Honey-Fried Licorice Root Classic Formulas … Natural Herb Library

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Tonifies Spleen Qi and strengthens the middle burner ... Zhi Gan Cao is sweeter, warmer, and more Qi-supportive than raw Gan Cao, so it is favored in deficiency and recovery formulas.
Moistens the Lungs and stops cough ... the honey-fried form is especially associated with dry, weak, or lingering cough rather than the more detoxifying sore-throat lane of raw licorice.
Moderates spasms and relieves pain ... it is classically used for abdominal cramping, urgent pain, or muscle spasm when sweetness and harmonization are needed.
Benefits Qi and restores the pulse while harmonizing other herbs ... this is the licorice form linked to Zhi Gan Cao Tang and to formula traditions that support palpitations, depleted Qi, and irregular pulse.

Zhi Gan Cao Tang ... classical formula for irregular pulse, palpitations, and combined Qi-Yin deficiency.
Si Jun Zi Tang ... supports Spleen Qi and digestion, with Zhi Gan Cao harmonizing and reinforcing the center.
Li Zhong Tang ... middle-burner warming formula for deficient cold, poor appetite, and abdominal discomfort.
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang ... classic pair for cramping pain and sudden muscle spasm.

Shang Han Lun gives Zhi Gan Cao a special status in pulse-restoring and deficiency-recovery contexts through Zhi Gan Cao Tang.
Traditional materia medica consistently separates honey-fried licorice from raw licorice ... the honey-fried form supplements and harmonizes more strongly.
Modern paozhi teaching likewise describes honey-processing as enhancing Gan Cao's Qi-tonifying and Lung-moistening direction.