Cortisol from Stressed out Adrenals contributes to Weight Gain and Inflammation

[Guest guest]

Cortisol from " Stressed out " Adrenals contributes to Weight Gain and

Inflammation

JoAnn Guest

Apr 14, 2005 17:23 PDT

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http://www.herbsfirst.com/NewsLetters/0600adrenals.html

 

As we go through life enjoying a good functioning body, we oft times

forget that each little part of the human system is built in for a

specific reason. Of course we know we would be in severe trouble if the heart,

kidneys, lungs and other commonly known organs were not doing an efficient job.

 

These organs are quite well known by all, but there are also numerous

" other little workers " that people are not quite so familiar with, and yet they

are very essential.

 

One of these organs is called the " adrenal glands " .

 

These glands are small, but so important to mankind for if they are

ignored and allowed to deteriorate, we are in much trouble. This has

been portrayed plainly by one of our best " Sounding boards " , or the

" opinion " of doctors who are working with people having adrenal

problems.

 

In our monthly seminars with doctors, we are asked repeatedly - " What

can be done for malfunctioning adrenal glands? "

 

A larger and larger number of their patients are suffering from this

problem.

Because of so many requests for an aid to the adrenals, we formulated a

group of herbs consisting of mullein and lobelia, Gotu Kola, Hawthorn

berries, cayenne and ginger.

 

Later in this article this formula will be explained in more detail, but

here I wish it noted that two of the important herbs recommended are

mullein and lobelia.

They are a natural pair to use in repair and " rejuvenation " of the

glandular system. Also, the balance of each additional herb added.

 

This formula for the adrenal glands has done much good, but it is, as we

have explained frequently before, working on the effect.

 

In addition to this, we must go to the cause--watch the diet, the liquid

intake, remembering to use deep breathing exercises, and above all, keep

a positive and good mental outlook on life.

 

 

THE HUMAN ADRENAL GLANDS

The adrenal glands, seated on top of each kidney, are part of the

endocrine system, that is: the internally secreting or ductless glands

which release their secretions directly into the blood stream.

 

The adrenals, often referred to as the suprarenal, are the Creator's

most intricate chemical factories.

" It would take acres of chemical plants " to synthetically manufacture

" the 50 odd hormones or hormone-like substances "

produced by the adrenal glands. (Ratcliff, 1975, p. 69)

 

Not only do these hormones control all the " oxidation processes " of the

human body through the anterior pituitary body, but they regulate

growth, mental balance, sexual development and maintenance, and a host

of other phenomena which we shall describe forthwith.

 

The adrenals, the pituitary, and the thyroid are " functionally united "

comprising the adrenal system.

 

THE ADRENALS ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO LIFE, so please try to avoid

the knife of some frivolous surgeon on them. We will now go into more

detail on the adrenals and their operations; including information on

their regeneration and preservation through drugless therapy.

 

HORMONES OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX

 

CORTISOL: " Cortisol (or Hydrocortisone) is secreted by the zona

fasciculate of the cortex and its rate of secretion is controlled by the

pituitary hormone A.C.T.H. "

 

(Mills, 1964, p. 3 A.C.T.H. is secreted by the anterior lobe of the

pituitary, and is a polypeptide composed of 39 amino acids.

 

A.C.T.H. stands for adrenocorticotrophic hormone or corticotrophin.

 

The regulator or corticotrophin, known as C.R.F. or corticotrophin

releasing factor, is secreted by the hypothalamus.

 

The pituitary hormone stimulates the adrenal to produce cortisol.

 

Then when the level of cortisol rises in the blood it acts upon the

pituitary to decrease the production of A.C.T.H.;

except in conditions of stress,

including severe infections, accidents,

operations, emotional outrages,

depleting drugs

(and this includes the processed junk foods, salt, and preservatives)

the plasma cortisol rises to " high levels " to enable the organism to

cope with the induced tension or " imbalance " .

 

In fact, " stress " itself has been known to cause an increased release of

corticotrophin.

 

Corticotrophin has been synthesized in the laboratory.

It is similar to, but not exactly the same as the A.C.T.H. produced in

the healthy human body.

However, it is used in various ailments, because it does, in fact,

relieve some of the symptoms of adrenal hormone imbalance.

 

It cannot, however go to the " cause " of adrenal exhaustion and is

fraught with possible " hideous " side effects.

We will discuss some of them shortly, but first we will talk on Cortisol

and its effects.

 

Cortisol is indispensable in the following functions of the body:

 

Excretion of water -

Within four hours, the body should excrete 75% of an ingested load of

water. If more than the amount is retained, or excreted very slowly over

a period of many hours, there is an " adrenal deficiency " , and a need for

cortisol, or a similar hormone.

 

Sodium-Potassium metabolism -

 

Cortisol usually regulates " sodium retention " and " potassium excretion " ,

but if " artificial " cortisol is administered, the sudden mobilization of

the retained water in the " unbalanced body " is usually accompanied by

quick depletion of potassium as well as sodium.

 

A further increased " dose " of cortisol continues to deplete the

potassium, especially if it is administered in large amounts;

an associated side effect is extra-cellular " alkalosis " , a raised plasma

bicarbonate level.

 

Fat Metabolism -

 

Along with a stimulation of the appetite from cortisol " overproduction " ,

the amount of fat deposits in the body are more than normal.

 

This may be, in part, due to the conversion of the " excess glucose "

formed from " protein trapping " to fat.

 

Glucose metabolism -

 

Cortisol is responsible for glycogenesis, that is, the " conversion " of

protein to glucose in the liver.

 

If cortisol is given to a normal person intravenously, the liver begins

to trap amino acids at an increased rate, and the blood sugar level

begins to rise after two hours.

 

In people with adrenal imbalance where the cortisol secretion is very

high, or with those individuals who are on cortisone treatments for some

other malady, there is an " interference " with the peripheral action of

insulin,

that is, the intra-arterial insulin has much less effect upon the

glucose uptake by peripheral tissues.

 

" The prolonged administration of cortisone or similar steroids may lead

to the " development " of diabetes which is RESISTANT TO INSULIN and in

which ketosis is not usually severe.''

 

It is important, however, that patients who require large doses of

steroids for therapeutic purposes and who develop severe diabetes should

be treated with insulin or else irreversible diabetes may be found to

persist after the withdrawal of the steroid. "

 

(Mills, 1964, p. 49)

 

Now the poor victim not only has " adrenal exhaustion " , but the treatment

with inorganic drugs also may serve to throw his pancreas into a " state

of disrepair " as well!

 

Protein Metabolism -

 

An increase of nitrogen loss through the urine can occur with cortisol

administration.

 

This is associated with " gluconeogenesis " and the trapping of amino

acids at a rapid rate by the liver.

 

In extreme adrenal malfunction, Cushing's Disease, and the use of large

doses of " cortisone " or " prednisone " , the results are loss of " muscle

mass " ,

decrease in thickness of the skin, and osteoporosis, which is the loss

of the " ossein network " in the bone.

