Licorice Herbarium
Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family: Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae)
Common Names: licorice root, sweet root, sweet wood
Descriptive Characteristics: Licorice has a woody stem and is a perennial plant. The outside is brown. It grows up to 3 feet tall. Oddly, the base of the stalk is round but it's angular at the top. The branches have paired leaves and a single one at the end. The bottom of the leaf is sticky. The blossoms are purplish with white at the ends. The picture in the book makes the blossoms look a bit like pine cones. The extract comes from the dried, unpeeled root (Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000). The only thing Heinerman (1996) adds to the description is the stalk looks wrinkled (p. 307).
Part of the Plant Used: dried rhizome and root
Texture: the bottom of the leaves is sticky
Color: brown stem, purple and white blossoms
Aroma: like licorice… I don't like licorice and dreaded opening the package!
Flavor: like licorice… :(
Constituents: glycyrrhizin which is a saponin inside the bark; glycyrrhic acid which is 50 times sweeter than sugar (Chevallier, 2016, p. 101). Chevallier also says triterpene saponins (which is the glycyrrhizin), isoflavones (liquiritin, isoliquiritin, formononetin), polysaccharides, and phytosterols. Hoffman (2003) says oleanane triterpene (glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and phytosterols), flavanones; isoflavonoids; chalcones; polysaccharides (glucans); volatile oil (fenchone, linalool, furfuryl alcohol, benzaldehyde); starch, sugars, amino acid (p. 554).
Therapeutic Actions: Demulcent: glycyrrhizin increases the viscosity of the mucus which means it may provide relief from ulcers. It protects the lining of the intestinal tract. It is also an expectorant which helps during colds. Chevallier (2016) says it’s an anti-inflammatory effective on arthritis and canker sores. Other actions he says are expectorant, demulcent, adrenal agent, and mild laxative. Hoffman (2003) says expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, antispasmodic, mild laxative (p. 554).
Indications: Peptic ulcers, catarrh of the respiratory tract (Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000). Chevallier (2016) says the traditional uses are asthma, chest problems and canker sores. It soothes the digestive system – gastritis, canker sores, peptic ulcers and excessive stomach acid. It also helps with arthritis, inflammation in the eyes, inflamed joints, and some skin problems. It stimulates the adrenal glands where they are not properly functioning (p. 101). Griffin (1997) says Native Americans roasted it as a survival food. Mild laxative, leaves were brewed and strained and applied externally for earaches (p. 31). Griffin (1997) says Western Folk use this for low blood sugar/pressure, Overcoming addictive behavior, including alcoholism, builds muscle in children, and intestinal tonic (p. 141). Hoffman (2003) says this is an ancient remedy. It works on the endocrine system and liver (among others). It helps chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The triterpene glycyrrhizin inhibits hepatocyte injury – it inhibits the DNA and RNA of many viruses that replicate in the liver. Helps with bronchitis, catarrh and coughs. Treats peptic ulcers, gastritis and ulcers as well as abdominal colic.
Formulary: The goal of the below formula is a cough syrup that helps bring up the mucus. In this case, it is an expectorant.
Chevallier, 2016
Constipation (p. 307): 3t dandelion and yellow dock, 1t licorice. Make a decoction with 3c water. Drink ¾-1 ¼ c/day
Coughs and Bronchitis (p. 310): Dry cough in throat and chest: Make an infusion with equal parts Balm of Gilead, thyme and powdered licorice. Take 1/3 c (75ml) 6/day or mix equal parts tincture and take 1t 5/day with water. Reduce dosage and the cough improves.
Chest cough/Bronchitis: Make a decoction of elecampane, add 5g of licorice to decoction for flavor. Add 5 grams of eucalyptus leaf to decoction if condition is acute. Take 1 ¼ - 1 2/3 c /day.
Loss of appetite/vomiting (p. 306): Make a decoction with 20g codonopsis and 5g of licorice. Sip 2 1/2T every 2-3 hours for no more than 2 days. Also good for anorexia.
Canker sores (p. 306): Equal parts myrrh/echinacea/licorice tincture. Apply or add to water (1:5 ratio) 1/hour
Oral thrush (p. 314): Mix equal parts of tincture of licorice and echinacea. Take 1t as a mouthwash with water every 3-4 hours as needed.
Griffin, J. (1997).
