Surprising benefits of Licorice Root

Licorice root is one of the world's oldest herbal remedies. It's mostly found in Europe, Asia & the Mediterranean. You might be more familiar with it as the candy. The Latin name Glychrrhiza glabra is the most common variety. Glychrrhiza translates to "sweet root" & is 30-50 times sweeter than white cane sugar. Today, it's sweet flavor is mimicked by anise seed. Authentic licorice is more commonly known as "black licorice". 

The leaves have anti-microbial benefits and have been proven to be effective in fighting off bacteria such as candida & staph. They have found 100s of various components in the root & over 150 more in the Chinese variety.

Rich in flavonoids, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, stilbenoids (phytochemicals) & coumarins. Contains triterpenoids, which usually contain steroidal substances. 

One has probably seen the term 'glycyrrhizin' removed on bottles of the herbs, etc. Actually, it's triterpenoid glycyrrhizin. Because of extended use, this particular compound can increase blood pressure, cause kidney or liver issues & can cause issues with pregnant women.

Licorice root can help with pain relief, PMS, menopause, coughs, sore throat, immune system, adrenal fatigue, leaky gut, heartburn or acid reflux. It's an anti-spasmodic, has an estrogen-like effect & is good for hot flashes. 

The triterpenoid content is anti-viral, so it can help with HIV, flu, hepatitis & the immune system. 

Glycyrrhizin contains over 300 compounds and some are potent in anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories & anti-microbials. It can help with peptic ulcers, bronchitis, hepatitis C, asthma, congestion, strep throat, skin infections, respiratory & digestive issues & gum disease. 

Choose glycyrrhizin free as that component is responsible for all the side effects. The promise of a potent cancer fighter is quickly coming to the front lines. 

Do not take long term. Never consume if have kidney or liver disease or if pregnant. Limit to 1-10 mg/day to limit the glycyrrhizin. One should only take it for about 4-6 weeks with a break thereafter.

 

Hypo Thyroid vs Hyper Thyroid

 

Such confusion in this area. I've done some research and tried to clear it up a little bit,

at least in my mind & hopefully in yours as well. 

The thyroid produces T3 & T4 hormones. Too much thyroid hormone in the body is called thyrotoxicosis. Some thyroid conditions are looked at as auto-immune disorders, which continues to rise. So in these cases, the immune system attacks the thyroid. 1 in 10 are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. Many thyroid issues also test positive for heavy metal toxicity & are suspected at causing imbalances. Cilantro can detoxify the body of heavy metals. To make it more confusing, one thyroid issue can mimic the other such as with Hashimoto's or Grave's disease.

The most common treatment for underactive thyroid is synthroid, a synthetic chemical version of the hormone. It's also given to people who have had radioactive iodine which is used to destroy the thyroid gland. The Armour Nature-Throidthyroid for hypothyroid, beta blockers & antithyroid meds for hyperthyroid patients come with an abundance of side effects. The prescription tapazole stops the thyroid from making the hormone. 

So which one, if any, do you have??? Let's see what the symptoms are for each.....

Hyperthyroidism (overactive) or Grave's Disease. Produces too much hormone and can lead to the following: sleep issues, hair changes, unexplained or rapid weight loss, tremors, racing heart rate, sensitivity to hot temps, excessive sweating, diarrhea, anxiety & irritability

Hypothyroidism (underactive) or Hashimoto's Disease. This one doesn't produce enough of the hormone and can lead to the following symptoms: excessive fatigue, unexplained or rapid weight gain, muscle cramps, slow heart rate, sensitive to cold temps, constipation, depression, brain fog, decreased memory, nail issues, muscle weakness, thinning hair, achiness & menstrual or fertility issues. 

There are a plethora of symptoms for each one of these imbalances, did we ever think it could be that 

many? Do any of those sound familiar to how YOU been feeling lately?? 

Healthy nutrition, lemon water, essential oils, detoxing your environment, avoid foods that can cause inflammation, get good sleep, know your body, track your intake of iodine, stay moving....keep as active as possible & try consulting a natural health professional. These few ideas and more can help manage the symptoms of an imbalanced thyroid. 

Here's some essential oils that can help with this too: frankincense, geranium, roman chamomile, ginger, lemon, cilantro & tangerine. 

