Liquorice

[Guest guest]

http://www.questhealthlibrary.com/full_description.php?ElementID=337 Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

DESCRIPTION:

Once used to manufacture candy, liquorice has numerous health benefits that have been enjoyed throughout the world. One of the most biologically active herbs known, it affects the immune, circulatory, renal, respiratory and Endocrine Systems. Because liquorice acts as an anti-inflammatory, it can be used to treat the symptoms of many external and internal disorders. Recent research has found a use for the liquorice-component, carbenoxolone Sodium, in modern anti-ulcer drugs. In folklore, liquorice root is often used for its estrogenic properties.

HERBAL USES

Liquorice has been used since ancient times as a food and a medicine. Chinese herbal formulas nearly all contain liquorice, which functions to harmonise the various herbs in each prescription. Liquorice contains a number of active ingredients. Glycyrrhizin possesses anti-inflammatory, Cough-suppressant, antiviral, estrogen-like, and aldosterone-like activities (1). Aldosterone causes fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and Potassium loss in the body. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL), therefore, is a safer product, although it may not retain all the benefits of whole liquorice.

SUGGESTED INTAKES

Part of the plant used: ROOT.

For Ulcers, take two to four 380-mg tablets of DGL before meals and at bedtime. Use with conventional therapy.

For mouth sores, suck on two to four 380-mg tablets of DGL before meals and at bedtime.

For respiratory problems, take 1 to 2 g of liquorice root 3 times daily for no more than 1 week.

For Eczema, Psoriasis, or Herpes, apply liquorice cream twice daily to the affected area.

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, consult a physician. High dosages of whole liquorice are required. Significant side effects may result.

SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Ulcers:DGL can be effective treatment for Ulcers(2). Liquorice appears to stimulate repair processes and activate defences against further injury in mucous membranes (3,4). Animal studies indicate that DGL may help prevent aspirin-induced ulcers (5). Several studies suggest that DGL is as effective as Zantac drugs. However, unlike conventional Zantac drugs, which work to eradicate ulcers permanently, DGL must be taken continuously to prevent the recurrence of ulcers.

Mouth sores:Due to its effect on mucous membranes, DGL can also be used to relieve canker sores and other types of mouth sores.

Heartburn:DGL has been used to treat Heartburn, although the exact benefit and mechanism of treatment is unknown.

Skin disorders:Creams containing whole liquorice can be used to treat Eczema, Psoriasis, and Herpes.

Respiratory problems:Whole liquorice can be used as an expectorant to treat respiratory problems, including Asthma and Coughing (9,10).

Chronic Fatigue:Liquorice has recently been recommended as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to low levels of adrenal hormones. Glycyrrhizin may help alleviate fatigue by mimicking the effects of the natural hormones. This treatment may be potentially dangerous and should only be attempted under medical supervision.

Liquorice has also been suggested for the following: liver diseases (11,12), menopausal symptoms, cancer prevention, High Cholesterol, and Immune System health (13). However, little evidence of its effectiveness are available.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

While thorough studies on safety have not yet been conducted, liquorice appears to be non-toxic. Side effects are rare.

>>>>>>>>>****Whole liquorice can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and loss of Potassium if more than 3 g per day is taken for more than six weeks. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease are advised to avoid liquorice root.

Safety in young children, nursing or pregnant women, and patients with severe liver or kidney disease has not been determined.<<<<<<<<<*****

INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Liquorice may interfere with corticosteroid treatment, such as prednisone (14). Long-term use of liquorice may be dangerous if one is on digitalis or cardiac glycosides. If one is on thiazide or loop diuretics, use of liquorice may cause excessive loss of Potassium.

Regular use of DGL with aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs may help lower the risk of Ulcers.

etc. (This one I take off and on.but not for long spells as it can cause us problems...it is just that periodically (ont often) I crave it..hemnce I think my body must know it needs some. But, I do not stay on it as it can cause edema and other problems we do not want. Joanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanne - I love liquorice but told NEVER eat it again as prednisone caused my severe hypertension and my bouts of liquorice eating (at that stage) was contributing to my BP problems.