 

Calcium and Phosphorus metabolism -

 

Because of the osteoporosis, " decalcification " of the skeleton* occurs

with an overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal gland.

 

In addition, phosphorus is not reabsorbed by the body, but excreted in

the urine.

 

Massive doses of Vitamin D have no effect upon the " decalcification "

syndrome. *(Decalcification also discussed by Morton A. Meyers, M.D.,

1963)

 

Uric Acid Metabolism -

 

Cortisone will lower the uric acid level in the blood plasma, and

excrete the uric acid in increased amounts in the urine.

 

In acute attacks of gout, relief is obtained from the steroids only when

very little rise in uric acid excretion occurs.

 

Blood Cells -

 

Although there have not been any long-term experiments, it would appear

that steroids of the cortisol type tend to stimulate red blood cell

production.

 

Blood Pressure -

 

Cortisol is essential to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. In

cases of overproduction of cortisol, or the administration (long term)

of corticosteroids, hypertension may develop.

 

In the case of adrenal " deficiency " , low blood pressure is one of the

common symptoms.

 

Response to inflammation -

 

Inflammatory states, be they from trauma, infection, or other disorders,

are depressed or inhibited by the presence of cortisol.

 

Cortisol often helps the dissolution of fibrous tissue (which may

enclose an organism such as tuberculosis).

 

On the other hand, an " excess " of cortisol affects cell mitosis which

can interfere with the healing of wounds/or fractures.

 

Suppression of Allergic Reactions -

 

The skin may produce a rash as a reaction to a foreign protein.

Additional symptoms may be local edema and bronco-spasm.

Both cortisol and adrenalin will suppress these reactions to an extent.

 

Peptic ulceration -

 

Gastric secretion is stimulated by cortisol. It has been observed that

people who are being treated with " synthetic cortisol " for arthritis and

who are simultaneously " ingesting " aspirin, may be contributing to their

own " delinquency " ,

as the excess cortisol may delay healing of the ulcers.

 

The steroid in high concentration in the stomach (without food) may lead

to the development of ulcers.

 

Ulcers of the colon have been reported in patients being treated with

synthetic ACTH.

 

Gonadal Function -

 

Absence of menstruation, or irregular bleeding have been noted in the

instance of long-term artificial corticosteroid therapy.

 

Cortisol regulates the ovular cycles in females, and in males, an

overdose of cortisol may lead to the " atrophy " of the testosterone

secreting cells of the testis, and also adversely affect the seminal

vessels.

 

Bleeding and Bruising -

 

In Cushing's Syndrome, an overproduction of Cortisol by the adrenal

gland in addition to dysfunction of the pituitary,

and possibly an adrenal tumor

or disorder of the hypothalamus and the central nervous system, the

sufferers bruise easily.

 

Mental changes -

Hallucinations and delusions may be observed either with overproduction

or underproduction of cortisol.

Overdosage with cortisol may produce initial euphoria or difficulty in

sleeping.

Severe depression has been noted in people who have been on

corticosteroid therapy for some time.

Withdrawal of steroids alone will not usually cure the depression..

 

Withstanding Stress -

 

During stress or trauma, cortisol is absolutely essential for a person

to be able to withstand the circumstances.

 

In Adrenalectomy and Addison's Disease, artificial cortisol is necessary

when a person undergoes trauma or stress, or often all of the symptoms

of adrenal " depletion " will occur. (Mills, 1964, p. 46-57)

 

In the light of the above information, doesn't it make more sense to

care for and maintain healthy adrenals?

 

And that's only half of it.

 

Let's go into the symptoms of Addison's Disease or adrenal

insufficiency, and see if we don't agree that a majority of folks around

us are suffering from adrenal " exhaustion " in one form or another.

 

 

ADDISON'S DISEASE

 

In 1855, Thomas Addison described a disorder of the suprarenal capsules,

or the adrenal glands. He had the dubious honor of having the disease

bear his name to this day in history.

 

Herewith shall be presented a capsulation of the symptoms of chronic

adrenal deficiency according to Ivor H. Mills, M.A., Ph.D., M.D., and

F.R.C.P. and one of Great Britain's experts on adrenal function:

 

" The adrenal in this disease suffers from destruction by tuberculosis or

progressive atrophy or, very rarely, destruction by secondary carcinoma

[cancer] ... most common presenting symptom is tiredness. . . " worn out "

but healthy people... loss of weight ... slowly and is not usually

gross. . . gastrointestinal upset is not uncommon ... severity depends

upon the degree of steroid deficiency... may have no such symptoms of

gastrointestinal upset until he gets acute infection ... anorexia,

vomiting and occasional diarrhoea... vague abdominal pain ...

steatorrhoea [increase fecal fat excretion] to the extent of 30 gm. fat

per day, without diarrhea...

 

Pigmentation is a striking feature of the patient with advanced

Addison's disease ... widespread on trunk, face, arms, and extends to

the creases of the hands and the mucous membranes of the mouth ... tan

of a previous summer did not fade during the winter ... even in Negroes.

.. palmar pigmentation has increased... tendency for the blood pressure

to be low .... vascular reflex responses to the fall in pressure are

impaired.

 

The periphery (hands, nose, ears) of such a patient may be warm when the

systolic pressure has fallen below 100 mm Hg whereas a person with

normal adrenals would usually show peripheral constriction with a fall

in arterial pressure ....

Hypoglycemia... does occasionally occur... They may suffer hypoglycemic

symptoms some hours after a large carbohydrate meal but usually their

anorexia prevents them from consuming sufficient carbohydrate to do this

....

 

In women of child-bearing age, some disturbance of the menstrual rhythm

is occasionally seen .... loss of pubic and axillary hair is a very

useful physical sign ... Impotence is rare but loss of interest in

sexual activity is not uncommon ... Nocturia (night urination) is common

in patients with chronic adrenal deficiency, because of the impairment

of their handling of a water load .... mild neurotic traits to gross

psychosis ... depression, schizophrenia, and hallucinations .... severe

headache ... resemble/s/ patients with raised intra cranial pressure,

but the blood pressure remains low and the pulse rate does not slow ....

An X-Ray of the chest may reveal the small heart frequently seen in

chronic adrenal deficiency ....

A straight X-ray of the abdomen may reveal calcification above the

kidneys if the adrenals have been destroyed by tuberculosis ... sodium

and chloride are low or in the lower half of the normal range.... blood

urea frequently raised... a low fasting blood sugar.... Low adrenal

steroid excretion... [ACTH test is usually used to confirm adrenal

deficiency: if no increase of steroid hormone is noted in the urine

after two to four days of intravenous administration of ACTH, then

adrenal deficiency is suspected rather than other diseases such as

Steatorrhoea, Crohn's disease (regional ileitis), Cirrhosis of the

liver, Slat losing renal disease, Leukemia, Anorexia nervosa, and

chronic thyrotoxicosis.] " (Mills, 1964, pp. 88-100)

 

The special requirements of pregnancy, surgery, diabetes, and

hypoparathyroidism complicate Addison's disease even more.

