DGL: A SPECIAL LICORICE EXTRACT FOR PEPTIC ULCERS JoAnn Guest

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DGL: A SPECIAL LICORICE EXTRACT FOR PEPTIC ULCERS JoAnn Guest May 01, 2005

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DGL: A SPECIAL LICORICE EXTRACT FOR PEPTIC ULCERS

(duodenal & gastric)

 

A special extract of licorice known as DGL is a remarkable medicine for

peptic ulcers.

The term peptic ulcer refers to ulcers that occur in the stomach

(gastric ulcer) or the first portion of the small intestine (duodenal

ulcer).

 

Duodenal ulcers are more common with an estimated frequency rate of 6 to

12% of the adult population in the United States. ]

In other words, approximately 10% of the U.S. population has clinical

evidence of duodenal ulcer at some time in their lifetime.

Duodenal ulcers are 4 times more common in men than in women and 4 to 5

times more common than gastric ulcers.

 

What are the symptoms of an ulcer?

 

Although symptoms of a peptic ulcer may be absent or quite vague, most

peptic ulcers are associated with abdominal discomfort noted 45-60

minutes after meals or during the night.

 

In the typical case, the pain is described as gnawing, burning,

cramp-like, or aching, or as " heartburn. " Eating or using antacids

usually results in great relief.

 

What causes an ulcer?

 

Even though duodenal and gastric ulcers occur at different locations,

they appear to be the result of similar mechanisms.

 

Specifically, the development of a duodenal or gastric ulcer is a result

of some factor damaging the protective factors which line the stomach

and duodenum.

 

In the past, the focus has primarily been on the acidic secretions of

the stomach as the primary cause of both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

 

However, more recently the focus has been on the bacteria Helicobacter

pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

 

Gastric acid is extremely corrosive. The pH of gastric acid (1 to 3)

would eat an ulcer right through the skin.

 

To protect against ulcers, the lining of the stomach and small intestine

has a layer of mucin.

In addition, the constant renewing of intestinal cells and the secretion

of factors which neutralize the acid when it comes in contact with the

stomach and intestinal linings also protect against ulcer formation.

The acid is designed to digest the food we eat, not the stomach or small

intestine.

 

Contrary to popular opinion, over-secretion of gastric acid output is

rarely a factor in gastric ulcers.

 

In fact, patients with gastric ulcers tend to secrete normal or even

reduced levels of gastric acid.

 

In duodenal ulcer patients, almost half have increased gastric acid

output.

This increase may be due to an increased number of acid producing cells

known as parietal cells.

As a group, patients with duodenal ulcers have twice as many parietal

cells in their stomach compared to people without ulcers.

 

Even with an increase in gastric acid output, under normal

circumstances, there are enough protective factors to prevent either

gastric or duodenal ulcer formation.

 

However, when the integrity of these protective factors is impaired, an

ulcer can form.

 

A loss of integrity can be a result of H. pylori, aspirin and other

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),

alcohol, nutrient deficiency, stress, and many other factors.

 

Of these factors, H. pylori and NSAIDs are by far the most significant.

 

Are ulcers really caused by a bacteria?

 

The role of the bacteria H. pylori in peptic ulcer disease has been

extensively investigated. It has been shown that 90-100% of patients

with duodenal ulcers, 70% with gastric ulcers, and about 50% of people

over the age of 50 test positive for this bacteria.

 

1 Physicians can determine the presence of H. pylori by measuring the

level of antibodies to H. pylori in the blood or saliva, or by culturing

material collected during an endoscopy (the process of examination of

the stomach or duodenum with a fiberoptic tube with a lens attached to

it).

 

Predisposing factors for H. pylori infection are low gastric output as

well as low antioxidant content in the gastrointestinal lining.

 

H. pylori infection increases gastric pH, thereby setting up a positive

feedback scenario.

In other words, H. pylori infection leads to ulcer formation and ulcer

formation leads to H. pylori infection.

 

Probably more important causes of ulcers than H. pylori are aspirin and

smoking.

 

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are

associated with a significant risk of peptic ulcer.