Regards Jan

[ ] Liquorice

http://www.questhealthlibrary.com/full_description.php?ElementID=337 Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

DESCRIPTION:

Once used to manufacture candy, liquorice has numerous health benefits that have been enjoyed throughout the world. One of the most biologically active herbs known, it affects the immune, circulatory, renal, respiratory and Endocrine Systems. Because liquorice acts as an anti-inflammatory, it can be used to treat the symptoms of many external and internal disorders. Recent research has found a use for the liquorice-component, carbenoxolone Sodium, in modern anti-ulcer drugs. In folklore, liquorice root is often used for its estrogenic properties.

HERBAL USES

Liquorice has been used since ancient times as a food and a medicine. Chinese herbal formulas nearly all contain liquorice, which functions to harmonise the various herbs in each prescription. Liquorice contains a number of active ingredients. Glycyrrhizin possesses anti-inflammatory, Cough-suppressant, antiviral, estrogen-like, and aldosterone-like activities (1). Aldosterone causes fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and Potassium loss in the body. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL), therefore, is a safer product, although it may not retain all the benefits of whole liquorice.

SUGGESTED INTAKES

Part of the plant used: ROOT.

For Ulcers, take two to four 380-mg tablets of DGL before meals and at bedtime. Use with conventional therapy.

For mouth sores, suck on two to four 380-mg tablets of DGL before meals and at bedtime.

For respiratory problems, take 1 to 2 g of liquorice root 3 times daily for no more than 1 week.

For Eczema, Psoriasis, or Herpes, apply liquorice cream twice daily to the affected area.

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, consult a physician. High dosages of whole liquorice are required. Significant side effects may result.

SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Ulcers:DGL can be effective treatment for Ulcers(2). Liquorice appears to stimulate repair processes and activate defences against further injury in mucous membranes (3,4). Animal studies indicate that DGL may help prevent aspirin-induced ulcers (5). Several studies suggest that DGL is as effective as Zantac drugs. However, unlike conventional Zantac drugs, which work to eradicate ulcers permanently, DGL must be taken continuously to prevent the recurrence of ulcers.

Mouth sores:Due to its effect on mucous membranes, DGL can also be used to relieve canker sores and other types of mouth sores.

Heartburn:DGL has been used to treat Heartburn, although the exact benefit and mechanism of treatment is unknown.

Skin disorders:Creams containing whole liquorice can be used to treat Eczema, Psoriasis, and Herpes.

Respiratory problems:Whole liquorice can be used as an expectorant to treat respiratory problems, including Asthma and Coughing (9,10).

Chronic Fatigue:Liquorice has recently been recommended as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to low levels of adrenal hormones. Glycyrrhizin may help alleviate fatigue by mimicking the effects of the natural hormones. This treatment may be potentially dangerous and should only be attempted under medical supervision.

Liquorice has also been suggested for the following: liver diseases (11,12), menopausal symptoms, cancer prevention, High Cholesterol, and Immune System health (13). However, little evidence of its effectiveness are available.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

While thorough studies on safety have not yet been conducted, liquorice appears to be non-toxic. Side effects are rare.

>>>>>>>>>****Whole liquorice can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and loss of Potassium if more than 3 g per day is taken for more than six weeks. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease are advised to avoid liquorice root.

Safety in young children, nursing or pregnant women, and patients with severe liver or kidney disease has not been determined.<<<<<<<<<*****

INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Liquorice may interfere with corticosteroid treatment, such as prednisone (14). Long-term use of liquorice may be dangerous if one is on digitalis or cardiac glycosides. If one is on thiazide or loop diuretics, use of liquorice may cause excessive loss of Potassium.