 

In addition to Addison's disease there is hypopituitarism which is a

deficiency of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone, and can result in

loss of pigmentation, and also in water intoxication because of the

prevention of the steady drain of sodium into the urine.

 

This may exhibit itself as confusion and disorientation, epileptic fits,

hypothermia, and even coma. There is also depressed thyroid function:

sensitivity to cold, slowness in mental and physical activities, loss of

sexual libido, absence of menstruation in women and impotence in men.

" In children, arrest of growth hormone occurs. " (Mills, 1964, p. 133)

 

 

ALDOSTERONE

 

Aldosterone is secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the cortex of the

adrenal gland, and is the main mineralocorticoid. Aldersterone has a

similar electrolytic effect as cortisol. (Mills, 1964 p.

 

In Hypopituitarism, there is less secretion of aldosterone than in the

normal person. Some other symptoms of this ailment are anemia and

tiredness. Also the victim can be very thin. There is decreased body

hair. The true disease may go undiagnosed for years, while the person is

given various inorganic iron compounds for the treatment of anemia.

 

An increased of secretion of aldosterone occurs after hemorrhage, on a

low salt diet, when a person is loaded with potassium salts, during

pregnancy, and during the first few days of A.C.T.H. administration.

(Mills, 1964, p. 140) For an abnormal excessive increase of aldosterone

and its accompanying syndrome, an adrenalectomy (removal of part of the

adrenal gland which bears the aldosterone secreting tumor) is advised by

the standard practitioners.

 

 

ANDROGENS

 

The androgens, which are three substances produced by the adrenals are

the " main precursors of the urinary-17-ketosteroid. The other tissues

contributing to these urinary steroids are the testes and the ovaries.

(Mills, 1964, p. 79) These androgens affect puberty changes, the

sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, the nitrogen balance in the body,

and the fusion of the ends of the long bones in forming the adult

skeleton.

 

Androgen plays and important role in the fetal sexual development. Any

imbalance in this important hormone group could display disastrous

results in the form of genital abnormalities at birth, development of

hirsutism (excess facial and body hair) in the female accompanied by

deepening of the voice and loss of female fat distribution often

associated with ovarian tumors. Adrenal tumors may also be responsible

for feminization of males, with fat deposits on the hips of males and

changes in the function of the reproductive organs.

 

 

OBSERVATIONS

 

As we have observed, the proper functioning of the adrenals are quite a

blessing as the complications of adrenal hormone imbalance hormone

insufficiency, as well as synthesized hormone therapy are extremely

risky.

 

We note, too, that it is of the utmost importance to maintain the health

of several other interrelated organs or systems such as the pituitary,

the thyroid, the nervous system, the kidneys, the pancreas ... we could

go on indefinitely, but it will suffice to say that instead of provoking

the aforementioned syndromes of exhausted adrenals or use of synthetic

(and this includes animal gland extracts, as they are also a crutch and

they are not the same as human hormones) steroid therapy, we can rebuild

the adrenal tissues through cleansing, mucusless diet, and non-toxic,

wholesome herbs.

 

For example, licorice root contains a cortisone-like substance which

actually feeds the adrenals.

 

During the 1950's successful medical experiments were done with licorice

root.

 

As one looks through the more modern medical literature the idea seems

to have been given up in favor of more " sophisticated " inorganic drugs.

 

The body, being the wonderful computer that it is, can select what it

needs in the amount it needs for regaining " normalcy " in adrenal

function.

 

According to Le Sassier, " The body has certain organs that store

energy--especially the liver, spleen, and adrenal system... When any one

of them becomes to weak, it borrows on other organs and interrelates

these imbalances perfectly so the system does not, on the whole, suffer

too much.

 

it really pays to do several things when the system is weak: sleep, stay

warm, and eat lightly but of nourishing things, preferably with complete

amino acid balances. Remember, when the body does not sleep at night the

nervous system, lungs, adrenals, and liver all suffer.

 

In order to avoid this we must first understand the healthy immune

reaction--what I call atunement....

 

" Overuse " of stimulants, coffee and others weaken the adrenals.

 

A good way to tell how much vitality is present in the adrenals and the

kidneys is to look under eyes. Those dark circles are sometimes called

adrenal ruts.

 

 

REBUILDING GLANDS

 

To rebuild weak glands, B vitamins, sarsaparilla, licorice, and ginseng

can be used. These contain plant ingredients that support adrenal

functions. These can be made into a formula such as this:

 

1 part sarsaparilla

 

1/2 part licorice

 

1 part ginseng

 

1 part astragalus (or burdock root)

 

Two cups a day for about a week and a good conscious diet .... Unless

the system is seriously depleted or seriously diseased it is not

necessary to fill yourself with hundreds of vitamins. Let your system

develop its own natural resistance to disease. (LeSassier in Salat and

Copperfield, 1979, pp. 51-53)

 

 

HERBAL AIDS

 

Because licorice root acts as desoxycorticosterone when administered

orally, and sodium retention are present along with some potassium loss

(in experiments done in the Netherlands on human subjects) there may

exist a slight caution in administering large amounts of the herb to

those persons suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure. In

these cases, we must seek to remove the causes high blood pressure

through diet, including herbs. Herbs and foods high in potassium, elder

for example, or grape juice, would be indicated here.

 

The Adrenal Formula which we recommend consists of:

 

Mullein and lobelia: the perfect glandular foods

 

Siberian Ginseng: Successfully used in the Soviet Union to ease stress

in everyday situations and tend endurance to athletes under great strain

during training

 

Gotu Kola: Known to stimulate the brain and relieve fatigue when given

in small amounts. Wonderful for the functioning of the pituitary in

disorders of the adrenal system when used in conjunction with other

herbs.

 

Hawthorn Berries: A celebrated cardiac tonic for many centuries. Under

conditions of stress, the heart often " works overtime. " Hawthorn berries

can help in treatment of high or low blood pressure, tachycardia, and

arrhythmia. It is also anti-spasmodic, sedative, and soothing to nerves,

especially in nervous insomnia.

 

Cayenne: Nature's finest stimulant; source of calcium and vitamin A.

Aids in circulation of blood which brings oxygen and other nutriments to

cells in need of repair.

 

Ginger: A stimulant and a 'lead sheep' herb, bringing the other herbs in

the formula into the abdominal area. Ginger differs from cayenne as a

stimulant, in that the cayenne stimulates the heart, arteries, veins and

then the capillaries. Ginger starts its stimulating effect in the

capillary, flushing out the " constipated " capillary, driving these

wastes into the veins for disposal.

 

This formula may be taken as capsules or as a tea. It may safely be

given to a person suffering from hypertension. For those who wish to

rebuild the adrenals and do not have the sodium retention problem,

Licorice root can be used as a supplement the above formula in tablets,

capsules, extract, or as a tea. The suggested dosage is one #0 capsule

daily - six days each week.

 

Relaxation, meditation, recreation, or some form of stress reducing

activity will certainly help the cause of exhausted adrenals. We should

wish to eliminate hate, anger, fear, and other negative emotions as they

take their toll on the physical body. Listening to relaxing music has

proven to be wonderful in easing hostile attitudes.