Lung tonic (p.148): 2T pleurisy root, 1T mullein root, 2T elecampane root, 1T cramp bark or blackhaw, 1T licorice or ginger, 2T osha root (only if cough is productive), 2T yucca, dried/split (only if there is wheezing)Simmer in 2c water, covered, 15 min. Strain, ½ c daily for lungs, ½ c 3/day for congestion.
Blood sugar (p. 154): 2T suma root, 2T fenugreek seeds, 1/2t or 2 slices licorice or ginger root, 2T ho shou wu (Foti), and 2T Chinese foxglove. Simmer in 2c water for 30 min. Strain, drink ½ c 2/day.
Immune/energy (p. 156): 1 small tang kkuei root (omit if taking estrogen blockers), 2T suma, 2T Siberian gensing or ho shou wu (foti), 5 jujube red dates, 2T bupleurum falcatum, 1/4t ginger or licorice. Simmer in 2c water for 30 min, covered strain, drink ½ c daily.
Rejuvenating menopause tonic (p. 156-7): 2T black cohosh, 2 small tang kuei roots (omit if taking estrogen blockers), 1T wild yam root, 1T chasteberries, ¼ t (1/4 slice) ginger or licorice. Make a tincture and use 1t in water daily or simmer in 2c water, covered for 30 min. Strain. Sip ½ c daily for heat, heaviness, and emotions.
Relaxing tonic (p. 222): 3 c distilled water, 2 small tang kuei roots, 2 jujube red dates, 4 slices white peony root, 1 slice fresh ginger or dried Chinese licorice. Simmer, covered for 1 hour. Strain. Drink ½ -1 c to relieve tension.
Clear skin (p. 222): ½ c schizandra berries, ½ c jujube red dates, 1 piece licorice or ginger. Soak schizandra berries, immersed, overnight, Drain. Combine in 4c water the 3 ingredients. Simmer, covered 15-20 min. Sip 1c daily.
Female tonic (p. 223): 1 small tang kuei (omit if on estrogen blockers), 2 slices white peony root, 3 pieces bupleurum, 2 jujube red dates, 1 piece licorice or ginger. Simmer in 2-3c water for 1 hour. Drink 1c daily.
Sore throat (p. 78): 1T chopped root simmered in 1c water for 15 min. strain and drink 3/day.
Heinerman (1996, p. 307-8)
Peptic ulcers: take 2 capsules a day
Emotional imbalances/hysteria: 2 capsules per day
Addison’s/Graves/Parkinson’s Disease: 3 capsules per day (1 per meal ) or 1 c of licorice tea per day
Petersen (2018, p. 118)
Cough Syrup I: 1 oz Horehound, 1 oz licorice, 1 oz elecampane, ½ oz hyssop, ½ oz marshmallow, honey to taste, 1 drop to 1 pint fluid of peppermint essential oil. Prepare a decoction with all herbs except horehound. Strain and pour over horehound. Steep 10-15 minutes. Strain and measure. For each c of fluid, add 1 c honey. Simmer until thickened. Cool and add peppermint. Bottle and store. Use 2-4t as required every 1-2 hours.