Regular use of DGL with aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs may help lower the risk of Ulcers.

etc. (This one I take off and on.but not for long spells as it can cause us problems...it is just that periodically (ont often) I crave it..hemnce I think my body must know it needs some. But, I do not stay on it as it can cause edema and other problems we do not want. Joanne

[Guest guest]

A good health food store. I buy the liquorice root which I soak a portion in boiling water and also the hard black liquorice rock that you need to bang with a hammer to break into small pieces. As with anything, if you take too much, you will suffer the consequences. It is always a good idea to take pure sea salt daily with low adrenal reserve too.

Luv - Sheila

Hi everyone - found this today and thought it needed posting regardingthe cautions relating to this product. By the way Glycyrrhiza isliquorice. Whilst writing where do you all get your liquorice from?

..

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[Guest guest]

Hi,

You could try http://www.liquoriceheaven.co.uk They have an amazing selection of hard and soft, salt and sweet types- get a selection bag to find your favorite. Most folk seem to be using the dried root to make tea- but it tasted too earthy for me to enjoy.

> thyroid treatment > From: amanda.jennings@...> Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 14:02:59 +0000> Subject: Liquorice> > Hi everyone - found this today and thought it needed posting regarding> the cautions relating to this product. By the way Glycyrrhiza is> liquorice. Whilst writing where do you all get your liquorice from?> > > > ------------------------------------> > TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication.> >

[Guest guest]

.....but would you get the 'essential' ingredient (Glycyrrhiza) in these sweets ?

Luv - Sheila

Hi, You could try http://www.liquoriceheaven.co.uk They have an amazing selection of hard and soft, salt and sweet types- get a selection bag to find your favorite. Most folk seem to be using the dried root to make tea- but it tasted too earthy for me to enjoy.

..

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[Guest guest]

.. Most folk seem to be using the dried root to make tea- but it tasted

too earthy for me to enjoy.

Hi

I bought ready made teabags by clipper, looking at the ingredients they

just contain licorice root, so should contain the actual stuff, but

they taste just like licorice sweets, and are actually very sweet and

not earthy at all.

Leah x

[Guest guest]

Hi, some Liquorice don`t even have (glycyrrhiza) in them ,so checkbefore you buy. angel.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

Obviously they don't list content, but some of them do have a very strong taste indeed- stronger than chewing a root.

thyroid treatment From: sheilaturner@...Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 12:33:01 +0100Subject: Re: Liquorice

.....but would you get the 'essential' ingredient (Glycyrrhiza) in these sweets ?

Luv - Sheila

Hi, You could try http://www.liquoriceheaven.co.uk They have an amazing selection of hard and soft, salt and sweet types- get a selection bag to find your favorite. Most folk seem to be using the dried root to make tea- but it tasted too earthy for me to enjoy.

..

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[Guest guest]

What form of liquorice are you using and how much. And,

why did you take both armour and T3 and how much did you take of each. It

doesn't help to tell us you took any of these medications or supplements

without you tell us exactly how much you took. Let us know.

Luv - Sheila

Dr P suggested I take licorice to support my adrenals.

I tried this on sunday, and for the first time ever, my bedtime temp was 37

degrees C (normally it's 36.2-3). The next day i felt very low and drained.

Thinking i might be hypothyroid, i experimented to see if T3 or Armour would

lift my mood - i tried both and whereas normally i was unable to tolerate even

a small amount, 15mcg of T3 did nothing to me or my pulse or temp at all -

normally i get a reaction in pulse at least and improvemnet in mood, or if it's

too much - a bad reaction. thing is i got no reaction.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila

Licorice root tincture, 1 ml which equates to 1g

I took 15mcg of t3 - i woke up feeling so low, and i thought if i took 5mcg in

the morning it might help, but it didn't. So in the afternoon i tried a bit

more -10mcg, to see if it lifted my mood - had no effect, nor did 1/2 grain

Armour.

That may sound stupid to take those doses like that *but* in the past Armour has

really lifted my mood quick. neither thyroid had any affect (not even a bad

one) when previoulsy, just 10mcg T3 had a strong effect, but no nothing this

time. I'd had no thyroid the day before (saturday).

