Bulk Herbs Revealed

Medicinal herb is a popular choice in providing medical solutions these days. Though there are a number of manufactured medicines, there are people who would want to take in something more natural. Many of these natural medicinal bulk herbs have several benefits aside from its curative properties. There are proven ways of making sage leaves an essential element in some culinary dishes and concoctions.

Sage leaf is one common natural medicinal herb. These tiny shrubs are mostly in Mediterranean regions. Leaves are green with strong citrus scent. Sage leaves are usually an addition to many dishes and drinks. Poultry and meat dishes, cheeses and even wines have exceptional flavors when combine with sage leaves. Others may find it appealing if these sage leaves are combined with bread and butter. Not only does this sage leaf a quality supplement to dishes and drinks, it has useful properties of curing meats and preserving other foods such as labiatic acid and carsonic acid. Furthermore, it lessens fish odor. Nevertheless, it does not stop in culinary efficiency. Sage leaves are capable of pain reduction healing sickness when taken in the body. Sage leaves cure fevers, pains, coughs and even problems with digestion.

Clinical studies show that sage leaf can pacify digestion problems such as indigestion and stomach cramps. Sage leaves are made into drinking tea, which are preferred by most people. Chinese strongly believe in the efficacy of medicinal herbs in providing solution for their digestive problems as well as other sickness. Even the oil of the leaves can treat ulcers that are caused by some bacteria in the stomach. Sweating is also treated by using sage leaf. Using the oil of sage leaves, the body’s temperature is regulated, thus decreasing the cause of sweating in the body. These are of good use for people living in deserts to lessen body sweating due to too much heat. With this unique property, sage leaf is also a good element in creating deodorants. The use of sage leaves advance its properties by becoming a strong ingredient for mouthwash and gargles.

It can strengthen teeth and gums as well as clean the whole mouth for lesser bacteria causing infection. These herbs also improve our memory as well as quickening our senses. These few but efficient properties are proofs of how useful a simple leaf can be. Both medicines artificially manufactured and natural medicinal herbs aim to cure many sickness.

The sage leaf provides a wonderful means of nature helping people. Find out more about sage leaf’s benefits today.

 

 

If you have ever walked through an open field and ended up with socks or pant legs covered with burrs, you have already met burdock. Officially Arctium lappa, the root, seeds, and leaves of this pant are very medicinal! A native of Europe, Asia, and North America, the burdock root has a gummy consistency and tastes sweet while the leaves are bitter, similar to dandelion. Some liken the stalks to the taste of celery.

Burdock contains chlorogenic acid, flavonoids,arcigen, calcium, essential oil, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, resin, tannin, potassium, and taraxosterol. Burdock is rich in vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C and others. It provides significant amounts of chromium, iron, copper, and magnesium. The root also contains trace amounts of organic mercury, meaning it can be used in mercury detox formulas.

Though the roots pack the greatest potential for healing, other parts of Burdock herb are used as well. Historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were compressed to make a mixture that was effective in easing pain from arthritis, and treating gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The burdock seeds contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which leads to increased perspiration. This cleanses the body and helps in treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys. The leaves or tea from the leaves have been used successfully to treat poison ivy or poison oak. In the far east, the leaves are used like lettuce and the root is eaten as a vegetable.

The most popular western use of Burdock root and seeds is as a primary herb in blood purifier formulas. Just how this works is uncertain though it seems to be related to its diuretic properties. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock root can be used as a gentle laxative and help rid the body of uric acid. Some active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, that are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals.

Traditionally, burdock root has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and believe it to be effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

Treating dandruff and encouraging healthy hair growth are two more applications of this herb. A simple massage of the scalp with burdock root oil does wonders. Burdock contains arctigenin, a substance effective in slowing cancerous tumor growth, and Essiac and Hoxsey, both chemicals used in cancer treatment.

Burdock is available in teas, pills, ointments, or as Bur oil. It is very safe whether taken internally or externally, but be sure the burdock you have is pure. Because of its likeness in appearance to belladonna, a lethal plant, some have claimed burdock is not safe when it was really mixed with this look alike.

Though burdock may help with abnormal blood sugar levels, it should be used cautiously in this way. Some say don’t use burdock if you are pregnant because it may cause uterine contractions. Others claim it is perfectly safe. But as a body cleanser, it is best to use burdock in combination with other herbs or at least in small amounts. Otherwise, it could work too good. Also, don’t expect it to work overnight as a blood cleanser. Give it at least three months.

Comfrey has been known for centuries as a healing plant. Its various aliases include boneset, nipbone, knitbone, and healing herb. It is especially known for its ability to knit bones together.