 

While most studies documenting the relative frequency of peptic ulcers

as a consequence of aspirin and NSAIDs have focused on their use in the

treatment of arthritis and headaches,

 

recently the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcers was

evaluated for aspirin at daily dosages of 300 mg, 150 mg, and 75 mg--

 

dosages commonly recommended to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

 

One study, conducted at five test hospitals in England, found an

increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer at all

dosage levels.

 

However, the dosage of 75 mg per day was associated with a 40% less

bleeding than 300 mg per day and 30% less than 150 mg per day.

 

The researchers concluded " No conventionally used prophylactic aspirin

regimen seems free of the risk of peptic ulcer complications. "

 

The combination of NSAID use and smoking is particularly harmful to the

ulcer patient.

 

Smoking is a significant factor in the occurrence and severity of peptic

ulcers. Increased frequency, decreased response to peptic ulcer therapy,

and an increased mortality due to peptic ulcers are all related to

smoking.

 

Smoking causes ulcers by at least three mechanisms. First of all,

increases the backflow (reflux) of bile salts into the stomach. Bile

salts are extremely irritating to the stomach and initial portions of

the duodenum, bile salt reflux induced by smoking appears to be the most

significant factor responsible for the increased peptic ulcer rate in

smokers.

 

Smoking also decreases the secretion of bicarbonate by the pancreas - an

important neutralizer of gastric acid - and accelerates the passage of

food from the stomach into the duodenum.5 In addition, the psychological

aspects of smoking are also important, since the chronic anxiety and

psychological stress associated with smoking appear to worsen ulcer

activity.

 

What about stress? Can it cause an ulcer?

 

Stress is universally believed to be an important causative factor in

peptic ulcers. However, this link is quite controversial in the medical

literature.

 

One of the big problems is that studies attempting to examine this

assumption about stress and ulcers have been poorly designed.6 The data

suggests that it is not simply the amount of stress, but rather the

patient's response to it that is the significant factor.

 

Also, as a group, ulcer patients have been characterized as tending to

repress emotions. At the very least, I encourage my patients with ulcers

to discover enjoyable outlets of self-expression and emotions.

 

Are their any foods that a person with ulcers should avoid or eat more

of?

 

Yes. A diet eliminating food allergies has been used with great success

in treating and preventing recurrent ulcers.

 

It is ironic that many people with peptic ulcers soothe themselves by

consuming milk, a highly allergic food. Milk should be avoided on this

basis alone.

 

However, there is additional evidence suggesting that milk should be

avoided in patients with peptic ulcers such as population studies show

the higher the milk consumption the greater the likelihood of ulcer and

milk significantly increases stomach acid production.

 

A diet rich in fiber is associated with a reduced rate of ulcers as

compared with a low-fiber diet.

 

The therapeutic use of a high-fiber diet in patients with recently

healed duodenal ulcers reduces the recurrence rate by half.

 

Although several fibers often used to supplement the diet (e.g., pectin,

guar gum, psyllium, etc.) have been shown to produce beneficial effects,

a diet rich in plant foods is best.

 

As far as a specific food to help heal ulcers - raw cabbage juice has

been well documented as having remarkable success.

 

One liter per day of the fresh juice, taken in divided doses, resulted

in total ulcer healing in an average of only ten days. Further research

has shown that the high glutamine content of the juice is probably

responsible for the efficacy of cabbage in treating these ulcers.

 

In a double-blind clinical study of 57 patients, 24 using 1.6 grams of

glutamine a day, with the rest using conventional therapy (antacids,

antispasmodics, diet, milk, and bland diet), glutamine proved to be the

more effective treatment.

 

Half of the glutamine patients showed complete healing (according to

radiographic analysis) within 2 weeks, and 22 of the 24 showed complete

relief and healing within 4 weeks.

 

Although the mechanism for these results is not known, it is postulated

by the authors to be due to the role of glutamine in the manufacture of

compounds which line and protect the stomach and small intesine.

 

What is the best natural medicine for ulcers?

 

A special extract of licorice known as DGL. Licorice has historically

been regarded as an excellent medicine for peptic ulcer. However, due to

the side effects of the licorice compound glycyrrhetinic acid (it causes

elavations in blood pressure in some cases), a procedure was developed

to remove this compound from licorice and form deglycyrrhizinated

liquorice (DGL). The result is a very successful anti-ulcer agent

without any known side effects.

