Dr. Christopher's Herbal Legacy Newsletter - April 15, 2009
Published: Wed, 04/15/09
Dear ,
This week we have Part III of our series on Licorice Root. Did you know that the Egyptians considered Licorice a cure-all? After reading today's article (and reading the last two weeks at http://articles.herballegacy.com if you missed them), you may agree with them!
One of our subscribers had this to say about Licorice Root: "My family, me included, all got the cold with the sore throat and runny nose. I started taking 30% Licorice and 70% Slippery Elm. My symptoms came a lot for three days and then they left. My husband and children still have them after a week and a half. I also have eliminated better because of the mild laxative effect of the Licorice. I also have really enjoyed the energy Licorice has given me!"
We have had some people raise a few concerns about Licorice Root - specifically what it does to blood pressure. Next week we will wrap up our Licorice series when we discuss any contra-indications (problems) with Licorice Root.
-Dr. Christopher's Herbal Legacy Newsletter
ARTICLE: The Benefits of the Use of Licorice in Herbal Preparations - Part III
RECIPE: Pita Bread Pizza
NEWS/FEATURED PRODUCT: Dr. Christopher Centennial Celebration, Handbook of Nutritional Values
by Mishelle Knuteson, M.H.
(with some excerpts from Dr. Christopher's Natural Healing Newsletter Volume 3 Number 3)
I think the Egyptians may have been on the right track in their thinking that Licorice is a cure-all. A few more uses for Licorice are as a blood cleanser and detoxifier with benefits to the liver. It increases the flow of saliva and alleviates thirst when the root is chewed on and it also makes an excellent natural teething ring for babies to help bring the teeth through.
In addition to quenching thirst, Licorice will quench the appetite and reduce the desire to smoke tobacco and consume alcohol. It will also help a person stay alert (a No-Doz substitute). Mixed with honey it is great for external wounds and skin irritations. One of our students prepared a combination of tincture of peppermint and licorice root for a very distressed opera singer who was losing her voice due to laryngitis. The formula enabled the singer to regain her voice and her composure within a day's time. The student called the preparation, "Opera Throat Formula," and successfully administers it to her laryngitis-suffering friends.
Additional uses from James Duke, in his book "The Green Pharmacy," are preventing tooth decay, treating arthritis, asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds and flu, cough, dandruff, depression, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis, gout, heartburn, HIV infection, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections and yeast infections.
I feel the same as this author who wrote on Licorice, "Licorice can be recommended for just about everybody, for male and female alike, young and old, well or sick. It is the grand tonic of the world, in this author's opinion. For that reason, I recommend it as an important tonic in the maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. The amazing anti-inflammatory actions of licorice root extend to the entire surface area of the body, both outside and inside. Not only the skin, but the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract yield to the soothing and healing action of licorice root. The plant reinforces the body's ability to withstand attack from virtually any kind of pathogen, and should therefore be considered a tonic for the musculoskeletal system. If one is looking for a broad-spectrum tonic to protect, maintain health, and heal injuries, there is no herb better than licorice root."
The simplest formula for any irritation in the whole digestive tract, from the throat to the colon, is 1 part powdered Licorice root to 3 parts powdered Slipper Elm, slowly mixed with water to a gruel-like consistency. Take ¼ cup 4 times a day so that 1 cup of gruel has been consumed.
For a simple but effective cough syrup, dice up onions and cover with honey, add 1 ounce Licorice powder. Heat this mixture over a very low temperature or in a double boiler for 4 hours. Strain and add ¼ part of vegetable glycerin, which enhances its preservation power as well as adding healing properties of its own. Take it by the spoonful as needed. A stimulating herb such as cayenne or ginger can be added to intensify the effects.
Dr Shook gives a good basic formula for a decoction or glyceride of Licorice root: 4 ounces of cut licorice root to 3 pints of distilled water. Simmer the roots in the water slowly for 20 minutes. Strain off the liquid and simmer again, until the volume is reduced to three-fourths of a pint. Add 4 ounces pure vegetable glycerin and mix well. Cool then bottle in dark bottles and store in a cool place.
One of our former students always traveled with a small bottle of concentrated licorice root extract on his person. He took several drops of the extract throughout the day to maintain his high energy level. A couple we know prepares a few quarts of licorice root tea to take along on a cross-country automobile trip. They sip it occasionally so they can remain alert throughout the journey.
Printable Version: http://www.herballegacy.com/Licorice_III.pdf
If you missed an article or want to leave comments about this article, be sure to visit our blog at http://articles.herballegacy.com
(Makes 6 mini pizzas)
Try making these mini pizzas when everyone can't decide on the same toppings. With these individually sized pizzas the problem is solved. In addition to the toppings listed, you could also add pineapple bits, olives, or spinach to name a few.
- Tomato sauce
- 1 large, ripe tomato chopped
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/3 Cup chopped onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 6 pieces of whole wheat pita bread
- Sea salt
Preheat oven to 375°F. After chopping the tomato, place it in a colander to allow juices to drain off, let sit for 3-5 minutes while you prepare the other vegetables.
Combine tomatoes, crushed garlic, Italian seasonings and a dash of sea salt.
Spread each pita bread with 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Next add the tomato mixture. Finally, top with chopped vegetables. Repeat with remaining pita breads. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until edges are lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Do you want to add a little flair? Add one of the following toppings after your pizza is done cooking:
· Add a dollop of "A Pesto for all Seasons" just before serving.
· Place a bed of sprouts on top of the cooked pizza then add a few slices of ripe Avocado sprinkle with a little sea salt. DO NOT COOK AVOCADO
· Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sprinkle with Nutritional Yeast Flakes.
· Garnish with a few leaves of fresh basil
Printable Version: http://www.herballegacy.com/Pita_Bread_Pizza.pdf
Do you have a healthy, tasty recipe that you would be willing to share with other health conscious readers, ? Please share your recipes at http://www.herballegacy.com/Recipes.html (this page also has our database of recipes!).
Dr. Christopher Centennial Celebration: Registration has begun for this "once-in-a-lifetime" celebration of Dr. Christopher's life and work! Attend workshops by the top herbalists in the field including Dr. James Duke, David Christopher, M.H., Dr. Warfa, Sandy Ellis, M.H. and a number of great Master Herbalists. Enjoy a Vegan Gourmet Dinner and a Centennial Lecture following the dinner. The date is August 1, 2009 - we have registration information, the dinner menu, workshop titles and hotel information available at http://www.snh.cc/Centennial.html.
Handbook of Nutritional Values: Christopher Publications is trying to clear out some inventory and you benefit from it! We have a limited number of a great book - Handbook of the Nutritional Value of Foods in Common Units, available for half-price! They won't last long at this price - to pick one up visit http://www.christopherpublications.com/Handbook.html.A HEALTHIER YOU
Remember that you can always hear the most recent show of David and Fawn Christopher's popular radio show, A Healthier You, for free at http://www.ahealthieryouradio.com/recent_show.html
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