 

Used by permission - Dr. Christopher's Newsletters - Volume 2 Number 3

 

www.herbsfirst.com

 

--

 

DISCLAIMER

 

The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and

should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. If you have a serious

health problem, we recommend that you consult a competent health

practitioner.

 

After each product is a list of what it has been used to aid. We are not

claiming that the product will cure any of these diseases or that we

created them to cure these disorders. We are merely reporting that

people have used the product to aid these conditions.

 

Finally, we wish to caution you that the information on this web site is

for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified health

practitioner before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for

serious or life-threatening illnesses.

 

ANATOMY

 

" There are two adrenal glands, one at the upper pole of each kidney. The

right gland is situated between the liver and the diaphragm and in close

proximity to the inferior vena cava.

 

The left adrenal has behind it the kidney and the left crus of the

diaphragm where as in front there is the stomach and the pancreas. Each

gland has a hilum on the medial side from which the adrenal vein

emerges.

The right vein joins the inferior vena cava directly but the left drains

into the left renal vein. e arteries supplying the adrenal are very

numerous and they anastomose in the capsule of the gland.

 

The arteries arise from the phrenic (superior suprarenal artery), from

the aorta (middle suprarenal artery) and from the renal artery (inferior

suprarenal artery).

 

The adrenal glands removed at surgery and cleaned of fat, together weigh

8 to 10 grams.

 

Those removed as postmortem frequently weigh more because hypertrophy

has occurred during the terminal illness.

 

Each gland consists of two portions, an outer cortex which on section

appears bright yellow, and an inner medulla which is brown. The whole

gland is only 4 to 6 mm thick.

 

In development and function the cortex and medulla are like separate

glands: the former is essential to life whereas the latter is not.

Almost all the nerves to the gland end in the medulla and influence the

secretion of its pressor amines. " (Mills, 1964 p. 3)

 

The adrenals are two different glands encapsulated as one:

the cortex and the medulla.

 

The medulla consists of cords of secretory and nerve (ganglion) cells.

Fibers of the greater splanchnic nerve (sympathetic division of the

autonomic nervous system)

stimulate the " metabolic rate " and the " breakdown/mobilization "

of starch (glycogen) and " lipids " (fatty acids),

resulting in more available energy.

 

They elicit the " fight or flight " reaction in response to life

threatening situations: increased nervous system activity, dilated

pupils, increased blood supply to skeletal muscle,

blood shunted away from skin and gastrointestinal tract to more critical

areas, increased respiration rate, and increased heart rate and force of

contractions.

 

The adrenal cortex is organized into three regions:

the zona glomerulose (secreting hormones dealing with

" fluid/electrolyte " balance, such as aldosterone and other

mineralocorticoid);

and the zona fasciculate and retiicultariis (secreting hormones

influencing carbohydrate metabolism,

such as cortisol and other glucocorticoid;

and low levels of sex hormones).

 

ACTH from the anterior lobe of the pituitary stimulates secretion of the

glucocorticoid.

Aldosterone is secreted in response to certain enzymes in the blood

(renin-angiotensin system).

 

All these hormones play roles involving all aspects of protein,

carbohydrate, electrolyte, and water " metabolism " ... (Kapit and Elson,

1977)

 

The adrenal cortex is formed during fetal development from the same

tissue that becomes the gonads and secretes the steroidal hormones.

(Moore, 1979)

===============================================

Adrenals produce Cortisol: Powerful anti-inflammatory Hormone

--

 

 

The adrenal glands are located just on top of the kidneys. The adrenals

are an integral part of the endocrine system. They are responsible for

producing several important hormones and are critical to the stress

response.

 

They have two parts: the cortex, and the medulla.

 

The cortex is the outer wrapping of the gland.

It produces *cortisol* which is a powerful " anti-inflammatory " hormone.

 

Cortisol controls inflammation.

 

The level of Cortisol in the body affects allergies, wound healing,

asthma, arthritis, and lupus,

just to name a few.

 

The medulla, which is the inner part, pours out epinephrine (adrenaline)

and norepinephrine.

 

These hormones speed up the body's " metabolism " in order to help us to

cope with stress.

 

These are the two most important hormones in the body.

 

They govern the fight or flight response (alarm reaction), and are

almost a direct " extension " of the nervous system.

 

How the Adrenal Gland Impacts Energy

 

The adrenal glands produce their array of hormones in a complex symphony

that is

orchestrated by two structures in the brain called the hypothalamus and

the

pituitary gland.

 

When stress and poor nutrition lead to altered hormone levels, imbalance

in

" endocrine function " can lead to substantial fatigue.

 

The kinds of stressors that tax the adrenal glands include:

 

Physical trauma

Chemical toxins

Poor diet

Excess exercise

Lack of sleep

Infections

Emotional trauma

Anxiety,

depression

Prescription drugs

Pregnancy

 

Most people have had the experience where they have felt extremely tired

and exhausted and then all of a sudden a new surge of energy comes to

their aid.

 

Likewise, when we experience fear and our heart starts racing the

adrenal gland is " secreting " adrenaline and other stress related

hormones to come to the rescue and give us the extra boost of energy

that we need to get through the emotional stress.

 

When the brain interprets an event as threatening (stressful) the

adrenals begin to work.

 

They signal the nervous system to prepare to fight or flee.

This signal mobilizes the respiratory and circulatory systems of the

body for emergency action.

 

Reserve energy in the body is called upon, and functions are " diverted "

away from normal, homeostatic body function including those of the

" immune system " .

 

Even though the fight or flight response may be over, the resistance

reaction allows the body to continue fighting the stressor long after

the effects of our alarm system have gone off.

 

When this state of emergency is maintained for " unrelieved " periods of

time, the body's " reserves " become " depleted " and the immune system is

weakened.

 

Long term over-activation of these " hormones " can deplete the kidneys

and

adrenals, severely impairing the ability of the immune system to

" function " .

 

When adrenal function is impaired or weak, a person may suffer from low

blood sugar, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and a total

feeling of " exhaustion " .

When stress is prolonged the organs begin to weaken and other health

related problems can set in such as hypoglycemia.

 

Some of the common causes that contribute to adrenal exhaustion are

continued stress,

poor diet,

over-consumption of sugar

and refined carbohydrates,

overuse of caffeine,

alcohol, drugs,

nicotine,

and vitamin B and C deficiencies.

 

Unfortunately, the body reacts the same way to both real and imagined

threats.

 

For instance, unrelieved worrying about losing your job can cause the

same over-taxing of the adrenals and the resultant suppression of the

immune system as actually losing your job.

 

If a person succumbs easily to allergies and infections, feels

constantly

drained and exhausted, suffers from low blood sugar and blood pressure,

then the

culprit may well be weak adrenals.

 

For instance, most of the asthma sprays contain adrenal-like hormones

that mimic

cortisol in the body.

 

One of the most prominent signs of adrenal gland insufficiency is

chronic

fatigue.

 

In some fatigued patients, thyroid problems overlap adrenal problems.

