LICORICE-VERY IMPORTANT BENEFITS FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM/SUPPORT. HEALS/CURES SO MANY DIFFERENT AILMENTS/PROBLEMS!!!

  BENEFITS LISTED FOR LICORICE
VERY IMPORTANT BENEFITS LISTED FOR THIS HERB. GREAT FOR IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT. HEAL/CURE SO MANY DIFFERENT AILMENTS/PROBLEMS, INCLUDING:  

CLEANSES INFLAMED MUCUS MEMBRANES, HAS SOOTHING & HEALING EFFECT ON THE STOMACH/GASTRIC TRACT, ULCERS OF THE STOMACH & DUODENOM, SORE THROAT & IRRITATED BRONCHIAL(S), ADRENAL & FEMALE PROBLEMS WITH ESTROGEN, ETC..

 **Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, intestines, and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support. This is why Licorice is found in so many cough and sore throat medications. It reduces the irritation in the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It is the saponins (detergent-like action) that loosen the phlegm in the respiratory tract, so that the body can expel the mucus.  It is a potent healing agent for tuberculosis, where its effects have been compared to hydrocortisone. For colds and flu, Licorice can be combined with stimulating herbs such as cayenne or ginger to intensify the effect. For sore throat and irritated bronchials, Licorice is more effective when combined with Horehound or Mullein.
**Licorice also has a soothing and healing effect on the stomach and digestive tract. It softens, soothes, lubricates and nourishes the entire intestinal tract with a formula as simple as 40% Licorice root and 60% Slippery Elm. The saponin content is effective in soothing various internal pains. Licorice is popularly known for treatment of ulcers of the stomach or duodenem, collective known as peptic ulcer. The glycyrrhetinic acid found in Licorice was the first drug proven to promote healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.  Modern medicines such as antacids, Tagamet and Zantac disrupt the normal digestive process and alter the structure and function of the cells that line the digestive tract and will cause the ulcer to appear again. The cause is not treated. The compounds found in Licorice stimulate the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation. These compounds improve both the quality and quantity of the protective substances that line the intestinal tract. It will balance out the production and secretion of hydrochloric acid that is a cause of the formation of a peptic ulcer. The life span of intestinal cells will increase and there will be an improved blood supply to the intestinal lining by using Licorice--it treats the cause. 
**The 100 Herb List at the School of Natural Healing(http://www.snh.cc/100_Herb_List.pdf), lists adrenals as the common use for the Licorice. The steroidal (cortisone-like substance) content of Licorice aids in the healing and restoring of the adrenal glands. Glycyrrhizin has a similar chemical structure to corticosteroids released by the adrenals, which helps to stimulate the excretion of cortin hormones by the adrenal cortex. About every five hours, the adrenals need some sort of nourishment in order to continue supplying strength to the body. If the nourishment is not given, the glands go through what is called adrenal exhaustion, or in medical terms hypoglycemia. This exhaustion is also caused by the stresses that life places on us in this fast paced world in which we live. Sugar is often consumed to overcome stress and to get a stimulating lift. This causes more problems and can lead to insulin shock. When a person’s adrenal glands become so exhausted that they do not function anymore, they find themselves in a condition called Addison’s disease. 
**Licorice, with its cortisone-type substance, will help the body restore itself to the point where it will produce its own cortisone. It will give the body strength and a stimulating lift without bringing on insulin shock. This will also help the pancreas to function well because of better control of insulin released. The medical profession will prescribe corticosteroid hormones as a replacement drug when the body is fatigued; thus causing a dependency to them. If a person tries to get off these drugs they will go through severe withdrawal symptoms. Licorice begins strengthening and healing the body with as little as two capsules of Licorice each day. As noted by Dr. Christopher, “When people who have been under severe stress, overworking the adrenals and becoming extremely nervous and irritable, begin to take Licorice, they think they have suddenly spiritually arrived and it helps wonderfully to help those, who suffer mental exhaustion."

***The Steroidal content found in Licorice not only helps the adrenal glands but female problems as well. It can trigger higher levels of estrogen in the body, which will aid in the treatment of female infertility, for delayed and irregular menstruation, and in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can be used to stabilize the menstrual cycle when coming off of "the Pill." It will help relieve the pain of chronic menstrual cramps as well as premenstrual symptoms such as depression, cravings for sweets, weight gain due to water retention, breast tenderness, etc. Licorice has an alternative action on estrogen metabolism, which means when estrogen levels are too high it will bring them down, and if the levels are too low it will bring them up. This estrogenic action is due to the isoflavone content found in Licorice. Premenstrual syndrome has been attributed to a disruption in the estrogen to progesterone ratio.
Licorice helps to bring back the right balance in this ratio, therefore relieving the symptoms that this imbalance causes. If licorice is used, two cups of tea a day, two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation will reduce the symptoms of PMS. After a couple of months the cycle should be improved and no more need to drink the tea. Even though our bodies require a balance of male and female hormones, men who take Licorice don’t need to be alarmed about “getting too much” hormone-estrogen properties. Our bodies are a fabulous computer and it selects only what it needs from natural sources such as herbs. 