Dosage Adult:
Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000
Decoction: 1/2t/1 cup hot water, 1 cup several times a day
Fluid extract: 1t several times/day in a few T of water
Infusion or decoction: 3-12 g/day of dried roots and stolen
1:1 Liquid extract: 2-6 ml/day
Mills and Bone (2010, p. 498)
1:1 high glycyrrhizin liquid extract or capsule form: 1.5-4.5 ml/day
Flavoring: 100 mg per day
Deglycyrrhizinised licorice extract BP: 1.2-4.8 ml/day
Chevallier (2016, p. 101)
Tincture: for gastritis: 1/2t to ½ c (up to 100ml), 2/day
Dried stick: Chew for indigestion
Powder: rub onto canker sores
Decoction: for constipation – 1part licorice root, 3 parts dandelion root 150 ml 2/day
Fluid extract: peptic ulcers
Hoffman (2003, p. 555)
1:5 40% Tincture: 1-3ml 3/day
Decoction: ½ - 1t root to 1c water, bring to boil, simmer 10-15 min. 3/day
Commission E
Root: 5-15g / day (200-600mg of glycyrrhizin)
BHP
Decoction: 1-5g 3/day
Liquid extract: 2-5ml 3/day
Safety, Contraindications, and interactions: High blood pressure, low potassium, anorexia, cholestatic and cirrhotic liver disease, kidney failure, edema, and congestive heart failure (Mills and Bones, 2010, 498). If the person does a low dose and not frequently, these issues are not likely to happen. Some studies include diabetes and hypertension to this list. Do not prescribe with other digoxin or diuretics, laxatives or potassium-depleting drugs. The list of interactions for this herb is quite long but they all say when used in excess. It's best to not use this when taking medications for the things listed in "Contraindication" just to be safe. Hoffman (2003) says there are no side effects if the dose is kept under 10mg of glycyrrhizin per day. This and the glycyrrhetinic acid are antidiuretic, mineralocorticoid-type actions. BOTH of these constituents are removed from commercial products so candy has no medicinal use but none of the side effects if too much is consumed. Too much can cause hypokalemia, headaches, spastic numbness, hypertension, weak limbs, dizziness, and edema. Do not take with cardiac glycosides, hypertensive agents, corticoids, diuretics, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (p. 555)
Lab:
Cough Syrup Formula
1/3-oz licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra root
1/3-oz slippery elm Ulmus rubra bark
1/3-oz flaxseed Linum usitatissimum
1/3-pint molasses or 1/6 lb. honey or raw sugar
1-pint water
Prepare a decoction with the licorice but my brand new scale refuses to acknowledge the small amount of herbs required so I had to eye-ball the herbs.
My teapot comes with a stainless-steel infuser so I put the licorice in there and it worked well in this phase of the operation. However, I got busy with my son and forgot what I had going on. Luckily there was still a good amount of liquid in there when I got him down for a nap.
Straining was a snap, just lift the basket out. I let it cool until I was able to touch it.
I put the slippery elm and flaxseed in the infuser (here is where I went wrong) and put it back in once it was cool. I poured the remaining 2 pints of water over the herbs and let it sit. I don’t know how long because I realized I didn’t have a proper container to put this in so I had to go to the store. NOTE: The instructions on this lab were confusing. While the recipe says 1 pint, the directions said to add 2 pints of water. 2/3 of a pint was supposed to be added as the initial amount was 1/3 pint.
When I got home, I removed the infuser and poured the liquid into the freshly cleaned jar.
I added the honey (my scale works well for measuring fluid ounces so at least it’s half useful…) and that’s when I realized how thin the liquid was. When I thought back, I realized the infuser I used has holes that are too small for the thick liquid to get through. Next time I will either use different infusers (I have a set that have bigger holes which I think would work great here) or I will use the method described in the lesson.
The bottle is now in the refrigerator. The instructions say “store in a cool, dark place” but I bought amber jars. I still thought the fridge was a good place. When you have a cough, sometimes something cool going down your throat feels great!
On 27 March 2019, I started 15g of herb in a 75ml menstruum using 1:5 45% as a recipe. I used 50% alcohol so it was 67.5 ml of alcohol and 7.5 of distilled water. On 4 June, 2019, I strained my tincture for about 60ml yield.
The herb I chose from this module is Eleuthero. I chose licorice because it’s great for coughs. Elder is wonderful for flu. This is just ONE of ways Siberian Ginseng is of use. I wanted to add some rosemary too but I haven’t finished dehydrating it yet and won’t be done in time to get this lab done with my other assignments. Honey has antibiotic effects, which my son is too young to have even if I wanted him to try it. I did try to get my daughter to try it. She smelled it and refused to taste. I would take this even though I hate licorice. I never understand what this thing is asking for in “required safety protocol”. I cleaned my area, used clean appliances and utensils and such. I wear glasses so I don’t need to use goggles though I don’t know why anyone would need to use those but I always get marked off on that item. When I looked up licorice in Chevallier, I was surprised to find 2 recipes for coughs so that was pretty cool. I probably shared more than needed but I didn’t know if you wanted the data on all the herbs or not. Since I have a virtual herbarium entry for all 3 herbs, I just copy-pasted below. I don’t think I can summarize what I learned. This entry is already 4 pages in my word doc… I have downloaded so many articles on eleuthero it’s not funny. It is such an amazing and versatile herb that I think everyone should give it a really good look.