Patchouli....Remember When????

 

This timeless aromatic plant is believed to come from a Hindi word meaning 'to scent'. The leaves were used to protect fabrics when they were shipped from the East during the 1800's. There are three species of patchouli: Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon heyneanus & Pogostemun hortensis. The 'cablin' one is the most popular & is the one cultivated for it's essential oil. It's therapeutic qualities are superior to the other two. It's part of the mint family & only the leaves are used. The scent is a warm, musky, deep woody scent. It is of course associated with the hippie culture way back when, but has been in use since the 1800's, especially in Europe. 

It's indispensable to the fragrance industry. It's derived through steam distillation from the leaves. There are so many more benefits to it than I ever thought. I just love it's scent!!!

Patchouli is anti-microbial & research shows it's effective against 2 strains of the Staph family & 1 from the Salmonella family. It's an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic & a mild sedative. 

It's a great anti-oxidant especially where skin is concerned & is great for many skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, dry & cracked skin. It's an insecticide & repellant for house flies, mosquitoes, termites & urban ants.

It can help with stress, anxiety & mental clarity. It can boost mood especially in dementia patients. Relieves depression, controls appetite, can help with grounding & balancing.

Patchouli blends well with other resins and floral essential oils. Never use it undiluted.

Don't use if you are taking blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder or have recently or will have surgery. 

Poppy....yes Poppy!!!!

 

This awesome poppy is the state flower of California & it's the first to blossom in the spring time!! It's not the poppy you think it is. It's a beautiful, medicinal flower that can help with many ailments. 

The alkaloids in this poppy product a milder effect than opiates and are non-addictive with no dis-orienting side effects. Research has shown it contains a plethora of benefits. The medicinal applications today are largely due to its original uses by the Native Americans. 

California poppy is a super nervine, which means it helps the whole nervous system, and a trophorestorative, which promotes nutrition uptake at the cellular level. It helps to  relieve peripheral nerve pain, can help with sciatica & shingle pain, intestinal spasms, menstrual cramping, hypertension & nervous palpitations surrounding the heart. 

It's a mild sedative, an anti-fungal, sleep aid & pain reliever. It can help with nervous disorders, headaches, back pain, arthritis, restless leg syndrome, muscle relaxer, anti-spasmodic, anxiety & diseases of the bladder & liver....but more research is needed in those two areas.

This poppy is non-addictive & non-narcotic. It can be safe & gentle for children. 

Stop using it at least two weeks prior to surgery. Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding. Do not take  for extended periods of time. 

Cinnamon....the Spice!!!

Cinnamon has been used as a medicine by the Chinese & Ayurvedic people for thousands of years. The benefits from this simple inexpensive spice are enormous. It used to be more valuable than gold, because of it's healing & preservative properties. It's mentioned in the Bible numerous times & the ancient Egyptians used it as a perfuming agent in their embalming ceremonies over 4,000 years ago.

There are 2 basic types of cinnamon: ceylon & cassia. Ceylon is known as the true cinnamon while cassia is the more common variety, but still referred to as cinnamon. Cassia is a darker brown-red  in color with thicker sticks & a rougher texture than ceylon. After it gets extracted, it's dried, then strips are formed that curl into the rolls you are used to seeing. The rolls are then ground up to make the powder form. Roughly 95% of its oil is cinnamaldehyde, which gives the cassia cinnamon a strong flavor. Cassia contains a significant amount of coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large amounts. This type of cinnamon is cheaper, but more widely used. 

Cinnamon outranks the superfoods such as garlic & oregano, maybe even turmeric! It can be used as a natural food preservative. 

It can help with blood pressure, heart disease & it's been shown to significantly increase sensitivity to the hormone insulin. If one is diabetic, you can take 1/2 - 2 tsp. of cinnamon daily to help lower your glucose levels. 

Studies show it can help with Alzheimer's & Parkinson, but that area needs more research. It can, however inhibit the growth of bacteria including listeria & salmonella. 

Cinnamon is anti-viral, an analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, it can stabalize blood sugar, is a digestive aid, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, rich in anti-oxidants & can even help to reduce cholesterol.

All in all this seems to be a pretty potent spice to add to anyone's daily diet, don't ya think???