**As mentioned previously, Licorice was taken during the middle ages to counter-balance the effects of highly spiced and over cooked food, fat and contaminated meats. Licorice is a highly esteemed herb for the same use today. The root is excellent as a stool softener or mild laxative, especially for children. It doesn’t cause the gripping of the intestines that other cathartic herbs are known to do. Licorice also has as anti-inflammatory substance that helps in gastric or bowel irritations and also helps the inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. A looser and softer stool also helps when hemorrhoids are present. 
***I think the Egyptians may have been on the right track in their thinking that Licorice is a cure-all. A few more uses for Licorice are as a blood cleanser and detoxifier with benefits to the liver.  It increases the flow of saliva and alleviates thirst when the root is chewed on and it also makes an excellent natural teething ring for babies to help bring the teeth through. If the baby is a vigorous chewer there may be some purgative or cathartic action as well! 

***In addition to quenching thirst, Licorice will quench the appetite and reduce the desire to smoke tobacco and consume alcohol. It will increase sexual desire and help a person stay alert (a No-Doz substitute). Mixed with honey it is great for external wounds and skin irritations. Combining Licorice with peppermint, it is great for a singer or a person losing their voice due to laryngitis. 
***Additional uses from James Duke, in his book “The Green Pharmacy,” are preventing tooth decay, treating arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds and flu, cough, dandruff, depression, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis, gout, heartburn, HIV infection, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections and yeast infections.

***I feel the same as this author who wrote on Licorice, "Licorice can be recommended for just about everybody, for male and female alike, young and old, well or sick. It is the grand tonic of the world, in this author's opinion. For that reason, I recommend it as an important tonic in the maintenance of the musculo-skeletal system. The amazing anti-inflammatory actions of licorice root extend to the entire surface area of the body, both outside and inside. Not only the skin, but the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract yield to the soothing and healing action of licorice root. The plant reinforces the body's ability to withstand attack from virtually any kind of pathogen, and should therefore be considered a tonic for the musculo-skeletal system. If one is looking for a broad-spectrum tonic to protect, maintain health, and heal injuries, there is no herb better than licorice root."

Just to add that I'm not a doctor, but do study individual herbs and what benefits they have, in hope to help in anyone in any way. 
God Bless all. <3 

Burnt out my adrenals and first, was dx'd with Addison's and thought that it was the answer, but after 5 yrs. of suffering with Lyme was dx'd by Igenex. Bit in '08 found the tick, that had stayed on the back of my hairline, for 3 days. That's why I'm neurotixic, for it was close to my brain. It wasn't found early and didn't have rash, that I could see. All that I can say @ Lyme is that it is H to go through and it takes ALL of you. Still stuck in bed. :o  
My legs still kill me and I'm neurotoxic, where it affects my brain and thought process. The insomnia is horrible and I fight sleep. Yes, I had Lyme rages and a very patient easy-going person, but patiently doing what I can at home, to fight it. No option for treatment, for the cost is too high!! The bone pain, pins & needles are still there and working to figure if it is all of my neck/back damage or the Lyme, that is causing it. ?? I have 4 herniations in a row(T8-T11, with a petrusion on T8-T9 & T3-T4 compressed fracture that seems to be keeping me down. Plus, a C2 scerlotic lesion and my muscles around each side of my neck that stayed tensed up-tight!!) Wondering if surgery would help, but not sure if it is that or the Lyme doing it. 
By using essential oils, they have truly tremendously helped me. They've really sustained me and improved my life. I know, that I would still be in agony...if, it hadn't of been for them and the 6 Turmeric pills, I take everyday. It fights the inflammation and does work!!! I don't know what else to do, but wondering if it will EVER really go away. ? I pray to get rid of the LEG & BONE pain that I deal with. It is hell. The only word for it, but I'm a fighter and still here. Praying that it doesn't get any worse and that I'll find a way to get it in remission, but there is no guarantee it won't go haywire. 
Now, I find that it gets into your teeth and reeks havoc, but working on that. My dentist, even has Lyme and we're trying to figure that one out. There's a solution, we must find it.  
Lyme is an endless battle, that we must fight everyday...but, we can't give up.  