 

How does DGL work?

 

The proposed mechanism of DGL is that it stimulates and/or accelerates

the protective factors which protect against ulcer formation.

 

This mechanism of action is much different than antacids and drugs like

Tagamet, Zantac, and Pepcid which work by neutralizing or suppressing

gastric acid.

 

obvious question related to DGL is " Does DGL have any effect on

Heliobacter pylori? " The answer appears to be yes as DGL is composed of

several flavonoids which have been shown to inhibit H. pylori.

 

How does DGL compare to antacids or drugs like Tagamet and Zantac?

 

Numerous studies over the years have found DGL to be an effective

anti-ulcer compound. In several head to head comparison studies, DGL has

been shown to be more effective than either Tagamet, Zantac, or antacids

in both short term treatment and maintenance therapy of peptic ulcers.

 

However, while these drugs are associated with significant side effects,

DGL is extremely safe and is only fraction of the cost. For example,

while Tagamet and Zantac typically cost well over $100 for a month's

supply, DGL is available in health food stores at $15.00 for a month's

supply.

 

What has the research shown with DGL in gastric ulcers?

 

Very good results. For example, in a study of DGL in gastric ulcer, 33

gastric ulcer patients were treated with either DGL (760 mg, three times

a day) or a placebo for one month.19 There was a significantly greater

reduction in ulcer size in the DGL group (78%), than in the placebo

group (34%). Complete healing occurred in 44% of those receiving DGL,

but in only 6% of the placebo group.

 

Subsequent studies have shown DGL to be as effective as Tagamet and

Zantac for both short term treatment and maintenance therapy of gastric

ulcer.

For example, in a head to head comparison with Tagamet, one hundred

patients received either DGL (760 mg, 3 times a day between meals) or

Tagamet (200 mg, 3 times a day and 400 mg at bedtime).17 The percentage

of ulcers healed after 6 and 12 weeks were similar in both groups.

 

Yet, while Tagamet is associated with some toxicity, DGL is extremely

safe to use.

 

Gastric ulcers are often a result of the use of alcohol, aspirin or

other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, caffeine, and other factors

that decrease the integrity of the gastric lining.

 

As DGL has been shown to reduce the gastric bleeding caused by aspirin,

DGL is strongly indicated for the prevention of gastric ulcers in

patients requiring long-term treatment with ulcer-causing drugs, such as

aspirin, other NSAIDs, and corticosteroids.

 

What about DGL in duodenal ulcers?

 

DGL is also effective in duodenal ulcers. This is perhaps best

illustrated by one study in patients with severe duodenal ulcers. In the

study, forty patients with chronic duodenal ulcers of 4 to 12 years

duration and more than 6 relapses during the previous year were treated

with DGL.

 

All of the patients had been referred for surgery because of relentless

pain, sometimes with frequent vomiting, despite treatment with bed rest,

antacids, and powerful drugs.

Half of the patients received 3 grams of DGL daily for 8 weeks; the

other half received 4.5 grams per day for 16 weeks.

 

All 40 patients showed substantial improvement, usually within 5 to 7

days, and none required surgery during the one year follow-up. Although

both dosages were effective, the higher dose was significantly more

effective than the lower dose.

 

In another more recent study, the therapeutic effect of DGL was compared

to that of antacids, or cimetidine in 874 patients with confirmed

chronic duodenal ulcers.

Ninety-one percent of all ulcers healed within 12 weeks; there was no

significant difference in healing rate in the groups. However, there

were fewer relapses in the DGL group (8.2%) than in those receiving

cimetidine (12.9%), or antacids (16.4%). These results, coupled with DGL

protective effects, suggest that DGL is a superior treatment of duodenal

ulcers.

 

How do I take DGL?

 

The standard dosage for DGL in acute cases is two to four 380 mg.

chewable tablets between or 20 minutes before meals.

 

For more mild chronic cases or for maintenance the dosage is one to two

tablets 20 minutes before meals. Taking DGL after meals is associated

with poor results. DGL therapy should be continued for at least 8 to 16

weeks after there is a full therapeutic response.