Cough and Cold remedy
1 cup eleuthero decoction (made with ½ oz of herb to 1 c water)
3 ml elder tincture
3 ml licorice tincture
2 heaping tablespoons of raw honey
I stopped my decoction at 20 minutes but it wasn’t down to 1 cup yet so I put it back in. At 30 minutes, I checked again and it was at 1 1/8th cup so I put it back in. After 40 minutes, it was just a tad over 1 cup so I’m coloring it done. The timer went off while I was changing a diaper. This is why I like tinctures. You can’t cook them too long. I have to pause here and convince the children to take a nap because I’m tired of the griping. Okay, one is asleep, the other is being needy still but let’s see if I can get through this. I used my strainer thing in my pot for the herbs so I didn’t need to strain anything. I did taste it before I added anything after it had cooled. I added the tinctures to the decoction in the pot when I added the honey to warm it up so the honey would dissolve correctly and the alcohol in the tinctures would cook off. The directions said to simmer for 20 minutes. I simmered it until the honey was incorporated. While I do have vegetable glycerin, it’s very sweet already. The picture below is the final result before I bottled it.
Family: Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae)
Common Names: licorice root, sweet root, sweet wood
Descriptive Characteristics: Licorice has a woody stem and is a perennial plant. The outside is brown. It grows up to 3 feet tall. Oddly, the base of the stalk is round but it's angular at the top. The branches have paired leaves and a single one at the end. The bottom of the leaf is sticky. The blossoms are purplish with white at the ends. The picture in the book makes the blossoms look a bit like pine cones. The extract comes from the dried, unpeeled root (Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000). The only thing Heinerman (1996) adds to the description is the stalk looks wrinkled (p. 307).
Part of the Plant Used: dried rhizome and root
Texture: the bottom of the leaves is sticky
Color: brown stem, purple and white blossoms
Aroma: like licorice… I don't like licorice and dreaded opening the package!
Flavor: like licorice… :(
Constituents: glycyrrhizin which is a saponin inside the bark; glycyrrhic acid which is 50 times sweeter than sugar (Chevallier, 2016, p. 101). Chevallier also says triterpene saponins (which is the glycyrrhizin), isoflavones (liquiritin, isoliquiritin, formononetin), polysaccharides, and phytosterols. Hoffman (2003) says oleanane triterpene (glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and phytosterols), flavanones; isoflavonoids; chalcones; polysaccharides (glucans); volatile oil (fenchone, linalool, furfuryl alcohol, benzaldehyde); starch, sugars, amino acid (p. 554).
Therapeutic Actions: Demulcent: glycyrrhizin increases the viscosity of the mucus which means it may provide relief from ulcers. It protects the lining of the intestinal tract. It is also an expectorant which helps during colds. Chevallier (2016) says it’s an anti-inflammatory effective on arthritis and canker sores. Other actions he says are expectorant, demulcent, adrenal agent, and mild laxative. Hoffman (2003) says expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, antispasmodic, mild laxative (p. 554).
Indications: Peptic ulcers, catarrh of the respiratory tract (Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000). Chevallier (2016) says the traditional uses are asthma, chest problems and canker sores. It soothes the digestive system – gastritis, canker sores, peptic ulcers and excessive stomach acid. It also helps with arthritis, inflammation in the eyes, inflamed joints, and some skin problems. It stimulates the adrenal glands where they are not properly functioning (p. 101). Griffin (1997) says Native Americans roasted it as a survival food. Mild laxative, leaves were brewed and strained and applied externally for earaches (p. 31). Griffin (1997) says Western Folk use this for low blood sugar/pressure, Overcoming addictive behavior, including alcoholism, builds muscle in children, and intestinal tonic (p. 141). Hoffman (2003) says this is an ancient remedy. It works on the endocrine system and liver (among others). It helps chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The triterpene glycyrrhizin inhibits hepatocyte injury – it inhibits the DNA and RNA of many viruses that replicate in the liver. Helps with bronchitis, catarrh and coughs. Treats peptic ulcers, gastritis and ulcers as well as abdominal colic.
Formulary: The goal of the below formula is a cough syrup that helps bring up the mucus. In this case, it is an expectorant.