LIFE WAS GOOD, UNTIL I WAS BIT BY A DEER TICK AND CONTRACTED LYME DISEASE and ITS CO-INFECTIONS OF BARTONELLA & BABESIA. MY LIFE SEEM TO UNRAVEL...AND FALL APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN MY NECK & BACK ISSUES COME ON STRONG ON TOP OF IT.
                                                                                                      HERE IS SOME OF MY STORY...

         Well...a lot of my story! :o 

HERE IN THIS PICTURE...I'M HAVING A GOOD DAY BUT, THEY ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN. :/ THIS IS WHO I REALLY AM..A SMILING, HAPPY PERSON THAT DIDN'T EVER LET ANYTHING SLOW HER DOWN OR BOTHER HER. ME...A MOTHER, WIFE AND DAUGHTER, THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE MUCH OF A LIFE ANYMORE BEING STUCK MOSTLY IN BED. LYME HAS TAKEN JUST ABOUT ALL OF MY LIFE AWAY FROM ME AND MY NECK & BACK PROBLEMS, HAVE ONLY BEEN INTENSIFIED. :/

I'M AN ARTIST, VOCALIST AND MUSICIAN, BUT THOSE THINGS SEEMS TO BE PART OF THE PAST NOW. I CAN'T DO THEM ANYMORE, NOT STRONG ENOUGH RIGHT NOW. I JUST LAY IN BED MOST DAYS, PRAYING THAT I WILL FINE AN ANSWER...TO HOW, I WILL GET MY LIFE BACK!! THAT I WILL FIND A WAY, TO GET THIS LATE STAGE..NEUROLOGICAL LYME OUT OF ME AND MY SPINAL PROBLEMS CORRECTED TO ENJOY LIFE ONCE MORE!!!

I  WAS ALWAYS DOING SOMETHING AND LOVED TO WORK, LIKE SINGING IN MUSICALS, PERFORMING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOGETHER AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SO MUCH MORE OUT OF LIFE, BUT WHEN I CONTRACTED LYME, ALL OF THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY. 
I DISAPPEARED FROM THE WORLD AND SEEMED LIKE I HAD BECOME A HERMIT, BUT WAS FAR FROM WANTING TO BE AWAY FROM MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. 
AFTER PULLING A TICK OFF OF ME IN '08, MY LIFE COMPLETELY CHANGED. UNDERNEATH THAT EXTERIOR OF SMILES...IS A VERY PAINFUL PERSON, WHO IS JUST STRIVING TO GET WELL AND LIVE LIFE AGAIN!!

To explain to a few of you who don't understand, that those of us with Lyme have TERRIBLE MEMORY problems. Short-term MEMORY that is and I definitely have memory problems that's really severe at times. IF anything interrupts my train of thought, WHILE I'M TRYING TO MAKE A POINT, IT IS JUST LOST AND I STAND THERE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT, WHAT IN THE WORLD WE WERE DISCUSSING. I will forget everything that I wanted to say too. Talk about frustrating. Whatever, I was thinking is gone. Seriously, I have a three second rule. If I don't get what needs to be said...out, I've lost it completely and can't retrieve it. IT'S like I have ADHD..or something, BUT IT IS MUCH WORSE. Really it is more like ALZHEIMER'S OR DEMENTIA and I'm too young for that. 
Just wanted to let you know this about the memory, before you read my story. That's just in case I repeat anything more than once. I will try to read over it and correct any repetitions. :o 

 "WE ALL PUT ON A BRAVE FACE IN FRONT OF OTHERS and that is a hard thing to do, BUT WHEN WE ARE ALONE..then, we can let the pain out. REALITY SETS IN." 


IT TOOK YEARS FOR IT TO GROW & BE FOUND...LYME!!! ONLY FOUND BY A LYME LITERATE DOC. BECAUSE ALL OF THE NEUROLOGIST, ONLY RUN 2 TEST OUT OF 6 AND THERE IS OVER 300 DIFFERENT STRAINS OF LYME. THEY WILL NEVER GET MANY POSITIVE BLOOD RESULTS, BY DOING IT THAT WAY AND IT IS SO WRONG TO THE PATIENTS! I SUFFERED 4 MORE YEARS BECAUSE OF IT. :o
MY BLOOD WORK HAD TO BE SENT TO IGENEX, BEFORE WE GOT ANSWERS TO MY LYME QUESTIONS!!  SINCE, IT TOOK YEARS TO BE DIAGNOSED CORRECTLY AND IT WAS LEFT TO GROW OUT OF CONTROL. IT IS GOING TO TAKE TIME, FOR ME TO BE ME AGAIN.  BEING DX'D WITH LYME DISEASE, BARTONELLA. & BABESIA, WHAT AM I TO DO?! THE BEST I CAN, BUT THE GOOD LORD WILL SEE ME THROUGH!!