 

It appears that in order to be effective in healing peptic ulcers, DGL

must mix with saliva. DGL may promote the release of salivary compounds

which stimulate the growth and regeneration of stomach and intestinal

cells. DGL in capsule form has not been shown to be effective.

 

Antacids seem to help my symptoms, should I continue to use them or will

they interfere with the effectiveness of DGL?

 

I strongly recommend avoiding antacids which contain aluminum.

 

Taken regularly antacids they can lead to malabsorption of nutrients,

bowel irregularities, kidney stones, and other side effects.

 

References:

 

Berstad K and Berstad A: Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer

disease. Scand J Gasroenterol 28:561-7, 1993.

Sarker SA and Gyr K: Non-immunological defense mechanisms of the gut.

Gut 33:987-93, 1992.

Weil J, et al.: Prophylactic aspirin and risk of peptic ulcer bleeding.

BMJ 310:827-30, 1995.

Gray GM: Peptic ulcer diseases. In, Dale DC, Federman DD: Scientific

American Medicine. Sci Am, New York, NY, 1995.

Anda RF, Williamson DF, Escobedo L, et al: Self-perceived stress and the

risk of peptic ulcer disease. Arch Int Med 152:829, 1992.

Feldman EJ and Sabovich KA: Stress and peptic ulcer disease.

Gastroenterol78:1087-9, 1980.

Andre C, Moulinier B, Andre F, and Daniere S: Evidence for anaphylactic

reactions in peptic ulcer and varioliform gastritis. Ann Allergy

51:325-8, 1983.

Siegel J: Immunologic approach to the treatment and prevention of

gastrointestinal ulcers. Ann Allergy 38:27-9, 1977.

Kumar N, Kumar A, Broor SL, et al: Effect of milk on patients with

duodenal ulcers. Brit Med J 293:666, 1986.

Rydning A, Berstad A, Aadland E, and Odegaard B: Prophylactic effects of

dietary fiber in duodenal ulcer disease. Lancet 2:736-9, 1982.

Kang JY, et al.: Dietary supplementation with pectin in the maintenance

treatment of duodenal ulcer. Scand J Gastroenterol 23:95-9, 1988.

Harju E, and Larme TK: Effect of guar gum added to the diet of patients

with duodenal ulcers. J Parenteral Enteral Nutr 9:496-500, 1985.

Cheney G: Rapid healing of peptic ulcers in patients receiving fresh

cabbage juice. Cal Med 70:10-14, 1949.

Cheney G: Anti-peptic ulcer dietary factor. J Am Diet Assoc 26:668-72,

1950.

Shive W, Snider RN, DuBiler B, et al: Glutamine in treatment of peptic

ulcer. Tex J Med 53:840-3, 1957.

Marle, J, et al.: Deglycyrrhizinised liquorice (DGL) and the renewal of

rat stomach epithelium. Eur J Pharm. 72:219, 1981.

Morgan Ag, et al.: Comparison between cimetidine and Caved-S in the

treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy. Gut

23:545-51, 1982.

Kassir ZA: Endoscopic controlled trial of four drug regimens in the

treatment of chronic duodenal ulceration. Irish Med J 78:153-6, 1985.

Turpie AG, Runcie J and Thomson TJ: Clinical trial of deglycyrrhizinate

liquorice in gastric ulcer. Gut 10:299-303, 1969.

Rees WDW, et al.: Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric

mucosal damage by aspirin. Scand J Gastroent 14:605-7, 1979.

Tewari SN and Wilson AK: Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in duodenal ulcer.

Practitioner 210:820-5, 1972.

Zhou H and Jiao D: 312 cases of gastric and duodenal ulcer bleeding

treated with 3 kinds of alcoholic extract rhubarb tablets. Chung Hsi I

Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 10:150-1, 131-2, 1990.