Chevallier, 2016
Constipation (p. 307): 3t dandelion and yellow dock, 1t licorice. Make a decoction with 3c water. Drink ¾-1 ¼ c/day
Coughs and Bronchitis (p. 310): Dry cough in throat and chest: Make an infusion with equal parts Balm of Gilead, thyme and powdered licorice. Take 1/3 c (75ml) 6/day or mix equal parts tincture and take 1t 5/day with water. Reduce dosage and the cough improves.
Chest cough/Bronchitis: Make a decoction of elecampane, add 5g of licorice to decoction for flavor. Add 5 grams of eucalyptus leaf to decoction if condition is acute. Take 1 ¼ - 1 2/3 c /day.
Loss of appetite/vomiting (p. 306): Make a decoction with 20g codonopsis and 5g of licorice. Sip 2 1/2T every 2-3 hours for no more than 2 days. Also good for anorexia.
Canker sores (p. 306): Equal parts myrrh/echinacea/licorice tincture. Apply or add to water (1:5 ratio) 1/hour
Oral thrush (p. 314): Mix equal parts of tincture of licorice and echinacea. Take 1t as a mouthwash with water every 3-4 hours as needed.
Griffin, J. (1997).
Lung tonic (p.148): 2T pleurisy root, 1T mullein root, 2T elecampane root, 1T cramp bark or blackhaw, 1T licorice or ginger, 2T osha root (only if cough is productive), 2T yucca, dried/split (only if there is wheezing)Simmer in 2c water, covered, 15 min. Strain, ½ c daily for lungs, ½ c 3/day for congestion.
Blood sugar (p. 154): 2T suma root, 2T fenugreek seeds, 1/2t or 2 slices licorice or ginger root, 2T ho shou wu (Foti), and 2T Chinese foxglove. Simmer in 2c water for 30 min. Strain, drink ½ c 2/day.
Immune/energy (p. 156): 1 small tang kkuei root (omit if taking estrogen blockers), 2T suma, 2T Siberian gensing or ho shou wu (foti), 5 jujube red dates, 2T bupleurum falcatum, 1/4t ginger or licorice. Simmer in 2c water for 30 min, covered strain, drink ½ c daily.
Rejuvenating menopause tonic (p. 156-7): 2T black cohosh, 2 small tang kuei roots (omit if taking estrogen blockers), 1T wild yam root, 1T chasteberries, ¼ t (1/4 slice) ginger or licorice. Make a tincture and use 1t in water daily or simmer in 2c water, covered for 30 min. Strain. Sip ½ c daily for heat, heaviness, and emotions.
Relaxing tonic (p. 222): 3 c distilled water, 2 small tang kuei roots, 2 jujube red dates, 4 slices white peony root, 1 slice fresh ginger or dried Chinese licorice. Simmer, covered for 1 hour. Strain. Drink ½ -1 c to relieve tension.
Clear skin (p. 222): ½ c schizandra berries, ½ c jujube red dates, 1 piece licorice or ginger. Soak schizandra berries, immersed, overnight, Drain. Combine in 4c water the 3 ingredients. Simmer, covered 15-20 min. Sip 1c daily.
Female tonic (p. 223): 1 small tang kuei (omit if on estrogen blockers), 2 slices white peony root, 3 pieces bupleurum, 2 jujube red dates, 1 piece licorice or ginger. Simmer in 2-3c water for 1 hour. Drink 1c daily.
Sore throat (p. 78): 1T chopped root simmered in 1c water for 15 min. strain and drink 3/day.
Heinerman (1996, p. 307-8)
Peptic ulcers: take 2 capsules a day
Emotional imbalances/hysteria: 2 capsules per day
Addison’s/Graves/Parkinson’s Disease: 3 capsules per day (1 per meal ) or 1 c of licorice tea per day
Petersen (2018, p. 118)
Cough Syrup I: 1 oz Horehound, 1 oz licorice, 1 oz elecampane, ½ oz hyssop, ½ oz marshmallow, honey to taste, 1 drop to 1 pint fluid of peppermint essential oil. Prepare a decoction with all herbs except horehound. Strain and pour over horehound. Steep 10-15 minutes. Strain and measure. For each c of fluid, add 1 c honey. Simmer until thickened. Cool and add peppermint. Bottle and store. Use 2-4t as required every 1-2 hours.