 

In these cases, the status of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland

must be

assessed. The appropriate treatment should be undertaken only after this

 

determination is made.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms

 

Fatigue, Weakness -Depression -Frustration -Premenstrual tension

Nervousness -Scanty perspiration -Inability to concentrate

Lightheadedness -Sweet cravings -Irritability

Insomnia -Allergies -Headaches

--\

--

 

Treatment for " Adrenal Weakness "

--\

---

 

There are many methods that one can use to strengthen the adrenals.

 

Acupuncture, herbs, meditation and relaxation techniques, exercise, and

" nutrient saturation " through diet and supplementation can all help

promote the healing process.

 

Adrenal problems that are not serious or life-threatening are often

treated with a combination of low doses of cortisol, DHEA, various

herbs, and nutrients.

 

Each of these is used under very specific circumstances determined by

laboratory tests. When problems of adrenal insufficiency are identified

and corrected, the result of treatment can be very rewarding. The

positive effect on energy,

stamina, and vitality can be substantial.

 

Acupuncture and acupressure can sometimes give the adrenals a good

boost.

Chiropractic adjustments can also be helpful.

 

The adrenal glands are richly fed by nerves that connect to the spine,

and by releasing blockages through these simple and effective

techniques, the glands can be stimulated and strengthened.

 

In the kidney meridian often relates in western terms

to the adrenals.

 

Those who are susceptible to infections or allergies are often told that

they have weak kidney energy, so the acupuncture points along that

meridian can stimulate the healing process.

 

Whole Foods Diet is Recommended

 

Buy organically grown produce as much as possible.

Avoid consumption of sugar.

Refined carbohydrate, caffeine (adrenal stimulants), and alcohol should

be avoided.

 

Fasting and detoxification should not be used at the beginning of

adrenal

strengthening. The diet should be a building and strengthening diet.

 

Eat plenty of fresh and lightly steamed vegetables and their juices as

they contain minerals to prevent fatigue.

 

In restoration of the adrenal gland function one should include

" potassium rich " foods and avoid foods high in sodium.

This will help to keep the sodium/potassium balance in the body.

 

In the standard American diet, people consume way too much sodium.

Researchers recommend a dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio of greater

than 5 to 1.

Intake of potassium should be about 3 to 5 grams per day.

--\

----

 

Potassium Content of Selected Foods

 

Milligrams (mg) per 100 grams edible portion (100 grams = 3.5 ounces)

 

Dulse 8,060 Cauliflower 295

Kelp 5,273 Watercress 282

Sunflower seeds 920 Asparagus 278

Wheat germ 827 Red cabbage 268

Almonds 773 Lettuce 264

Raisins 763 Cantaloupe 251

Parsley 727 Lentils, cooked 249

Brazil nuts 715 Tomato 244

Peanuts 674 Sweet potatoes 243

Dates 648 Papayas 234

Figs, dried 640 Eggplant 214

Avocados 604 Green peppers 213

Pecans 603 Beets 208

Yams 600 Peaches 202

Swiss chard 550 Summer squash 202

Soybeans, cooked 540 Oranges 200

Garlic 529 Raspberries 199

Spinach 470 Cherries 191

English walnuts 450 Strawberries 164

Millet 430 Grapefruit juice 162

Beans, cooked 416 Cucumbers 160

Mushrooms 414 Grapes 158

Potato with skin 407 Onions 157

Broccoli 382 Pineapple 146

Kale 378 Bananas 370

Lemon juice 141 Pears 130

Winter squash 369

Organic Eggs 129

Free range Chicken 366 Apples 110

Carrots 341 Watermelon 100

Celery 341 Brown rice, cooked 70

Radishes 322

 

 

Source: " Nutritive Value of American Foods in Common Units, " U.S.D.A.

Agriculture Handbook No. 456

 

 

 

 

 

It is recommended that a person eat small, instead of large meals.

According to

the Oriental philosophy, foods which nurture deficient kidney energy are

as

follows:

 

millet barley tofu

string bean black

bean black

non-gmo soybean

mung bean mung sprouts

kidney bean blackberry

mulberry blueberry

melons

wheat germ

organic potato

seaweeds

spirulina chlorella

black sesame seed

water chestnut

crab clam sardine

organic eggs

============================================= Post subject: LICORICE --

The Legendary Herb

--

 

 

We have used licorice for many years in our practice and still use it in

our formulas on the market today. To assure the reader that this herb is

not a new discovery, let me repeat statements found in other authors'

works. The first is from Ethan Nebelkopf's book, Herbal Connection (Bi

World Publishers).

 

" In the depths of King Tut's tomb (a pyramid, no less) were found sticks

of dried licorice. To the Egyptians, the sweet-tasting licorice root was

a cure-all in much the same manner in which the Chinese related to

Ginseng.

 

" Licorice is particularly good for sore throats and coughs. It is

extremely soothing to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. It

also has been used as a folk remedy to heal peptic ulcers because of its

soothing demulcent properties. Another common use of licorice is an

expectorant to bring forth and expel phlegm for minor respiratory

problems. "

 

" ...three active chemical agents found in licorice, glycyrrhizin,

glycyrrhizic acid and glycerrhitimic acid... have been proven effective

through research in healing gastric ulcers. As previously mentioned,

some research indicates that licorice extract contains powerful

principles which can help restore normal adrenal functions in persons

with Addison's disease and in people who suffer from adrenal

exhaustion. " (Herbal Connection pg. 67)

 

There has been a good deal of modern research on licorice, especially on

the relationship between its active ingredients, glycyrrhizin, and

cortisone, as well as the effect of glycyrrhizin on adrenal functions

and arthritis.

 

Cold licorice tea is used in place of water in many European industries,

especially in iron and steel mills, where workers must endure

considerable heat.

 

Licorice has been used for centuries as a confection and because of its

saponin content it is an effective soother of various internal pains. It

is helpful for alleviating such ailments as inflamed stomachs,

bronchitis, sore throat, coughs, irritation of the bowel and kidney, and

indigestion. In Denmark, experiments have shown licorice to be very

effective for treating duodenal and peptic ulcers.

 

Southern Europeans drink large amounts of licorice water because they

believe it to be a blood purifier.

 

The Chinese have used herbs for thousands of years and I would like to

recite an item or two from Chinese Medicinal Herbs compiled by Li

Shih-Chen, translated and researched by F. Porter Smith, M.D. and G. A.

Stuart, M.D. and printed by Georgetown Press, San Francisco.

 

" Glycyrrhiza (Kantsao and Kuo-lao). This last name is applied to the

plant on account of its great virtues as a remedy. The drug is very

highly prized by the Chinese and enters into the composition of very

many prescriptions.

 

The most common species that supply the Chinese licorice root are

Glycyrrhiza echinata and Glycyrrhiza glabra, both of which are found

growing plentifully in Northern China. Quantities are also brought from

Mongolia, especially from the region about Kokonor.

 

" In fact, the plant seems to grow extensively throughout the regions of

Central Asia. The root is commonly sold in long pieces, dry, wrinkled,

and red on the surface, and yellow, fibrous, and tough on the interior.

