Page 104 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

hepatitis C that does not respond to traditional treat- enough for harvest. Harvest the leaves throughout the
ments. spring through fall. Wait until the licorice roots are 3
to 4 years old before harvest. Young roots are too small
Immune System, Antiviral, Antioxidant: to be of use.
Licorice has proven antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-
oxidant effects, boosting the work of the immune sys- Recipes. Liquid Extract: Licorice extract is a
tem. As an antiviral, it helps prevent diseases such as common form of licorice, it is used as a sweetener in
hepatitis C, HIV, and Influenza. candies and some beverages.

Limit your use of licorice extract to 30 mg/ml of glycyr-
rhizic acid. Higher doses can cause side-effects.
Licorice Root Powder: Licorice root powder is
useful as is for treating skin problems or for use in cap-
sules as an oral supplement. Combine it with a gel or
lotion base to make a topical ointment or lotion for
treating skin problems.
Licorice Leaf Tea: Use dried and crushed licorice
leaves as a tea to promote health of the digestive and
respiratory tract. Use 1 teaspoon of crushed leaves per
1 cup of boiling water.
DGL Licorice: DGL licorice is a commercial form of
The Common Cold, Cough, and Sore licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed. It is considered
Throats: In addition to its antiviral and anti-bacte- a safer form of licorice root and is particularly recom-
rial benefits, licorice root also acts as an expectorant, mended for long term use. DGL is available commer-
loosening and expelling mucus from the throat and cially.
lungs.
Warning: Long-term use of licorice root or high
It is soothing and anti-inflammatory, which helps re- doses can have serious side effects. Most of the side ef-
lieve the symptoms of sore throats. Use licorice root or fects are due to the presence of glycyrrhizin, so using
leaves in tea, syrups, or to make cough drops for use DGL licorice reduces the risks.
against sore throats. It can also be used as a gargle.
Watch for these symptoms: low levels of potassium in
Respiratory Issues: Licorice is useful in treating the body, hypokalemia, muscle weakness, fluid reten-
respiratory problems. It helps the body produce and tion and swelling, metabolism abnormalities, high
expel mucus, which keeps the respiratory system clean blood pressure, heart rhythm irregularities, erectile
and functioning properly. Used for COPD as well. dysfunction, potential drug interactions.

Treats Eczema, Skin Rashes: Licorice acts as a Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid lico-
hydrocortisone to alleviate eczema, cellulitis, and fol- rice in all forms. Patients who are prone to hyperten-
liculitis. Its anti-inflammatory benefits also help re- sion should also avoid licorice root.
duce swelling and irritation in skin conditions. Use lic-
orice topically in a cleansing tea or in lotions or gels to Also avoid use of licorice root if you have heart, liver,
relieve itching, redness, scaling, and inflammation or kidney problems. Stop taking licorice root at least
caused by eczema or other skin problems. two weeks before surgery.

Harvesting: Licorice is a perennial deciduous plant
that requires three to four years to grow roots mature

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