Dosage Adult:
Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000
Decoction: 1/2t/1 cup hot water, 1 cup several times a day
Fluid extract: 1t several times/day in a few T of water
Infusion or decoction: 3-12 g/day of dried roots and stolen
1:1 Liquid extract: 2-6 ml/day
Mills and Bone (2010, p. 498)
1:1 high glycyrrhizin liquid extract or capsule form: 1.5-4.5 ml/day
Flavoring: 100 mg per day
Deglycyrrhizinised licorice extract BP: 1.2-4.8 ml/day
Chevallier (2016, p. 101)
Tincture: for gastritis: 1/2t to ½ c (up to 100ml), 2/day
Dried stick: Chew for indigestion
Powder: rub onto canker sores
Decoction: for constipation – 1part licorice root, 3 parts dandelion root 150 ml 2/day
Fluid extract: peptic ulcers
Hoffman (2003, p. 555)
1:5 40% Tincture: 1-3ml 3/day
Decoction: ½ - 1t root to 1c water, bring to boil, simmer 10-15 min. 3/day
Commission E
Root: 5-15g / day (200-600mg of glycyrrhizin)
BHP
Decoction: 1-5g 3/day
Liquid extract: 2-5ml 3/day
Safety, Contraindications, and interactions: High blood pressure, low potassium, anorexia, cholestatic and cirrhotic liver disease, kidney failure, edema, and congestive heart failure (Mills and Bones, 2010, 498). If the person does a low dose and not frequently, these issues are not likely to happen. Some studies include diabetes and hypertension to this list. Do not prescribe with other digoxin or diuretics, laxatives or potassium-depleting drugs. The list of interactions for this herb is quite long but they all say when used in excess. It's best to not use this when taking medications for the things listed in "Contraindication" just to be safe. Hoffman (2003) says there are no side effects if the dose is kept under 10mg of glycyrrhizin per day. This and the glycyrrhetinic acid are antidiuretic, mineralocorticoid-type actions. BOTH of these constituents are removed from commercial products so candy has no medicinal use but none of the side effects if too much is consumed. Too much can cause hypokalemia, headaches, spastic numbness, hypertension, weak limbs, dizziness, and edema. Do not take with cardiac glycosides, hypertensive agents, corticoids, diuretics, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (p. 555)
Lab:
Cough Syrup Formula
1/3-oz licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra root
1/3-oz slippery elm Ulmus rubra bark
1/3-oz flaxseed Linum usitatissimum
1/3-pint molasses or 1/6 lb. honey or raw sugar
1-pint water
Prepare a decoction with the licorice but my brand new scale refuses to acknowledge the small amount of herbs required so I had to eye-ball the herbs.
My teapot comes with a stainless-steel infuser so I put the licorice in there and it worked well in this phase of the operation. However, I got busy with my son and forgot what I had going on. Luckily there was still a good amount of liquid in there when I got him down for a nap.
Straining was a snap, just lift the basket out. I let it cool until I was able to touch it.
I put the slippery elm and flaxseed in the infuser (here is where I went wrong) and put it back in once it was cool. I poured the remaining 2 pints of water over the herbs and let it sit. I don’t know how long because I realized I didn’t have a proper container to put this in so I had to go to the store. NOTE: The instructions on this lab were confusing. While the recipe says 1 pint, the directions said to add 2 pints of water. 2/3 of a pint was supposed to be added as the initial amount was 1/3 pint.
When I got home, I removed the infuser and poured the liquid into the freshly cleaned jar.
I added the honey (my scale works well for measuring fluid ounces so at least it’s half useful…) and that’s when I realized how thin the liquid was. When I thought back, I realized the infuser I used has holes that are too small for the thick liquid to get through. Next time I will either use different infusers (I have a set that have bigger holes which I think would work great here) or I will use the method described in the lesson.
The bottle is now in the refrigerator. The instructions say “store in a cool, dark place” but I bought amber jars. I still thought the fridge was a good place. When you have a cough, sometimes something cool going down your throat feels great!
On 27 March 2019, I started 15g of herb in a 75ml menstruum using 1:5 45% as a recipe. I used 50% alcohol so it was 67.5 ml of alcohol and 7.5 of distilled water. On 4 June, 2019, I strained my tincture for about 60ml yield.