Thanks

Chris

[Guest guest]

you need to

take your thyroid supplements on a daily basis and at regular times using

regular amounts. They don't work instantaneously for most people, though T3

does work quickly for some. However, Armour contains T4 and other hormones, and

this needs a long time to be get into your cells, and the T4 in Armour has to

convert to the active T3. You seem to be doing a bit of hop skipping around with

your experimenting with your thyroid hormone replacement - though I do

understand why you feel the need to do this. Have you considered that if you

cannot take any thyroid hormone replacement, you might be thyroid hormone

resistant. Have you had recent thyroid function tests and if so, remind us what

they were (with the reference ranges). Have you read up about liquorice

tincture and any possible side effects it might have with the other medications

you are taking?

Luv - Sheila

Licorice root tincture, 1 ml which equates to 1g

I took 15mcg of t3 - i woke up feeling so low, and i thought if i took 5mcg in

the morning it might help, but it didn't. So in the afternoon i tried a bit

more -10mcg, to see if it lifted my mood - had no effect, nor did 1/2 grain

Armour.

That may sound stupid to take those doses like that *but* in the past Armour

has really lifted my mood quick. neither thyroid had any affect (not even a bad

one) when previoulsy, just 10mcg T3 had a strong effect, but no nothing this

time. I'd had no thyroid the day before (saturday).

Thanks

Chris

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17:59:00

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila

Dr P thinks i may have uptake problems, and suggested taking Armour twice a

week, half a grain, and also licorice to support my adrenals a bit more.

I just felt really quite desperate earlier, and Armour did lift my mood in the

past, i think T3 did, too. but i know what you are saying about chopping and

changing, i agree with you, it's just i felt so desperate.

Do you think though that what happened to me earlier might have been a thyroid

dump? High temps, high pulse. And if so, could licorice have caused that,

possibly by an aldosterone like effect or by stopping breakdown of HC so HC went

higher? but i don't see how it could raise HC too high, by the time it got into

my system (licorice, this is) i think my morning dose of HC would be practically

gone.

So, if i needed aldosterone and took a substance which acted like aldosterone

(licorice), could that have given me a thyroid dump, does it work like that?

This kind of explains why i felt as i did, then i felt so low after - maybe all

my thyroid had been used?

http://drholly.typepad.com/licorice/ - this author is a college professor of

chemistry and biochemistry - the article is too long to post but:

" In normal circumstances in the kidney, the SDR enzyme 11-beta HSD2 turns

cortisol into the less active cortisone, which is not capable of binding to the

aldosterone receptor and is thus not capable of acting like aldosterone. **When

licorice inactivates 11-beta HSD2, cortisol is no longer deactivated in your

kidney, and a flood of cortisol binds to your kidney's aldosterone receptor,

mimicking aldosterone.** "

My BP did shoot up earlier for a few hours to a high level by my

standards(150/80). that is an aldosterone effect? and the high pulse, that

might be adrenaline (stress) or a thyroid dump? what do you think?

I have not had recent thyroid tests no, GP will not do them but referred me to

CFS specialist and i can't afford them myself. In January before taking HC TSH

was 0.72 but i don't believe these are accurate if i had low adrenals and after

this started on HC.

Thanks

Chris

[Guest guest]

Hi - you really need to talk to a specialist about all of

these problems. I am not medically qualified and on this matter, it is way

beyond me, though perhaps Bob might be able to help you. Before a GP refers you

to a Chronic Fatigue Specialist, he should first do a full thyroid function

test to eliminate hypothyroidism. I would point this out to him. You should NOT

have to be paying for such tests yourself. Write to the Head of Practice if

necessary.

Luv - Sheila

My BP did shoot up earlier for a few hours to a high level by my standards(150/80).

that is an aldosterone effect? and the high pulse, that might be adrenaline

(stress) or a thyroid dump? what do you think?