THIS IS WHAT I FOUND THAT BROUGHT MY LYME TO LIGHT OR LIFE: 
People who exhibit healthy immune function generally do not suffer from the worse aspects of Lyme. My immune function must not have been too good, for when I needed some teeth work done, it made my LYME come to life...or WAY worse. 
I got sick because I had teeth extracted and had some other work. Root canals, as well as improper extractions, weaken your immune competency. Tooth extractions or Root Canals, improperly done, cause problems where the Lyme infiltrate the system. LYME infiltrates YOUR TEETH and MOUTH!! Leaving you with NEVER being able to completely eradicate it from your system!! IT EMBEDS ITSELF IN YOUR TEETH!!! :o
Another words, if my teeth had been properly addressed in the first place, my immune function would have been sufficient to withstand the Lyme onslaught, but having teeth extracted or dong any root canal improperly  had caused the Lyme to reek havoc in my system!! Now, I'm left with teeth problems and still dealing with the Lyme too!! >:o

We must find a way to keep the Lyme, from becoming a problem!! To do that, we must KEEP our teeth receiving proper care with a Holistic Dentist, who knows @ the complexities of Lyme. We must also, keep our immune system at par!! But, I'd rather have a Birdie!! :/ 
Link to the Holistic Doc, who knows his stuff @ teeth & dealing with Lyme: 
http://arizonaadvancedmedicine.com/lyme-disease-often-resides-in-the-mouth/


LATE STAGE NEUROLOGICAL LYME DISEASE AND WHAT IT'S CO-INFECTIONS, DO TO YOU...
No one realizes what Late stage neurological LYME really is...and what it does to you, unless they have it. IT takes all of you and all the while, you are helplessly watching your life come to a screeching halt. IF I WROTE DOWN ALL OF THE SYMPTOMS, YOU COULD HARDLY BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE COULD DEAL WITH IT ALL. :/ 
Your not the same person, as you once were before and all that you knew your life to be...seems, will never be again. I've had to completely put my dreams on the back burner and be completely stuck in my house. I just pray that one day, I'll get to pursue them once again. :/
You can't move on with you life, until you get THAT LYME UNDER CONTROL. I WANT IT OUT and THAT SEEMS UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE!!! But, with a positive attitude it helps to move on and at least, hope for a better future. 

IT'S definitely a humbling experience and does make you appreciate every GOOD moment that you get of life. Every time that I can smile or not feel pain, I'm grateful. :) 


First...I want to address those who have people in their life, who are suffering from Lyme or are possibly showing signs of having the disease. Please be considerate and find a LLMD, to get a diagnosis. Or..if, already dx'd with Lyme, GET to working on some kind of treatment. It is very helpful to just TRY to understand, what they are dealing with on the inside. You may not be able to see THAT PAIN, but IT is SOOOO REAL and indescribably painful!! IT IS JUST HARD TO EXPERIENCE ON IT'S OWN, BESIDES NO ONE LISTENING TO OR BELIEVING IN THEM!! AND...You could SAVE their LIFE!!
IT just hurts me so much, when someone doesn't listen or understand!!
Sometimes it gets me so angry inside, from those suffering and NOT being heard or believed by loved ones or others!! IT is a battle..a daily battle, that seems to be intensifying each day and if, not treated early...could be left to grow out of control and even KILL a person. 
At times, I don't know what to do, but to put my feelings down and to keep on fighting. It does seem therapeutic to write about it and hopefully, this will help others in some way. I pray that it does. :) 

I can't help that I'm not active like I used to be...or that I can't move around or help much. I LOVE to work and my whole life, I've been a worker. That is...until I got LYME.  THE LYME IS IN MY BACK AND CNS-Central Nervous System, which makes it ever more difficult for me...to just get out of bed. IT is also in my Brain, which is called neurotoxity. It can possibly get into the HEART, but I'm praying about that and hopefully, IT isn't there yet! I hope by then, to be able to be completely treated for it!! That's when it becomes deadly, when it gets into the heart. People have actually died with Lyme. Yes..IT has KILLED many, but if you catch it early...YOU could be alright!!


