licourice

Part used	Root
Use	1/2tsp in 8oz hot water, decoct 15 mins, steep 15 mins
Benefits	Adaptogen, anti-diuretic, antiviral, anti-allergenic, anti-bacterial, immune stimulating, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antitumor, demulcent, expectorant, hepaprotective, estrogen modulating Adrenal: Cortisol raising / sparring and useful for people when waking and have adrenal insufficiency / tiredness Glycyrrhizin content down-regulates enzyme 11-beta-hydroxlase which converts cortisol to inactive cortisone form, thus increasing half life of cortisone and reducing requirements on adrenals Immune modulation: stimulate immune for people with cancer, chronic fatigue, immune deficiency Reduce immune sensitivity and inflammation for people with auto-immune, allergies and irritable bowel Liver: prevents drug or viral damage and reduces toxicity of herbal medicines
Dangers	In excess leads to hyperaldostemia (sodium retention, potassium loss and elevated blood pressure) Raises blood pressure thus only for use by people with normal to low blood pressure Useful when cortisol levels are low (early morning and mid afternoon) but not in late in afternoon as may disrupt sleep

Adapted from:

Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina and stress releif. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press

Balch, P.A. (2002). Prescription for herbal healing. New York, NY: Avery books

Kharrazian, D. (2009). Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? New York, N.Y.: Morgan James Publishing

Ross, J. (2002). The Mood Cure. New York, N.Y.: Penguin

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