Comfrey leaves look a lot like Foxglove leaves, but they have smaller veins that don’t extend into the wings of the leaf-stalk. The Comfrey leaf stem is 2 to 3 feet high and is covered with bristly hairs. The lower leaves are up to 10 inches long and also covered with rough hairs which cause itching when people touch them.  The flowers are either purple or creamy yellow and grow on short stalks, appearing in April or early May.

Comfrey is a contact tissue healer. Until the early 1800’s, it was only used on the skin to treat burns, cuts, bronchitis, skin ulcers, varicose veins, and rheumatism. Then the Comfrey leaf was made into a tea and used as a mouthwash or gargled to treat hoarseness, throat infections, and bleeding gums. It is rich in vitamin C and calcium and contains B12, carotene (vitamin A), and chlorophyll.

Externally and internally Comfrey is also used in the treatment of varicose veins, colitis, rheumatism, diarrhea, assorted pulmonary complaints (bronchitis, pleurisy, bronchopneumonia), metritis, and periostitis. It is used as a diuretic and laxative and is even used as a sedative.

Comfrey’s effective healing agent is Allantoin. This is able to help accelerate the healing process by growing new flesh and bone cells. It also reduces the inflammation that results from pulled tendons. A tincture may be used to treat acne and athletes foot. Comfrey tea and extract has been used as a douche for yeast infections. Poultices are applied to sore and caked breasts to cause tenderness to subside quickly.

Comfrey leaves and shoots are also used as a vegetable and are often ground up in a blender or some other type of mechanical device to form the basis of “green drinks” which have become increasingly popular among health conscious individuals.

To make a medicinal tincture, mix 10 drops of the concentrate from the root with a tablespoonful of water several times a day. The leaves can be made into a tea by mixing 1 oz. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water.

Though comfrey is a safe herb, a few precautions are in order. If you have a deep wound, use it cautiously. Its rapid healing power can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper. This could lead to abscesses. Of course, you will always want to be sure the wounds are thoroughly cleaned and protected from the possibility of infection.

 

Jasmine Green Tea, unlike most teas, is made from both green leaves and the jasmine blossoms. These plants, over 200 species in number, are widely cultivated for their beautiful fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

The jasmine plant was brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD but never became popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea. Other popular versions are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being possibly the most popular scented tea worldwide.

Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.

The jasmine flowers are gathered when they are fully open. This means harvesting them at midnight or early in the morning. The flowers are then placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed. After four hours, the flowers are removed. During a month, this process is repeated before the tea is ready for sale. Low grade tea has been scented two or three times during this month. High grade tea has been scented seven times.

What’s so great about this stuff? Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols. These are plant-based substances that have proven to fight cancer, viruses, and have antioxidant properties. By eliminating free radicals the tea helps prevent certain cancers and slow aging. Jasmine reduces blood sugar for diabetics, and also reduces high blood pressure. This helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other Jasmine Tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

Jasmine tea also fights food poisoning, including dysentery, cholera, and piccoli that causes gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is one of the best ways to protect oneself from influenza since the tea contains anti-viral substances.

Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea, it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.

Recent studies show that drinking jasmine tea may fight fat. People who consumed tea with green tea extract during the period of three months lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. It seems substances found in jasmine tea, known as catechins, trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and stimulating the body to burn calories.

You can purchase jasmine already mixed in the green tea. Simply steep about one teaspoon of tea in two cups of water near boiling temperature for two minutes. You can do this up to three times before discarding it. Drink at least four cups of this a day. This tea may be served with strongly flavored foods or, if you like, it may be served alone. It is good with vegetarian dishes, curries, and chicken and fish. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with soft cheeses with pressed flowers, with fruit and flower salads, or with desserts made with flowers.

 

Have you ever heard of Indian tobacco? It is an old name for lobelia herb (officially lobelia inflata). The herb was commonly prescribed by early North American doctors for healing respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and coughs. The plant stem has only a few branches. It is smooth on top but rough and hairy down low. The lower leaves are about two inches long. They have stalks, but the upper, smaller ones do not. The pale green or yellowish leaves don’t taste or smell particularly good and the sparse flowers are pale violet-blue.

Lobelia consists of a bitter glycoside (lobelacrin), resin, gum, various alkaloids, a pungent volatile oil (lobelianin), chelidonic acid and fats. Lobeline is its most important ingredient. Others include nor-lobelanidine, lobelidine, nor-lobelaine, lobelanine, lobelanidine, and isolobenine. It also contains fourteen pyridine alkaloids.