I must say something about the one thing, that has helped me tremendously, I've been so blessed to have a wonderful husband and family, who does listen, care and stand beside me. I thank GOD for them everyday!!
Also, I've found essential oils, that God gave to us and THEY are WONDERFUL!! I put them in EACH of my baths. The oils...I mix with Epsom Salts, so that they can diffuse with the salts and work better. IT really has made a difference in my life!!! SOOO GRATEFUL!!! I know that without them, I would have been MUCH worse!! :o
Tired and all from me today, for the computer screen looks like it is moving and need to stop, but got a lot said. Maybe, tomorrow I'll be able to add the symptoms. That's a maybe...

LETTER I WROTE TO A NEUROSURGEON, IN HOPES OF AT LEAST, GETTING MY BACK STRAIGHTENED OUT.  My name is Karen and been having Migraines & neck/back pain for the past 10 years. Dx'd with a T3-T4 compressed fracture, a C2 scerlotic lesion and T8-T8 protrusion. Also, herniations of T8-T11 and was told by a Hospital visit that I had Cauda Equina, but nothing done about it. I take a lot of pain and just a stronger person than, people give me credit for.
I had an ACD & F spinal diskectomy of C5-C6 done, back in '06. I have an AVM(left cerebral hemisphere), Chiari Malformation(over deficits-with being 6.5mm). I've had sinus/allergy issues, since I was a teenager, but received allergy shots for 14 years. Oh, also was in a Car accident back in '95, where I was hit hard on the top of my head and always have a sore spot right where I was hit. The headache seems to stem from there too. I'm a mess.   
Also, I've been dx'd with Lyme disease from my blood work being sent to Igenex in California and do have Adrenal Insufficiency that's being treated, by Endocrinologist in Memphis.(since '12) First, he thought I had Addison's disease and was treated for that for 2 years, but later it turned out to be because I received so many Corticosteroid shots for my neck/back pain, that caused it. And, I'm sure a bunch of stress helped it along.     
How, I retrieved your information was by my husband, who is a student of one of your patients Paulette Parker. She is also a long-time friend of mine. I've heard only good things about you and that you are a very nice guy and great doc. I've seen some docs from Memphis, but not for the Migraines and they won't do anything for my back. My NL says that all 5 layers area affected and don't want to have to take these strong medications forever or live my life in bed. I'm just missing so much of my kids life. I can't stand over 5-10 or my legs will give way and I have balance issues.
I've been having terrible Migraines or some kind of tension headaches, for the past 4 yrs., but here lately have been intensifying. They don't want to seem to go away, but strangely enough having a BM does give it some kind of relief and don't understand why that is. They spike and are very painful and can completely go away for a short while, then come on strong again. They also, seem to have some kind of connection with my neck and the pain in my neck is like the headache is stemming from there. My head has all of these sore spots. The pain is also over my forehead, temples and bridge of my nose and behind my eyes.
I've had 3 ultrasounds of my neck, to check my thyroid and am hyperthyroid too. When, they run the ultrasound, all they would find is my that my muscles are tightening up. 
I don't believe it is sinus, but can't tell. Here lately, it seems like it is circulatory because after I take an Aspirin, it can go away for a while. I've had them so bad in the past that I would get nauseated, dizzy and light-headed and couldn't stand any kind of light. I will have to stay in a dark room when they come on, but the ones that I've had the past two weeks straight, have not had those symptoms. They seem different. The pain is constant behind my eyes. 
I do have allergies, but take medicine for that each day. Given Zyrtec & the Flucticasone nasal spray for it and take it everyday. I don't miss a dose, for I'm afraid of getting one. 
I do believe that the back & neck issues could be the culprit, but not sure and only want so badly to find a solution. I deal with horrible leg pain too, especially under the knee and calf, but it can cover all of both of my legs down to the bottom of my feet. The pain is a sharp joint-muscle pain, that never goes away and can be strong in intensity. I was struck by a nerve block back in '06 and ever since had problems. Thinking that the cauda equina could have something to do with it. My legs pulsate, jerk and vibrate all the time and I have to run my electric bed, just to trick my mind into not feeling or thinking of it..  
Have to take such strong medication and so tired of it.  I want to be pill-free and get rid of this Fentanyl patch, one of these days if possible and live a normal productive life. Praying that someone could fix me.  
I'll find a way, to come see you. I've got to get my life back on track. I'm a driven and love to work, but can't do much of anything anymore. 
Thank you for listening. God Bless, Karen-suffering in Arkansas