Beil W, Birkholz and Sewing KF: Effects of flavonoids on parietal cell

acid secretion, gastric mucosal prostaglandin production and

Helicobacter pylori growth. Arzneim Forsch 45:697-700, 199

 

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Post subject: LICORICE -- The Legendary Herb

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http://www.herbsfirst.com/NewsLetters/0802licorice.html

 

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 12ã% 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 results. Although the licorice helped cure the ulcers,

the formula caused sodium retention, hypertension, and even cardiac

asthma in 20% of his cases. These effects were eliminated by the

reduction of the licorice extract dosage. He then 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.

 

 

GROWING AND HARVESTING ROOTS

 

Most licorice roots are grown commercially. During 1971, we imported

over 50 million pounds of licorice root and about 25 million pounds of

licorice extract to the United States. Roots can be cultivated, however.

They are propagated by cutting and are planted about two feet apart in

rows that are 4 feet apart. The cuttings are made from the old crowns

(rootstock) and need to be about 4 inches long having runners or

underground stems that are 4 inches long. They should be covered with

about 3 inches of loose, well-cultivated soil which is free from stones.

The surrounding soil should be well-dug and well-composted so that the

roots can develop to a deep level. The planting is done in the

spring--March or April.

 

Licorice roots should be harvested in late autumn, October to November,

of the 4th year of growth. This is before the plant bears fruit. It is

at this time, that the roots are sweetest. The uprooting process is

facilitated by removing 2 or 3 feet of surrounding earth.

 

Because the roots have long runners which can be as long as 6 feet,

licorice is very difficult to harvest and requires hard manual labor. No

satisfactory mechanical method has been developed for harvesting the

roots. This is one of the reasons that licorice is grown in countries

where the people are accustomed to difficult manual labor and exported

to the more machine oriented cultures.

 

 

DR. CHRISTOPHER'S FORMULAS CONTAINING LICORICE

The Appetite Formula

 

Licorice is used here because it decreases the desire to overeat while

it gives energy to the body. The licorice root actually feeds the

adrenal glands. Every 5 hours or so, the adrenal glands need a " meal " ,

that is, some sort of nourishment.

 

Many people try to fill this need by filling their intestines with empty

calories. Licorice root provides this lift for the adrenals and thereby

can sustain an individual's stamina without them having to eat a large

meal for energy.

 

 

The Adrenal Formula

 

As mentioned above, licorice root supplies the adrenal glands with food

while helping to rebuild the glands as well.

 

 

The Hormone Changease Formula

 

We need licorice in the hormone-estrogen formula because the root

contains natural female hormones.

 

Men who take this formula need not be unduly alarmed about ingesting the

herb. Remember, the Roman soldier legions carried licorice root with

them as a part of their rations. Our bodies require a balance of male

and female hormones and the body, the Creator's fabulous computer, is

organized so that it selects only what it needs from the natural sources

such as the herbs.

 

 

The Blood Stream Formula

 

Licorice, as an adrenal builder, a body energizer, and an herb with an

active principle exhibiting a cortisone-like effect, is the perfect

ingredient in a formula which will correct cell deterioration.

 

As you already know, the adrenal glands produce many substances which

regulate the proper functioning of the rest of the body.

 

Cortisone is one of the hormone-like secretions produced by the adrenal

glands.

 

In Dr. Christopher's newsletter, Volume II, No. 3, the adrenal glands

and their functions in the body are described in detail. We refer the

reader to that issue so that the entirety of the relationship of

cortisone to the adrenal glands may be understood. Anytime a person has

cell-deterioration, be it called by whatever name medical science can

come up with, melanoma, carcinoma, malignant or benign, the adrenal

function must be investigated.

 

We do this through an iridological examination by a qualified

Iridologist so that if there is some dysfunction, it can be remedied

through diet and herbs.

 

 

The Pancreas Formula

 

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia involve the breakdown of the adrenal

glands as well as the pancreas.

 

Licorice is included in this formula to nourish the adrenal glands while

the cedar berries can act specifically upon the pancreas.

 

One of our former students, whose grandfather was Joe Pye, the Canadian

Indian medicine man after whom gravel root was named " Joe Pye Weed, "

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 because he ate only one meal a

day.