Lobeline works much like nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system but without the addictive properties. In fact, it is a main ingredient of many quit smoking treatments. Lobeline acts as a relaxant overall and is used to treat spastic colon and muscle problems.  It also dilates the bronchioles, thereby increasing respiration and helping the lungs.

Lobelia’s claim to fame is its success in treating respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia. One thing it does is to stimulate the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine. This causes the airways to relax. As we said, lobelia is a strong relaxant and clears obstructions in the breathing passages. It also relaxes the stomach, a common need for asthmatic children. In fact, many people have used it in place of inhalers to stop asthma attacks.

Here are some other treatments suggested with lobelia. Rub the extract on the gums of a teething baby. Rub lobelia tincture or extract on the shoulders of a restless child; this is an excellent way to help him get to sleep. Ingest it to remove congestion from the stomach, expel mucus, and to encourage the flow of oxygenated blood. To treat ringworm, bruises, and insect bites use a poultice of lobelia. Catnip and lobelia used as an enema help treat mumps in males. Lobelia also acts as a sedative ranking somewhere between veratrum and aconite.

Lobelia is also useful in treating laryngitis in children and to get rid of barking coughs. Ellingwood recommended lobelia for the following problems: "spasmodic asthma, membranous croup, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paraxysms, diphtheria, hysterical convulsions, tonsillitis, pneumonia," and several others.

Lobelia is available for internal use as a dried herb, in a liquid extract form, and as tinctures. Externally, it is available in ointments, lotions, suppositories, and plasters. You can make a tea by mixing ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the dried herb with eight ounces of water. Then let it steep for 30 to 40 minutes. Take two ounces of this four times a day but, be warned, many think it tastes awful! Take .6 to 2 ml of the tincture each day. This is based on a 150 pound adult. Adjust dosage for children proportionately.

Lobelia is a powerful herb and therefore cautions are in order. Taking too much will cause lobelia poisoning. Signs of this will include weak pulse, weakness, difficulty breathing, heartburn, and collapse. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, and seizure disorder should not take lobelia without consulting a doctor. Lobelia is not recommended by some for th ose women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If the system is highly toxic, lobelia can be a strong acting emetic, even in small doses. The nausea and vomiting that results, though not pleasant, will be beneficial to the patient.

Horsetail grass is a perennial flowerless plant also known as bottle brush, horse willow, toadpipe, Dutch rushes, Corn Horsetail, Quyroughi, Atkuyrugu, and Shavegrass. Its medicinal value is found in the hollow, jointed stems. Roman physician Galen first recommended its use for treatment for bleeding ulcers, arthritis, kidney and bladder troubles, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders, to cool a fever, and to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids. The dried or fresh green stems of horsetail are usually collected in summer.

The horsetail stem contains equisetonin and potassium, both beneficial for body cleansing. It is also a source of calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid. But the greatest asset to making horsetail a leading herb as a diuretic is the chemical equisetonin. Because of this, horsetail can actually increase urination up to 30%.

Horsetail is also able to help knock out bacterial diseases of the lower urinary tract and flush out bladder and kidney stones. Slowly healing wounds are speeded up with horsetail because of the quantity of silica in the plant. This also helps repair bony tissues by helping to fix calcium. Then the body can store a greater quantity of calcium and this results in stronger bones or tendons. Try it if you are dealing with osteoporosis.

Horsetail has good quantities of calcium, silicon, chromium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and potassium. These make it effective in treating anemia and general debility. Other problems that horsetail can help include prostatitis, enuresis, lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema, urinary tract infections, and muscle cramps. Horsetail nourishes skin, bones, nails, hair, and the body’s connective tissue.

Horsetail is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Recent research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body.

It may be taken internally to stop bleeding from ulcers or diminish heavy menstrual bleeding. It may also be used as a gargle and mouth rinse for sore throat and bleeding gums or mouth ulcers. Externally it may be applied as a compress to fractures and sprains, wounds, sores, and skin problems.

Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed several times a day between meals.

Overuse of licorice with horsetail grass may increase potassium depletion and risk of cardiac toxicity and thiamine deficiency (especially when used in connection to excessive alcohol consumption). Some advise pregnant patients, breast-feeding patients, those with impaired heart or kidney function, with liver problems, who are taking a cardiac glycoside, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency (for example, alcoholic patients) should avoid using horsetail. The plant contains equisetic acid, which is thought to be identical to aconitic acid. This substance is a heart and nerve sedative that is a poison when taken in abnormally high doses.

