Licorice, well known for its flavor in candy, is one of those remarkable organic herbs with a
million uses. It is one of the most venerated herbs in traditional Chinese herbalism.
Through many different actions, licorice is able to support the health of the adrenal
glands and the production of adrenal hormones. This cortisone-like effect gives licorice
a strong anti-inflammatory effect which makes it useful in any inflammatory or allergic
condition, including asthma and arthritis. It is also effective in skin conditions like
eczema and psoriasis, both internally and topically as a cream. The same action
makes licorice a good support in times of stress.
Licorice is also a valuable herb for the health of the lungs: it soothes a sore, irritated
throat and helps the body eliminate phlegm while helping to suppress excessive
coughing. These properties make it a valuable herb in the treatment of colds,
bronchitis and pneumonia. In addition, licorice has antiviral and antibiotic properties.
Licorice affects not only the lungs and the adrenal glands, but the liver as well and has
been shown to be useful in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice.
One of its most exciting and most studied uses is in the treatment of ulcers. Many
studies have shown licorice to be more effective, and much safer, than the leading
ulcer medications. Licorice goes to the root of the ulcer problem without suppressing
the stomach acid that the body needs so badly for digestion and protection. It
improves the quantity and quality of the intestinal lining.
Licorice is also a good, mild laxative and, because of its affects on both estrogen and
progesterone, is a useful herb for PMS and menopause. It is showing great promise in
the treatment of HIV and AIDS.
Dosage: As a tea, make a decoction, using 1/2-1tsp of root per cup of water. Bring to a
boil, simmer 15 minutes, and drink 3 times a day. As a tincture, take 1-4ml 3 times a
day. As a powdered root, suggested doses range from 1-2g three times daily to 5-15g
a day. For ulcers, use either the whole licorice root or a special preparation called
deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). The dose for DGL is 2-4 380mg chewable tablets, 20
minutes before or between meals. The pills must be chewed, as mixing with saliva is
essential for it to work.
Safety: The most talked about concern for licorice is the possibility of sodium and
water retention, leading to possible high blood pressure. It is probable that this side
effect can be eliminated through a diet that is high in potassium and low in sodium, or
through potassium supplements.
This concern has been somewhat overstated without the proper distinctions being
made. This warning is appropriate for licorice extracts and tinctures, which retain the
glycyrrhizin but not all of the other balancing substances, but not for whole licorice
root. If you have a history of high blood pressure or renal failure, you may decide to
avoid licorice as a precautionary measure.
The DGL licorice used for ulcers side steps this problem entirely since the offending
ingredient is unnecessary for the treatment of ulcers and has been removed.
Licorice should be avoided during pregnancy. It should not be used with digitalis and it
may increase potassium loss from certain diuretics and laxatives.

 

 

Organic Marshmallow is used to remedy wounds, burns, sore chafed skin, to sooth sore throats,
and gastrointestinal irritation. Its demulcent and emollient properties make it well suited
to healing irritated surfaces and it is therefore almost always included in ulcer
formulae, for leaky gut and for irritated mucous surfaces.
Dosage: Use a standard decoction of the crushed root and consume 1 to 2 tbs. at a
time up to 1 to 2 cups a day, or as directed by an herbalist. It also comes in tinctures
and capsules and in various creams for external use. As a tincture, take 1-4ml, three
times a day.
Safety: There are no known contraindications or interaction with other drugs with
marshmallow and no known side effects. Marshmallow may delay the absorption of
drugs taken simultaneously with it.

 

 

Nettle is an herb that is a tonic to the whole system, especially the urinary tract, the
lungs, stomach and digestive system. The leaves are ideal for treating anemia
because of its high concentration of nutrients; it is also useful for treating osteoporosis
for the same reason. It can be used to help stop bleeding; to bring on mother's milk; to
stimulate hair growth; for asthma; urinary tract problems, including cystitis, stones and
nephritis; for diarrhea; dysentery; hemorrhoids; arthritis; endometriosis; allergies; to
cleanse the body and for prostate problems. In recent years, the nettle root has been
shown to be especially useful for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Dosage: Use a standard infusion of 1-3 tsp. of the dried leaf three times a day. Use 10
to 30 drops of the tincture. It also comes in capsules. If you are using nettle root for
BPH, use 120mg of the extract twice daily: for this use it is best combined with other
prostate herbs.
Safety: There are no known side effects, drug interactions or contraindications. One
book on contraindications says excessive use should be avoided during pregnancy.
Other lists do not say this: other herbals on women's health and pregnancy allow nettle
leaf, while one wonderful one says it is excellent and lists it as a favorite herb during
pregnancy and another calls it a "pregnancy herb par excellence . . . Second to none".

 

 

This familiar organic herb, as well as being a very pleasant tasting tea, has many herbal uses.
It is one of the best herbs for gas. In this capacity it can be used as a tea or, perhaps
even stronger, as peppermint oil. It stimulates bile and digestive juices as well.
Peppermint is also an antispasmodic herb, and all of these uses make it wonderful for
indigestion, gas and colic. In addition, peppermint is an amazing herb for irritable
bowel syndrome. Again, the tea is good, but the enteric coated peppermint capsule
may be better. Peppermint oil is also antiviral, antibacterial and powerfully
anti-candida. Still in the digestive system, peppermint oil soothes nausea and helps
relieve the nausea of pregnancy and motion sickness. Peppermint tea is also a great
herb for colds and flu and can be combined with yarrow and elder flower.
Dosage: As a tea, make an infusion and drink 2-4 cups a day. Some simply say to
drink it as often as you want. As an oil, use 0.2-0.4ml two or three times daily, between
meals. If the oil is in liquid form, take 2-4 drops three times a day.
Safety: Peppermint has no side effects or drug interactions. The oil should be avoided
in cases of gallbladder or bile duct obstruction or inflammation.