The herb I chose from this module is Eleuthero. I chose licorice because it’s great for coughs. Elder is wonderful for flu. This is just ONE of ways Siberian Ginseng is of use. I wanted to add some rosemary too but I haven’t finished dehydrating it yet and won’t be done in time to get this lab done with my other assignments. Honey has antibiotic effects, which my son is too young to have even if I wanted him to try it. I did try to get my daughter to try it. She smelled it and refused to taste. I would take this even though I hate licorice. I never understand what this thing is asking for in “required safety protocol”. I cleaned my area, used clean appliances and utensils and such. I wear glasses so I don’t need to use goggles though I don’t know why anyone would need to use those but I always get marked off on that item. When I looked up licorice in Chevallier, I was surprised to find 2 recipes for coughs so that was pretty cool. I probably shared more than needed but I didn’t know if you wanted the data on all the herbs or not. Since I have a virtual herbarium entry for all 3 herbs, I just copy-pasted below. I don’t think I can summarize what I learned. This entry is already 4 pages in my word doc… I have downloaded so many articles on eleuthero it’s not funny. It is such an amazing and versatile herb that I think everyone should give it a really good look.
Cough and Cold remedy
1 cup eleuthero decoction (made with ½ oz of herb to 1 c water)
3 ml elder tincture
3 ml licorice tincture
2 heaping tablespoons of raw honey
I stopped my decoction at 20 minutes but it wasn’t down to 1 cup yet so I put it back in. At 30 minutes, I checked again and it was at 1 1/8th cup so I put it back in. After 40 minutes, it was just a tad over 1 cup so I’m coloring it done. The timer went off while I was changing a diaper. This is why I like tinctures. You can’t cook them too long. I have to pause here and convince the children to take a nap because I’m tired of the griping. Okay, one is asleep, the other is being needy still but let’s see if I can get through this. I used my strainer thing in my pot for the herbs so I didn’t need to strain anything. I did taste it before I added anything after it had cooled. I added the tinctures to the decoction in the pot when I added the honey to warm it up so the honey would dissolve correctly and the alcohol in the tinctures would cook off. The directions said to simmer for 20 minutes. I simmered it until the honey was incorporated. While I do have vegetable glycerin, it’s very sweet already. The picture below is the final result before I bottled it.
Teeth oil
3 heaping teaspoons of coconut oil
10 drops of clove and tea tree oils
3-4 drops of the following tinctures: licorice, elder flowers, white willow bark, chamomile, ginger
I chose these for a few reasons. I needed anti-microbial and pain as well as flavor. My daughter doesn't like strong flavors and clove is STRONG and required for this. If the issue were in the back of her mouth, like a molar, I would have omitted the tea tree oil. The flavor is close to that of pumpkin spice but the clove is still a bit strong. The coconut oil required heating, of course, for incorporation of the other ingredients but the tinctures needed heating to remove the alcohol as well. I don't even want to imagine how much it would have hurt had I not done that and the alcohol touched those teeth! You could actually go much higher on the tinctures since the per dosage amount is so high, even for a child (but I'd say no more than 10 drops for a child). Also, this is to be SPIT OUT, not swallowed. That's why I said I'd omit the tea tree if it were more of a swallow risk. The other ingredients are not at a dosage that would hurt if she swallowed that minute amount.
I applied this with my finger at first, knowing the brush would hurt. Now I'm using the brush to make sure to get any infection that is trying to hide deeper in the gum and fester there in case I decide to quit treatment. They are wishful thinking. You don't hurt my baby! :) She complains when I tell her I'm going to do this but she sits there like a big girl now and pushes out that bottom lip and lets me get it done. She knows it's what's making the pain go away. Since it's just being applied to the teeth that are infected, she isn't getting a huge dosage either. An adult could brush their whole mouth with this with no negative consequences but you have to be careful with the little ones. Also, don't use this UNDER the age of 2.
Research:
According to Ulbright (2010), licorice has been used since ancient times for stomach inflammation.
The American Botanical Council (ABC) states this plant needs to grow 3-4 years before the roots can be harvested for medicinal use. They also state extensive research has been done in this plant for food and medicine. I can believe this easily since multiple classes have used this herb as an example of certain effects. While it’s been proven to work in many ways, they also highlight the dangers of using this. My anatomy class really harped on the proven dangers of liver damage of using this herb at a high dose for an extensive period of time.