Spirulina is one of hundreds of blue green algae species. Algae are organisms, found throughout the world, that usually grow on inland waters. It resembles a blue-green scum. Algaes are usually divided by color. Some examples are green, blue-green, yellow-green, red, and brown. There are 8000 species of green algae in the world. Spirulina is the easiest of the three main types of algae to digest.

Spirulina does not have roots, leaves, or stems as most herbs do. But spirulina does contain chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis. Spirulina also creates proteins and sugars as animals do.

The Aztecs of Mexico ate it as a staple food. They dried it and spread it on tortillas. Africans of the Sahara region also use dried spirulina with grains and vegetables. Around the world, spirulina is used as a food source for animals and humans.

Following are a few spirulina benefits. Spirulina enhances the immune system through the antioxidants it contains. Spirulina is highly nutritious and is an excellent source of chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It contains twenty-six times the calcium that milk has. It also contains phosphorus, B12, and is a good source of iron. It is safe, has no side effects, and is easy to store. All these won it the name “Manna of the future.” It is used to treat anemia, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders,  glaucoma, cataracts, hepatitis, physical imbalances, and it aids in weight loss.

We mentioned spirulina’s ability to enhance the immune system. It does this by producing anti-inflammatory chemicals known as interferons and interleukins. Spirulina may decrease or prevent some allergic responses and block the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic reaction. In so doing, spirulina may prevent or at least decrease histamine’s effects. These effects would include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production.

The afore mentioned antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in spirulina may help it fight cancer cells. It also helps to release a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells. Spirulina also appears to block virus cells from entering into host cells. In tests several viruses, including HIV, have apparently been killed or damaged by spirulina.

Spirulina is an exceptionally potent nutrient substance. NASA stated, "The Nutritional value of 1kg spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kgs of assorted fruits and vegetables.” Spirulina is 85 percent protein, compared with 20 percent in beef. It contains all the essential amino acids and most of the nonessential ones. In addition, as noted above, it is extremely high in vitamins and minerals.

You can purchase spirulina in tablets, capsules, and powder form. One tablespoon of spirulina powder is about 7 grams. Doses should be from one gram to ten grams a day. That is just about two teaspoons. For serious illnesses such as hepatitis four tsp per day are recommended.  Consume as much as you want. It may be used as the primary source of protein. Some even like to make smoothies with Spirulina. Others just sprinkle it on their food like seasoning. Spirulina powder can be added to fruit or vegetable juices or to add nutrition to dishes. It is tasty in pasta, soups, salads, or mixed with yoghurt. Just remember this: spirulina is most nutritious uncooked.

 

Imagine paying good money to get rid of a treasure chest in your yard! If you have thought of plantain as a nuisance weed, you might very well have done just that! Plantain, or Plantago major, is a weed that commonly grows in the yard in one of 200 varieties. You will recognize it by its broad, rounded cluster of leaves and nubby green spikes rising vertically from the midst.

In North America, Native Americans learned to use plantain to treat bites of all kinds. In fact, plantain was formerly used to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” A colonial American slave could win his freedom by teaching his master, at an urgent time, how to use plantain to cure rattlesnake bite. In 1710 an article was published, listing the many benefits of plantain leaf. The list sounded like it could have been written by a traveling medicine doctor as a promo for his elixir!

In Europe they encourage the use of plantain as a treatment for bronchitis, sore throat, and cold symptoms. Take a few fresh leaves, crush or chew them, and apply them to a bleeding wound or to the inflammation caused by bites or stings or to a toothache. This can also be used on skin disorders like dandruff, eczema, or sunburn. Plantain is like a universal treatment growing in the lawn! Do you have a problem with indigestion? A cup of strong plantain tea will very likely calm it.

In more recent times, plantain has been acclaimed for its ability to relieve bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes from an unfortunate encounter with Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles. Dr. Christopher called Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue "Nature’s erasers." He said, "Stand anywhere within sight of Poison Ivy, and look about. You will always see at least one of these plants, placed by the hand of God to come to your aid, if you should need it." Plantain will protect the body against tumors and help resist damage to the liver from chemotherapy drugs. The fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species are the primary fiber supplement for millions of people around the world.

Plantain leaf contains allantoin, an anti-inflammatory substance that kills germs, speeds wound healing, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells. It is listed as an active ingredient in many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions.

Plantain is a must in case of physical injuries because it is a contact healer. As such, along with cayenne, and comfrey, it is essential for emergency situations to stop itching and/or bleeding, kill infection, reduce inflammation, etc.

