posted February 26, 2014 02:59 PM
“If there was an herb put on earth to assist those with Adrenal Dysfunction, licorice root is that herb.”
Dr. Andrew NevilleLicorice Root Extract
(Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root extract is more than just a candy. In fact, it is a perfect remedy for the majority of stages of Adrenal Dysfunction. I would go so far as to say that if there were an herb put on earth for patients with Adrenal Dysfunction, licorice would be that herb. It assists in correcting all of the major biochemical weaknesses that exist in “Adrenal” patients.
Used appropriately, licorice has proven to be a lifeline for many of my patients in not only improving the symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction (which patients care about most) but also in helping to heal the underlying adrenal weakness that leads to a cure (which I care about most).
Licorice acts to support and improve the function of cortisol, the major hormone of the adrenal glands. In doing so, it helps relieve the majority of the major symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction, such as fatigue, pain, weakness, dehydration, brain fog, among others. It also helps support the immune system through direct antiviral properties, as well as immuno-supportive properties. It acts as an anti-inflammatory by decreasing inflammatory prostaglandins, thus helping to heal tissue. This is most evident in its usefulness in healing the gastric mucosa that is weakened under stress. It acts as a palliative and curative treatment for ulcers and gastritis. Licorice also has a supportive and balancing effect in women for ovarian hormone production.
Licorice helps balance our sodium and potassium levels. Those of us with adrenal insufficiency generally do not retain enough sodium, and have an excess of potassium. I cannot possibly emphasize enough the importance of proper sodium to potassium ratio for the body; almost every biochemical process is dependent upon it. The licorice extract inhibits the enzyme that inactivates cortisol and allows cortisol access to the mineralcortoid receptors, triggering an increased retention of sodium and a lowering of potassium. These actions bring a person with adrenal insufficiency into sodium/potassium balance; therefore, a potassium supplement is not needed or recommended. The increased sodium causes the body to conserve water, which quickly increases our overall blood volume. Increased blood volume indirectly increases blood pressure by increasing the efficiency of the heart. Because of the increase in blood—though desirable for most adrenal patients— it is wise to monitor your blood pressure when taking licorice.
In patients with Adrenal Dysfunction, licorice root extract can be used long-term with no adverse effects, although it must be used appropriately; the adrenal function must be adequately monitored, as well as the sodium and potassium ratios. The use of this remedy has been tested in thousands of patients at Clymer Healing Center.
If you have high blood pressure or are in the very early stages of Adrenal Dysfunction consult a physician before using any licorice product.
http://www.healing.org/the-benefits-of-licorice-to-the-adrenal-patient/
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