The last is disagreeably sweet and slightly mucilaginous. It stands next

to ginseng in importance of Chinese pharmacy, being the great corrective

agent and harmonizing ingredient in a large number of recipes.

 

Like most celebrated Chinese drugs, it is credited with the property of

rejuvenating those who consume it for a long time. The roots, twigs, and

efflorescence are used in medicine. It is used to allay thirst,

feverishness, pain, cough and distress of breathing.

 

It is especially prescribed for children, and is used in a large number

of their maladies, but as it is usually exhibited in combination with

other herbs, it can readily be understood why purely imaginary virtues

should be ascribed to it. Locally it is applied, mixed with honey to

burns, boils, and other sores. The properties ascribed to the twigs and

flowers do not differ in any essential respect from those ascribed to

the root. "

 

Here are the thoughts and opinions of a few of the many other herbalists

who vouch for licorice and not against it.

 

 

LICORICE ROOT -- A Legacy From The Ancients

 

Many of the herbs we use today have fascinating histories, some of which

reach far back into the dark recesses of antiquity. Licorice is one such

herb. The fact, legend, and lore of many herbs has been preserved only

through oral tradition, writings, or the rerecording of the ancient

history of herbs, especially during the Middle Ages when quite a number

of books were written on the subject of herbal medicine.

 

We have come across numerous references to licorice, a popular herb for

the past three thousand years. It is our intention to present the most

interesting information on licorice to you in this newsletter, along

with our personal success with the honorable root.

 

Licorice is known by the scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra. The word

" licorice " is a popular simplification of two Greek words, glykys,

meaning " sweet " , and rhiza, meaning " root " . The licorice root contains

glycyrrhizic acid which is approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar.

 

It is the root that is used for all practical purposes. This root

penetrates deep into the fertile soil which contains nourishing minerals

unobtainable by plants growing near the surface of the earth.

 

 

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

 

Licorice is a perennial herb belonging to the Legume family,

Leguminosae. The legumes include peas, beans, alfalfa, and peanuts. The

plants of this family have what is known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria on

their roots. These minute forms of life are able to use nitrogen

directly from the air. Licorice has a pale green, round stem which above

the ground branches at the height of one foot into two smaller branches.

 

 

The smaller branches are approximately 1/2 foot long and give

nourishment to single leaves. The stems are erect and herbaceous. They

arise from a thick rhizome known as the crown. The plant usually reaches

a total height of about 4 to 5 feet.

 

The leaves are alternate and consist of from 4 to 7 pairs of dark green,

ovate, blunt, smooth leaflets that are sticky on their underside. The

flowers range in color from yellow-white to purplish-blue and are

arranged in axillary racemes.

 

The roots which extend into the ground from a branching rhizome are

called stolons. The stolons are slender, cylindrical, brown and wrinkled

longitudinally on the outer surface and yellowish on the inside.

 

Licorice enjoys fertile, sandy or clay soil near a river or stream where

enough water is available for the plant to flourish in the wild, or

under cultivation where it can be irrigated when necessary.

 

Licorice root is native to Greece, Asia Minor, Spain, Southern Italy,

Syria, Iraq, Caucasian and Transcaspian Russia and Northern China.

 

We import most of our licorice from these countries. The amount of

licorice grown in the United States is not enough to keep up our demands

for the herb in commercial medicinal preparations and the candy

industry.

 

Licorice root was cultivated in Italy as early as the 13th Century, AD,

and in England as early as the 16th Century, AD Licorice is a valuable

asset to industry. It is employed in pipe tobacco and snuff flavorings.

Candy manufacturers have flavored confections for years with the

licorice juice. The remaining fibrous residue after the essentials (the

juices) have been extracted is used in fire extinguishers, in insulated

mill board, and for mushroom compost.

 

 

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LICORICE ROOT

 

Licorice root contains saponins. These are substances which produce

bubbles when shaken with water. It is the saponins (detergent-like

action) that loosen the phlegm in the respiratory tract, so that the

body can expel the mucus.

 

They also increase the body's utilization of calcium and silicon.

Flavinoids substances which are responsible for the yellow color of the

root as well as for the health of the arteries are also present in the

root. Glycyrrhizin, a sweet white crystalline powder composed of the

calcium and potassium salts of glycyrrhizic acid is one of the main

constituents of the herb.

 

According to Dr. Shook, licorice root contain sugar, starch, gum,

protein, fat, resin, asparagin (which contains 12“% nitrogen due to the

nitrogen fixing bacteria on the nodules of the roots of a legumes), a

trace of tannin in the outer bark of the root, and a volatile oil. The

amount of glycyrrhizi in the extract varies from 5 to 24% and the amount

of moisture varies from 8 to 17%.

 

Dr. Christopher's laboratory tests on a sample of licorice root reveals

the chemical constituents to be as follows:

 

Moisture 4.7%

 

Protein 5.5%

 

Fat 0.8%

 

Fiber 19.7%

 

Ash 6.7%

 

Carbohydrate 39.2%

 

Calcium 0.67%

 

Phosphorus 0.39%

 

Potassium 0.66%

 

Sodium 0.09%

 

Iron 0.0006%

 

Traces of Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Chlorine, and Magnesium.

 

Some Calcium and Potassium is present as salts of glycerrhizic acid.

 

Additional components include glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizine (7.1%),

asparagine (3.3%), sugars, resins, starch (29.6%), gums, tannin (trace),

glycerrhetinic acid, sodium salt of carbenoxolonic acid, glycyrrmarine,

and glycerrhentic acid.

 

 

MEDICINAL AND THERAPEUTIC USES FOR LICORICE

 

Licorice is an aperient (mild laxative), an expectorant tonic,

alterative, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient, pectoral, stimulant,

sialagogue, anti-inflammatory agent, and nourishing herb.

 

Licorice is extremely soothing to the mucous membranes. It is unequalled

in the treatment of coughs or inflammations of the respiratory tract. It

lubricates, soothes, and heals inflamed, mucous-secreting tissues.

 

The root is excellent as a stool softener or mild laxative especially

for children because it does not cause gripping of the intestine as the

other cathartic herbs are known to do.

 

Its sweet, pleasant taste and mild action make licorice root a desirable

laxative herb for children and delicate folks whose weakened bowel could

not withstand the quick and drastic purge of the cathartic.

 

In gastric or bowel irritations, licorice acts as an anti-flammatory

substance. Licorice is recommended by many herbal sources for cases of

hemorrhoids or an otherwise inflamed intestinal tract.

 

There is herbal and medical evidence that licorice has been successfully

used to heal gastric ulcers. We will go into this subject a little

later.

 

Licorice is also administered for coughs and sore throats. In fact, much

of the licorice we import here in the U.S. is included in commercial

cough preparations. Remember the old Smith Brothers' cough drops? They

came in a licorice flavor for many generations, but unfortunately

contained sugar as well as the soothing licorice.