A simple ointment, made with an olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax makes a very effective treatment for skin ailments, including diaper rash. To soothe bug bites, eczema, poison ivy, or other minor skin irritations, rub fresh plantain leaves on the affected area. You can also make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves and a little cool water. Apply it to sunburns. Plantain is also available as a supplement in liquid extract and capsule form. The usual dosage for bronchial symptoms is one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day, or up to 6,000 milligrams in capsules per day.

The good news is that plantain is not only good for you, but it is also safe to take. Though consuming extremely large amounts could cause diarrhea, skin rash, or other allergic reaction, there have been no toxic reactions reported with the normal use of plantain. However, it is very critical to store plantain in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigerating or freezing it is recommended but not necessary. By keeping it cool, you will delay the decay of its highly valued properties.

 

The word ‘licorice,’ probably brings to mind the black or red candy in long sticks or bite-sized pieces. To be honest, the candy has little or no licorice in it. But its namesake is rich in value - primarily the licorice root! The name comes from two Greek roots meaning ‘sweet root.’ Officially it is Glycyrrhiza glabra, Liquiritia officinalis but also known as Chinese Licorice, Sweet Licorice, Kuo-lao, Gan Cao, Kan-ts’ao, Sweet Wood, and Yasti Madhu, and others. When used in moderation, licorice is one of the most powerful herbs we have.

The licorice plant can grow to over four feet with bluish purple and white flowers that resemble the blooms of the sweet pea. The plants are found largely in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. To process the root, the dried licorice roots are cleaned, ground, and then boiled until the mixture is curdled. The strong tasting extract is dried again. This is given natural flavors, then dissolved in water and formed in molds.

Licorice has well documented history. Licorice has been discovered in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamen. The ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. In Greece and Rome, licorice was employed as a tonic and also as a remedy for coughs, colds, and sore throats. Three thousand year ago the Chinese affirmed that eating the root would give them strength and endurance. They prepared a special tea of it for use as a medicine. In North American folk medicine, licorice was used as a cough suppressant, expectorant, laxative, and treatment for various cancers. Native Americans used licorice to alleviate pain for women experiencing a difficult childbirth. Early pharmacists used it as a sweetening agent and flavoring in many of their syrups and lozenges. Today, licorice extracts are used in sweeteners for diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia. Licorice stays potent for a long time too. A sample of licorice from 756 A.D. was found to retain its active ingredients. Licorice is so important in Pontefract, Great Britain, that they still celebrate a licorice harvest festival there.

The value of licorice starts in its work as an antibacterial immune system stimulant. Its two fold punch comes from its intrinsic value, and its ability to cause other herbs to reach their full potential as well. One potent ingredient is glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. This substance also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and viruses such as influenza A. Licorice is especially useful for general fatigue, a mucous membrane infection, radiation treatment, cancer, or immune suppression.

Licorice extracts are used extensively as ingredients in cough drops, cough syrups, antismoking lozenges, tonics, laxatives, and other preparations. They are also used as flavoring agents to mask bad tastes in certain medicines. For this reason alone it is good to have around when children are sick.

Licorice is best known to some for its estrogenic effects, which make is a useful herb for menopause. Its antiulcer activity make it an herb of choice for both stomach and duodenal ulcer problems. Because it stimulates expectoration and heals mucous membrane systems, it has a long history of use for upper respiratory infections. Licorice is used in treating many ailments, including (in alphabetical order) arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, and yeast infections.

Glycyrrhizin is not the only potent medication in licorice. Hundreds of other healing substances have been identified in licorice.  Some are flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). They stimulate and regulate the adrenal glands and the pancreas.  This helps control insulin. Licorice acts as a natural cortisone or as a cortisone substitute. Licorice helps injured voice muscles and improves the voice when hoarseness or throat damage occur. Licorice works for the good of the intestinal tract. It acts as a mild laxative. It also strengthens the heart and circulatory system.

Licorice can be ingested as a tea or a tincture. You can also easily grind it up, and use it in capsules. It can also make other medications more palatable. Try sprinkling small amounts on dishes so as to add nutritional value to the dish without changing the flavor.

A few warnings are in order. It is best to use licorice is in combination with other bulk herbs. When used in excess, problems can occur. Licorice can cause water retention and can raise blood pressure. If you suffer from high blood pressure, prolonged use should be avoided. Licorice can also cause a mild unwanted adrenal stimulation. Avoid using too much licorice internally during pregnancy or nursing. Licorice also reacts with many prescription drugs.  For this reason, if you are using other medication, consult with your doctor before taking licorice.

Those who regularly use Licorice Root receive natural cortisone, relief from hypoglycemia, strengthened circulatory and more health boosting benefits. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.