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It’s a weird
phenomenon in our world, but people seem to either love or hate black
jellybeans. Yet while there is something about the taste of licorice that
creates either friends or foes, those who know of the healing properties
of the herb licorice can only be its loyal supporters.
To gain further
appreciation of its health benefits, it is possible to study licorice
(as well as other herbs, nutrients and foods) through the lens of herbal
astrology. Through this periscope, we can further get to the root of how
this botanical remedy may serve to protect health and well-being.
Licorice
is Associated with Mercury
Licorice
is ruled by Mercury, the planet that governs the signs Gemini and Virgo.
The energy of this planet embodies qualities of its messenger god namesake,
who traveled throughout the heavens, Earth and
underworld serving as a beacon of information. In astrology, Mercury’s
planetary energies reflect the desire to synthesize mental stimuli and
communicate information in the pursuit of gaining an intellectual understanding
of the world around you.
In medical
astrology, Mercury is related to physiological functions that guide communication
and information transfer. It rules the nervous and respiratory systems,
as well as hormones, which serve as messenger chemicals that control various
body functions.
The active
ingredients in licorice that provide its health benefits include glycyrrhizin
and a variety of phytochemicals collectively known as flavonoids. An
extract of licorice called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is also available,
and is made by removing the glycyrrhizin component. Licorice and DGL are
generally used for treatment and prevention of different health conditions.
Uses
of Licorice
Licorice
provides great benefit for many conditions affecting the Mercury-ruled
respiratory system. Licorice has expectorant properties that help to relieve
bronchial congestion. It also exerts soothing effects on the respiratory
tract when it is irritated by coughing. The traditional uses of licorice,
as part of a treatment protocol for bronchitis, asthma and coughs associated
with the common cold, have been supported by modern scientific research.
Licorice
is also used to balance the adrenal glands, which are oftentimes taxed
due to the chronic stress of our modern-day world. Licorice’s support
of the adrenal glands is related to its ability to sustain levels of cortisol,
a Mercury-ruled hormone that plays many important roles in regulating
body function. Therefore, nutritionally-oriented healthcare practitioners
often recommend licorice for supporting the body during periods of stress
and fatigue, as well as for conditions characterized by severe adrenal
insufficiency such as Addison’s disease.
DGL
and Ulcers
Clinical
research studies have shown DGL to be useful in the treatment of gastric
and duodenal ulcers. While many drugs aim to treat ulcers through the
reduction of gastric acidity, DGL’s flavonoid phytochemicals help to prevent
ulcer formation by supporting the gastrointestinal tract’s normal defense
mechanisms. DGL has been found to extend the life span of intestinal cells
while also improving the quantity and quality of substances that protect
the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract. Long-term maintenance
therapy has been found to be effective and does not feature side effects
that are commonly associated with other ulcer medications.
While medical
professionals believe that ulcers may be caused by a host of different
factors, many believe that stress plays an important role in ulcer formation
and perpetuation. Therefore, Mercury-ruled licorice provides benefit for
a condition that may be exacerbated by a Mercury-ruled nervous system
being out of balance.
How
to Use Licorice
Licorice
is available in a variety of different delivery forms, including capsules,
teas and fluid extracts. The Commission E accepted daily dosage is five
to fifteen grams of licorice root, or the equivalent of 200-600 milligrams
of glycyrrhizin. The recommended dosage of DGL, available in 380 milligram
tablets, is two to four tablets before meals for acute conditions, and
one to two tablets before meals for chronic conditions.
As the glycrrhizin
that is a component of licorice (but not DGL) can affect the regulation
of such hormones as cortisol, aldosterone and progesterone, it may produce
a variety of serious side effects, including high blood pressure, water
retention and cessation of menstruation in people with certain health
histories. Licorice should not be used for longer than four to six weeks
without medical supervision, and should be avoided by people who have
high blood pressure, liver disorders, severe kidney insufficiency and
those who use certain diuretic medications. Licorice should also be avoided
during pregnancy.
It is important
to always consult a licensed healthcare provider if you are thinking of
using licorice or other dietary supplements to treat any health condition.
Additionally, you should tell your healthcare provider about all of the
dietary supplements that you are taking so that s/he can evaluate any
potential drug-supplement interactions.
Editor’s
note: The health information given in this article is not meant as a substitute
for care from a qualified physician. This information is given for educational
purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. StarIQ.com
is not responsible for any mishaps that occur as a result of using this
information.
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