Gan Cao is also known as liquorice root and is native to China, Mongolia, and East Russia. The root is harvested in the spring or Autumn, and for more than 2000 years Gan Cao has been considered one of the most important medicinal plants in China. Above all it tonicizes the Qi of the stomach, spleen and heart. Gan Cao is also used for sore throats, coughs and gastritis, as well as for promoting resistance and vitality in general.