 

Some of the other medicinal uses for the herb are treatments of

hoarseness, laryngitis, wheezing, labored breathing, almost all lung and

chest disorders, bronchial conditions, bowel or urinary tract

complaints, and skin inflammations (used externally as a wash). Licorice

also exhibits a cortisone-like action and some female hormone-estrogenic

activity.

 

Millspaugh (1892) considers licorice not as a medicine but as an adjunct

to prescriptions. This is, in part, true, for licorice has frequently

been added to a compound containing substances of a bitter nature to

render it more palatable. We know, however, that licorice root is much

more than just a sweetener.

 

Licorice has been reported to prevent thirst. According to the

illustrious Dr. Shook, the thirst-allaying property does not exist in

the sweet juice, but in the bitter principle that remains after the

sweet juice is chewed out of the root. The bitter principle acts upon

the salivary glands to remove thirst. Shook also points out that the

above information is extremely important in dropsy cases where the

patient may experience inordinate thirst.

 

Licorice can be administered as a tea, as powder in tablets or capsules,

as a tincture, a syrup, or concentrated liquid extract. As mentioned

previously, the washed and dried raw roots may be chewed as is. In fact,

some of the roots that are more solid and will not splinter make

excellent, natural " teething rings " or pacifiers for the baby.

 

Dr. Shook suggests a good basic formula for a decoction of licorice

roots:

 

4 oz. licorice root (cut)

 

3 pints distilled water

 

4 oz. pure vegetable glycerine

 

Simmer the roots in water slowly for 20 minutes. Strain off the liquid.

Simmer liquid again until the volume is reduced to three-fourths of a

pint. Add 4 oz. pure vegetable glycerine and mix well. Cool the compound

and bottle. Usually dark, tightly stoppered bottles are best. Store in a

cool place.

 

The doses may vary from a tablespoon to a wineglass full, 3 or 4 times a

day. Children may have a teaspoon to a tablespoon 3 or 4 times a day,

depending upon their age.

 

It would be well to note that there are several types of glycerine on

the market, all with the designation, " U.S.P., or United States

Pharmaceutical (quality). " One is the pure vegetable variety, the only

kind we recommend. Oftentimes it is sold as " Kosher. " Others are made

from animal or synthetic (mineral) sources. The last two are poison to

the human system. Avoid them.

 

 

HISTORY OF THE MEDICINAL USES OF LICORICE

 

Archaeological evidence reveals that licorice roots were mentioned in

some ancient Assyrian tablets dating from the third millennium before

the present. In the old Egyptian pyramids, tombs of the pharaohs yielded

licorice roots; large amounts of the root were found among the valuables

in the tomb of King Tut (1345 BC).

This practice of leaving licorice for the departing would guarantee that

royalty would have plenty of their favorite drink, Mai sus, which is

popular among Egyptians today. Paul Twitchell, in his book, Herbs The

Magic Healers, (1971), states that licorice root was introduced into

Egypt for medicine by one of Eckankar's ancient masters, Gopal Das.

Eckankar is the ancient science of soul travel.

 

Almost all of the ancient earthly civilizations knew of and used

licorice root. Among the list: Ancient Hindus of India, Greece, Rome,

Babylon, and the older cultures of Europe and Asia. The therapeutic

value of the herb varied from expectorant to restorer of sexual vigor.

 

The Chinese associated the root with longevity and rejuvenation.

 

Dioscorides, an herbal physician who traveled with the army of Alexander

the Great, and who wrote an herbal describing the medicinal value of

over 500 plants, advised the troops to carry and chew licorice root in

order to allay their thirst when water was scarce on their long marching

campaigns.

 

Here are a few quotes from Dioscorides:

 

" ...grows much in Cappadocia and Pontus...roots...like those of Gentian

somewhat bitter, sweetish, which are juiced as Lycium is...But ye juice

is good for ye shapenesses of ye Arterie, but they must put it under ye

tongue to let it melt. It is good likewise for ye burning of ye stomach

& for ye griefs in ye throax & ye liver & ye scables vesicae, and kidney

griefs. Briefs drank with Passum, & melted in ye mouth it is a quencher

of thirst, and healer of wounds being anointed about, & being chewed it

is good for ye stomach, & ye decoction of new roots is good for the

same. But the dry root being beaten small is a fit sprinkling for ye

Pterygia. "

 

Licorice is mentioned by the Roman writers Oribasius and Marcellus in

the fourth century.

 

Hippocrates, during the 5th century, BC, writes of the uses of licorice

for prevention of thirst in dropsy and diabetes. Theophratus, known as

" The Father of Botany " for his work on plants says that " The sweet

Scythian root is good for asthma, dry cough, and all pectoral diseases. "

The Scythians were an ancient nomadic people who traveled on horseback

in the steepes of Central Asia. Theophratus, a student of Plato and

Aristotle reports that the Scythians were able to go as long as 12 days

without water because they chewed on licorice root and ate mare's

cheese.

 

Licorice root was essential to the Arabic alchemists of the Middle Ages.

 

 

The sweet root has been cultivated for centuries in England near

Pontefract Castle beginning with the reign of Henry III. It was said to

have been started by the Black Friars. The subsequent inhabitants of the

castle have carried on the tradition to this day, although the garden

has gone into neglect because of the heavy labor required to harvest the

roots and the availability of imported licorice root.

 

The Pontefract Castle only yields about one-half what it did in the old

days. Pontefract licorice is said to be very sweet, more so than the

European roots. The dark processed confections known in England as

Pontefract cakes are sold to this very day. They are lozenges that are

stamped with a picture of the castle. They were once seen in practically

every chemist's shop in England.

 

Both Chaucer and Shakespeare mention licorice in their classes. Later

English herbals refer to licorice quite often, including the well known

herbalist of the 16th century, M. Gerard, and another of the 17th

century, Nicolas Culpeper. Gerard states that licorice grew plentifully

in the famous " Physic garden " in London.

 

Nineteenth century botanic physicians, both European and American, knew

the virtues of the licorice root, and used it extensively in their

practices. Licorice as a medicine was included in the early U.S.

Pharmacopoeias and Materia Medicas, and still is today.

 

Modern textbooks on pharmacognosy usually mention the active principles

of licorice as being useful in the treatment of ulcers. One text,

interestingly enough, states that peptic ulcers could possibly arise

from the " formation of adherent mucus on the gastric mucosa. "

 

These sources also mention that licorice is a mild expectorant, and its

cortisone-like substance may prove helpful in the treatment of Addison's

disease and arthritis.

It is also customarily added to bitter laxative preparations, and used

to coat pills.

 

 

MEDICAL EXPERIMENTATION WITH LICORICE

 

During the second World War, a Dutch family physician by the name of F.

E. Revers observed that his ulcer patients were recovering extremely

rapidly and well. Upon further investigation into the causes of this

phenomenon, he found that a local Netherlands pharmacist had supplied

all of them with a compound that contained 40% powdered licorice root.

 

Revers then began to prescribe licorice for ulcers regularly, and then

waited to see the result

He concluded that licorice had a cortisone-like action which accelerated

the healing of chronic gastric ulcers.

The diet of the patients were not considered, especially in the light of

the mucusless diet, and the subjects were probably on the standard ulcer

patient diet.

