver Chi stagnation

28/12/2024

The method of combining dates with acupuncture for weight loss can help people lose 15 kg in 3 months. What is the mechanism?

21/12/2024

What are the main causes of male infertility from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine?

19/12/2024

Do you know that licorice is not just a candy, but also a traditional Chinese medicine?

Licorice root, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is much more than a sweet treat! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), licorice (Gan Cao) is a powerful herb known for its ability to soothe the throat, support digestion, and harmonize other ingredients. It’s been used for centuries to treat coughs, inflammation, and even stress.

This remarkable plant thrives in dry climates, growing in sandy soils across regions like China, the Middle East, and southern Europe. Its unique sweetness comes from a natural compound called glycyrrhizin, which is about 50 times sweeter than sugar!

So, why is it also a candy? Its natural sweetness and distinctive flavor made it a popular ingredient in European and Middle Eastern confectionery.
1 Cultural Customs: In Northern Europe, licorice became a primary source of candy due to the harsh climate, which limited the growth of other plants. Historically, during the Great Depression, restrictions on imported sweets led locals to mix licorice with sugar to create candies. This practice gradually developed into a unique licorice candy culture.
2 Market Demand: With rising health awareness, licorice candy gained popularity for its relatively lower calorie content and potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and soothing coughs. People in Northern European countries particularly enjoy this candy, even incorporating licorice into their everyday diets.
For these two reasons, over time, licorice's sweetness and unique flavor have led to its widespread application in the food industry. It is not only used to make preserves and chewing gum but has also become a key ingredient in candies, especially in Northern Europe.

03/08/2024

Female Infertility