An interesting factoid about the constituent glycyrrhizin: ABC mentions it is 50 times sweeter than sugar! This herb has been used to treat cough, constipation, asthma, ulcers and used as an expectorant since before the days of Christ. My personal opinion, if it works well enough that it stays around for centuries, it’s good for me! It would be nice to document how all these things work but I like medicinal herbs that have this kind of staying power. For those that don’t know, a “stolon” is a cutting from the root. This is a way to not kill the whole plant while still producing medicine.
References
American Botanical Council. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/healthyingredients/Licorice.html
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 15, 36, 72, 101, 117, 136, 226.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. P. 16, 43, 158, 161-65, 211.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. P. 31, 78, 83, 130, 141, 145-6, 148-9, 154-7, 195, 217, 219-23, 303
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. P. 307-8.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 554.
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 46, 58, 71, 87, 110, 137, 142, 145, 149, 150, 159, 205.
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. 62-63, 75, 76, 77, 78, 129, 131-132, 316, 498-502, 568.
Petersen, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 118.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. (2000). Herbal Medicine. Theime. 66-67, 415.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. 473.
3 heaping teaspoons of coconut oil
10 drops of clove and tea tree oils
3-4 drops of the following tinctures: licorice, elder flowers, white willow bark, chamomile, ginger
I chose these for a few reasons. I needed anti-microbial and pain as well as flavor. My daughter doesn't like strong flavors and clove is STRONG and required for this. If the issue were in the back of her mouth, like a molar, I would have omitted the tea tree oil. The flavor is close to that of pumpkin spice but the clove is still a bit strong. The coconut oil required heating, of course, for incorporation of the other ingredients but the tinctures needed heating to remove the alcohol as well. I don't even want to imagine how much it would have hurt had I not done that and the alcohol touched those teeth! You could actually go much higher on the tinctures since the per dosage amount is so high, even for a child (but I'd say no more than 10 drops for a child). Also, this is to be SPIT OUT, not swallowed. That's why I said I'd omit the tea tree if it were more of a swallow risk. The other ingredients are not at a dosage that would hurt if she swallowed that minute amount.
I applied this with my finger at first, knowing the brush would hurt. Now I'm using the brush to make sure to get any infection that is trying to hide deeper in the gum and fester there in case I decide to quit treatment. They are wishful thinking. You don't hurt my baby! :) She complains when I tell her I'm going to do this but she sits there like a big girl now and pushes out that bottom lip and lets me get it done. She knows it's what's making the pain go away. Since it's just being applied to the teeth that are infected, she isn't getting a huge dosage either. An adult could brush their whole mouth with this with no negative consequences but you have to be careful with the little ones. Also, don't use this UNDER the age of 2.
Research:
According to Ulbright (2010), licorice has been used since ancient times for stomach inflammation.
The American Botanical Council (ABC) states this plant needs to grow 3-4 years before the roots can be harvested for medicinal use. They also state extensive research has been done in this plant for food and medicine. I can believe this easily since multiple classes have used this herb as an example of certain effects. While it’s been proven to work in many ways, they also highlight the dangers of using this. My anatomy class really harped on the proven dangers of liver damage of using this herb at a high dose for an extensive period of time.
An interesting factoid about the constituent glycyrrhizin: ABC mentions it is 50 times sweeter than sugar! This herb has been used to treat cough, constipation, asthma, ulcers and used as an expectorant since before the days of Christ. My personal opinion, if it works well enough that it stays around for centuries, it’s good for me! It would be nice to document how all these things work but I like medicinal herbs that have this kind of staying power. For those that don’t know, a “stolon” is a cutting from the root. This is a way to not kill the whole plant while still producing medicine.
References
American Botanical Council. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/healthyingredients/Licorice.html
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 15, 36, 72, 101, 117, 136, 226.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. P. 16, 43, 158, 161-65, 211.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. P. 31, 78, 83, 130, 141, 145-6, 148-9, 154-7, 195, 217, 219-23, 303
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. P. 307-8.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 554.
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 46, 58, 71, 87, 110, 137, 142, 145, 149, 150, 159, 205.
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. 62-63, 75, 76, 77, 78, 129, 131-132, 316, 498-502, 568.
Petersen, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 118.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. (2000). Herbal Medicine. Theime. 66-67, 415.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. 473.
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