 

During the middle ages licorice was often taken to counter-balance the

effects of highly spiced and overcooked food, fat, and most probably

contaminated meats and meat dishes. May we also mention here the

still-prevalent Medieval custom of overeating as well as washing down

the food with copious amounts of alcoholic beverages.

 

The advent of inorganic drugs did much to retard the progress of the

investigation and evolution of the contemporary natural healers such as

licorice root.

 

The rising medical profession would often overlook an old remedy in

favor of a more " sophisticated " synthetic--they would not want to be

found guilty of practicing " folk medicine. "

 

There arose a controversy regarding the value of licorice, and as one

authority put it, " once the experts--at least the medical ones, disagree

in public--it is difficult for the truth to penetrate the haze of the

battle. " The issue of the cortisone-like action of licorice was taken up

in several medical journal articles during the 1950's after Rever's

original " discovery " , but was dropped because of the above principle.

 

We will summarize some of their findings here, however, for they

supplement first hand, empirical evidence of the efficacy of licorice

root in situations where the steroid-cortin substance was needed by the

human body.

 

In The New England Journal of Medicine, March 29, 1951, there appeared

an article by several Dutch M.D.s who carried Rever's research a few

steps beyond the ulcer. The title of the article: " Extract of Licorice

for the Treatment of Addison's Disease. "

 

Addision's disease is a dysfunction of the adrenal glands in some cases

due to tuberculosis of the adrenals. In one instance, a patient's

symptoms included weakness, loss of weight, lowered blood pressure,

increase in blood nitrogen level, and a potassium level increase.

 

The patient was given a dose of sodium chloride (which we consider

inorganic and poison in that form, of course) and the symptoms remained

basically unchanged. A treatment was started using DOCA

(desoxycorticosterone acetate), but after 8 days, the patient displayed

signs of DOCA overdosage. His weakness was replaced with a feeling of

tightness in the chest in addition to migraine headaches and shortness

of breath. His neck veins became swollen, his heart was enlarged, and

other undesirable symptoms were present.

 

The DOCA was reduced, the sodium chloride was administered again and

after 6 days the patient was given a 25% solution of extract of licorice

in water as an addition to the medication.

 

After the licorice extract was added, the sodium-potassium balance of

the patient became more stable. The DOCA was soon withdrawn and the

licorice root extract was withdrawn, the biochemical disturbances

reappeared in the patient.

 

Oral licorice therapy was continued and the patient maintained his

desirable mineral equilibrium. The conclusion of the clinical findings

is that licorice extract contained a substance processing DOCA-like

action that can be effective when administered orally.

 

Other patients were treated with licorice extract and the results were

reported in original articles in medicinal journals such as the Journal

of American Medical Association, Lancet, and New England Journal of

Medicine. In most of the articles which appeared during the early

1950's, it was agreed upon that licorice definitely had cortisone-like

properties.

 

The interesting facts are these, however. Many of the licorice extracts

used in the experiments have been obtained by the method of boiling the

roots or otherwise treating them with inorganic chemicals. The licorice

used was often no longer in its wholesome, organic state.

 

Patients in the tests were often given varying doses of sodium chloride

or some other accompanying inorganic drugs. In many cases where licorice

was blamed for hypertension, the licorice in question was licorice

candy. One subject suffered adverse symptoms from eating about 1/2 pound

of licorice candy daily for about 6 or 7 years.

 

Some of the authors admit to the inconsistency of the " black licorice

extract " which they imported for their research, and this would produce

varying effects in some patients. Some of the experiments concluded that

licorice is capable of producing water, sodium and chloride retention in

normal individuals. Often the conductors of the experiments used the

isolated active principle of licorice, glycyyrrhetic acid, instead of

the herb in its wholesome state.

 

Most of the sodium retention was caused by the glycyrrhizic acid

" purified from the crude licorice extract (boiling licorice extract) as

an ammonium salt. " Two to 5 mg. of this substance administered daily

caused great sodium retention and mild potassium diuresis. We can thank

the Good Lord that we are not afraid to use licorice in its wholesome

state, as well as know the benefits of the mucusless diet and live

foods.

 

As the standard edition out of medical school, even the most meticulous

M.D. is not trained very well in the field of diet and nutrition.

 

Neither are most of the hospital dieticians.

 

Add this to the devastating effects of inorganic substances (an idea

which Dr. Shook made clear to a handful of dedicated physicians after

World War II) and one could easily invalidate the data obtained from

many of the so called scientific experiments. The important conclusion

of most of the medical journal articles, however, is that licorice does

exhibit cortisone-like activity and can nourish the adrenals if there is

some healthy tissue remaining in these organs.

 

A substance known as carbenoxolone has been synthesized from the active

principle of licorice, glycyrrhizin. This substance has been used by

medical science to aid in the healing of gastric ulcers. The gastric

ulcers are those that are in the stomach itself, and because

carbenoxolone is absorbed by the stomach very quickly, the drug has not

been successful in the treatment of duodenal ulcers, that is, those

ulcers that that form in the proximal portion of the small intestine,

the part of the intestine immediately following the stomach.

 

To test the effects of carbenoxolone on duodenal ulcers, researchers

have invented a gelatin capsule that would burst in the duodenum after 2

1/2 or 3 hours instead of sooner in the stomach. Results on the duodenal

ulcers are not yet conclusive. Interestingly enough, the carbenoxolone

is not effective on gastric ulcers when given by hypodermic injection,

although the cortisone-like effect is observed to have one third the

potency of a similar dose of hydrocortisone.

Thus we can see that the carbenoxolone has a local action on the ulcer

and needs to come in direct contact with the sore.

 

Given the ancient information that licorice was useful in stopping the

pain of indigestion, one wonders why the old reliable wholesome licorice

root tea, powder, or extract isn't more often used judiciously as a food

supplement.

 

This would prevent the body from breaking down and making it necessary

for the lab to take over where the Lord left off.

 

Dr. Christopher H. Costello of Columbus, Ohio, and Dr. E. V. Lynn of the

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy reported the discovery of the female

hormone activity of licorice in the Journal of the American

Pharmaceutical Association, around the year 1950. There were of course,

plans to isolate the estrogen from the plant instead of simply taking

licorice root at its face value.

 

Centuries ago, Theophrastus wrote that licorice was mixed with honey and

applied to wounds. Dr. Wm. A. R. Thomson expects that after the

licorice-cortisone controversy subsides, the dermatologists will

" discover " the usefulness of licorice for such skin disorders as

psoriasis.

 

In addition to quenching thirst and appetite, licorice root has been an

aid in reducing the desire to smoke tobacco and consume alcohol. Many

early family doctors knew this fact.

 

One physician treated several bakery workers in the neighborhood. They

couldn't break their smoking habit very easily, so he gave them licorice

sticks to chew upon. This aided them at work, where the boss would not

permit smoking lest ashes fall into the bread dough. Their desire to

smoke lessened and they eventually quit smoking.

 

Licorice has aided mankind during the past centuries and will continue

to do so far into the future.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

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