I have not had recent thyroid tests no, GP will not do them but referred me to

CFS specialist and i can't afford them myself. In January before taking HC TSH

was 0.72 but i don't believe these are accurate if i had low adrenals and after

this started on HC.

Thanks

Chris

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17:59:00

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sheila

Well even though i wrote to my GP she just said she'd refer me the CFS dr. And

said well if he wants to do some tests we can do them. Don't know how NHS

internal market works but i'd have thought it'd cost more to refer me to see a

specialist than to have the tests? But maybe the GP's budget pays for one and

not the other.

All GP did was a TSH test and full blood test.

I tried asking for various tests including testosterone and full thyroid test

but i think because of my history (years of depression and so on) a) she tried

to persuade me to go back on prozac (no chance, that stuff made me so ill and

did my adrenals in) and thinks it's all in my mind, even though i said it

wasn't like how i felt before.

Also my sister has CFS so maybe gp thinks " Oh there is some genetic

suspectibility here "

I don't want to kick up too much fuss - not got the energy - i guess i have to

go along with their games and see what happens.

Chris

[Guest guest]

Hi

I've just listen to Woman's Hour on BBC iplayer about CFS. One of the comments

the doctor speaking on the programme said was 'we now know there is a genetic

link to CFS.'

My daughter (21) is housebound and virtually bed bound by CFS. Her older brother

is fatigued but still able to work.

Also mentioned by the doctor was that tests should be done to eliminate other

causes of fatigue ie. hypothyroidism and diabetes before a diagnosis of CFS.

You have my sympathy with trying to get the doctors to understand and treat you

and not just fob you off. All they offer my son is antid's. Keep trying and

don't give up. You are in the right place for support.

By the way I thought the young girl in the radio explained CFS and how it

affected her very well.

judy

>

> Also my sister has CFS so maybe gp thinks " Oh there is some genetic

suspectibility here "

>

> I don't want to kick up too much fuss - not got the energy - i guess i have to

go along with their games and see what happens.

>

> Chris

>

[Guest guest]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb

Bob

>> Hi > > I've just listen to Woman's Hour on BBC iplayer about CFS. One of the comments the doctor speaking on the programme said was 'we now know there is a genetic link to CFS.'>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob, thanks for the link.

==

Hi Judy

I listened to that radio programme earlier too, it was interesting.

that is interesting about the genetic link to cfs - i don't know much about CFS

except some say there's a thyroid/adrenal componenet or may be linked to epstein

barr virus too.

if it is thyroid then it makes sense that CFS is genetic as thyroid problems can

be, too?

I am sorry to hear both your children are unwell, your daughter sounds very bad.

I hope she is seeing a good dr who can help her.

I don't even know if i have CFS - I am not anywhere near as bad as your

daughter, i am just fatigued and low and got very low endurance. i am not

anywhere near as bad as my sister, either (i don't see her very often - not seen

her in six months - when i told her that the dr thought i may have CFS, she was

very dismissive saying " you don't have the symptoms of CFS " ! thing is though

i've never told my sister what symptoms i have, and she's never asked, she is on

strong painkillers and is in her own world unfortunately, so she wouldn't know

what symptoms i have or not. i tried telling her about Dr P and the

thyroid/adrenal connection but she wasn't that interested, that's another story

though).

I think i mentioned on this or anohter post that my gp wouldn't give me a full

thyroid test or anything; it's kind of strange - they don't nowadays diagnose by

symptoms, but by tests,but won't do the tests that allow them to diagnose or

rule things out? interesting logic they have?

> You have my sympathy with trying to get the doctors to understand and treat

you and not just fob you off. All they offer my son is antid's.

it makes me think these doctors are stupid - surely people know if they are

depressed or not? and the Antid's can cause adrenal problems or exacerbate

them- they sure never helped me.

thanks for your message. i hope that your daughter and son can get good medical

care and get well.

Chris