 

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. In Mesa, Arizona, there

exists a Motorola radio factory. Some of the night shift ladies had

resorted to No-Doz tablets containing caffeine because they were of the

Mormon Church and didn't want to drink coffee to stay awake as did some

of their co-workers. The tablets were giving them " caffeine nerves. "

 

We suggested licorice root capsules instead of the caffeine tablets. Now

some of their co-workers have followed suit because they saw that

licorice can keep them going without the side effects or harmful,

inorganic drugs.

 

Another 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.

 

 

Selected Bibliography

 

GUNTHER, Robert T.

 

1934 The Greek Herbal of Dioscorides. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

(Repr. 1959 by Hafner Publ. Co., New York.)

 

LAW, Donald

 

1973 The Concise Herbal Encyclopedia. New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.

 

 

LLOYD, John Uri

 

1911 Pharmacopoeial Vegetable Drugs. Lloyd Bulletin No. 18., Cincinnati,

Ohio, Caxton Press.

 

LUCAS, Richard

 

1966 Nature's Medicines. West Nyack, New York: Parker Publishing Co.,

Inc.

 

LUST, John B.

 

1974 The Herb Book. Simi Valley, Calif.: Benedict Lust Publications.

 

RANSON, Florence

 

1949 British Herbs. Great Britain: Penguin Books, Ltd.

 

SHOOK, Dr. Edward E.

 

1978 Advanced Treatise in Herbology. Beaumont, California: Trinity

Center Press.

 

THOMSON, William A. R., M.D.

 

1978 Medicine From The Earth. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company.

 

1976 Herbs that Heal New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.

 

UNESCO

 

Circa 1969 Plants of the Arid Regions.

 

Journals

 

The New England Journal of Medicine

 

Journal of the American Medical Association

 

Lancet

 

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

 

 

 

--

 

Licorice Root is available in bulk cut, powder and sticks.

 

back to newsletters

 

 

 

--

 

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.

-

 

 

Post subject: Licorice Was Never So Sweet.

 

--

 

 

Licorice Was Never So Sweet.

 

Benefits:

• Soothes the digestive system and lungs.

• Supports the adrenal glands.

• May be useful for conditions of fatigue.

• Provides nutrients to help the body subdue inflammation.

 

• Supports adrenal gland.

• Provides lymphatic energy.

• Supports proper sugar balance.

 

Licorice has long been recognized for the natural sweetness of its

deep-sinking roots. In fact, the plant’s scientific name, Glycyrrhiza

glabra, is derived from glukus, the Greek word for sweet. Next to

ginseng, licorice is the most popular herb used in Chinese formulas. Now

you can tap even more of the energizing power of licorice herb with ATC

concentrated Licorice Root.

 

We know this herb for its wide use as a candy flavoring but its value

goes far beyond that. The medicinal use of licorice goes back several

thousand years. Licorice root has been used by traditional herbalists as

a general tonic and respiratory support. It also supports the liver.

 

Licorice is included in most Chinese herb combinations to balance the

other herbs and to promote vitality.

 

It has a reputation for bringing the entire body into balance

(particularly helpful to women who menstruate) and promoting well-being.

 

 

Licorice contains triterpenoid saponins, flavanoids, isoflavanoids,

magnesium, silicon, sodium and other beneficial constituents.

 

Scientifically speaking, licorice possesses demulcent, expectorant,

estrogenic and laxative properties.

 

Licorice contains over 400 active phytochemicals that translate into a

wide range of benefits.

 

One constituent, glycyrrhizinic acid (GA), aids in the maintenance of

stomach, intestinal and prostate tissue.

 

Another constituent, a cortisone-type nutrient, helps the adrenal glands

manage inflammation.

 

Licorice has immune system benefits because it encourages the production

of interferon, an important antiviral compound made by the body.

 

This amazing herb also helps the body combat depression. And it promotes

a healthy liver, thereby helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

 

No wonder the Chinese love to use this herb in their formulas.*

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug

administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,

or prevent any disease..

 

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE:

 

Take two capsules with a meal three times daily.

 

 

Notes: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug

Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,

or prevent any disease. Pregnant or lactating women should consult their

health care professional prior to taking this supplement. Not for

prolonged use. Children under 4 and those with high blood pressure or

edema should not overuse this product.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html