Naturopathic Information - MICROgenics Licorice 2000

The adrenals are glands which sit on top of the kidneys and are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of the corticosteroid hormones - catecholamines (cortisol and adrenaline). These hormones not only regulate the stress response but also regulate blood sugars, energy production, fluid balance, immune functions, and other important processes. Adrenal dysfunction is one of the most common imbalances in our population today.

The adrenal glands help the body deal with stressful situations by adjusting the internal biological factors in response to external pressures. Unfortunately, persistent emotional and mental stress, poor dietary habits causing nutritional imbalances, lack of sleep, excessive exercise plus constant use of stimulants such as sugar, alcohol, caffeine use up these stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. This may eventually reduce the adrenal glands capacity to function optimally. Excessive gradual loss of adrenal function/depletion may be a contributing factor to a decline in health .

Adrenal Health

• Licorice is traditionally used as an adrenal tonic by Herbalists and Naturopaths for its beneficial properties in supporting adrenal gland function
• Scientific studies have found that Licorice appears to slow the breakdown of the stress hormone cortisol. It is believed that the compound in Licorice called Glycyrrhizic acid which is metabolised to glycyrrhetinic acid in the intestine may reduce the conversion of cortisol to inactive metabolite cortisone, prolonging the activity of cortisol. Glycyrrhetinic acid appears to have a similar structure to these stress hormones, influencing endogenous glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity by binding to glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid receptors displacing cortisol.
• Licorice helps to maintain adrenal gland function during times of stress by maintaining normal physiological processes to help the body cope with stress
• Licorice may relieve the symptoms of stress-induced loss of energy

Mucous membranes

• Licorice is considered to be healing for the mucous membranes of the body. Mucous membranes are mainly found in the gastrointestinal system, bladder and vagina
• Licorice has demonstrated ability to promote mucosal repair and reduces inflammation, and helps to soothe burning in the upper digestive tract

Upper respiratory tract infections

• Licorice assists in eliminating excess mucous from to respiratory tract providing relief from upper respiratory tract infections
• Licorice has been used in traditional Western Herbal medicine to provide relief from upper respiratory tract infections and helping to maintain a healthy respiratory tract