Hi. I am new to your forum and site having been "off the grid" for quite a while. I have suffered CH for 37 years, mostly episodic but for the last two years chronic. My story is probably really familiar to everyone here, but I have something I believe is important to share. I am what you would call a lay herbalist; I have helped lots of people, dogs, cats and horses but I was never able to do anything for myself. About a year ago I embarked on a search for a truly effective herbal analgesic, since I dislike and distrust pharmaceuticals (having tried just about all up to and including opiates). I didn't find one, which is probably no surprise to most of you. No known analgesic works at all on clusters, and that should have been a clue, but anyway:- I will cut to the chase as my research makes for a thrilling tale which I would love to share but it is quite besides the point.
I finally found what I was looking for in an herb I had previously used mostly for cases of depression or liver damage: licorice root.
Glycyrrhiza glabra is an herb of truly ancient medicinal pedigree with many and varied virtues. I could go on at length about this stuff, but here is what is pertinent: Licorice root contains isoflavans, completely unique phytoestrogens (demonstrated in an Israeli University study in 2003 ) which affect the serotonergic system and inhibit serotonin re-uptake. It also inhibits the breakdown of cortisol. I believe its actions are more in the nature of a balancing and normalizing; as many herbs have this quality (of adjusting either 'too much' or 'too little' by its own innate intelligence.). But enough of the chemistry; I can tell you this:
I have the luxury of myself to experiment on. I was in the full throes of a chronic period which had lasted 11 months with abatement of maybe a week or so at most every so often. Lately it had been roughly 4-6 episodes a day, several times a night as well. Usual durations were short, 15 min. to an hour; but several times I had the 24 hour marathons with short breaks. I am sure just about all of you know exactly what I was going through.
One standard dose of licorice root tincture aborted the cluster, and I have been PF since.
This stuff goes right to where the demon lives. I would be happy to discuss the particulars with anyone interested via email vis a vis causality;... but for our purposes here, let me just say this: I cannot and will not give anyone medical advice, but I can tell you what I did and why. I am casting it out there freely in the hope that someone may find the relief I did.
Here goes:
1. Not all licorice preparations are created equal. DO get the highest quality tincture you can find. It will cost you no more than about $20 for two ounces, which should last quite a while. I know thats small change to imitrex users.  I make my own and it is highly potent; you want a 1:5 tincture 40% alcohol by volume (don't worry the dose is so small the alcohol won't trigger you).
2. Use tincture, not tea or pills or extracts or anything other than a whole plant product.(Not all of the actives extract in water, and whole plant products are vastly superior to any extracts. Trust me, or read up on it. You'll see.)
3. I take a fairly standard dose of about 2 milliliters (about thirty drops) in a small amount of water 3 times a day. I plan on reducing the dose further, and then stopping it altogether and seeing if it works as an abortive. Like I said, its good to have yourself as a guinea pig.
4. I augment the licorice root with skullcap tincture, a sedative nervine herb which is very gentle, does not have any unpleasant effects and is superlative at relieving stress and nervous exhaustion. Dosage is the same as for the licorice root, 2 ml. three times daily. I find they complement each other as both will elevate your mood markedly (the serotonin thing again) which can't hurt, right?
5. Be aware that licorice root gets a bad rap from some folks who cite studies that it can cause potassium imbalances, sodium retention etc.; but what they don't tell you is that a) this occurs only after protracted use of a month to six weeks b) it by no means affects everyone who takes it c)the doses involved were at least four times greater than recommended daily amounts. Also, they used extract, and the whole plant contains compounds that ameliorate these effects.
6. I would be happy to answer any questions that I could if anyone wishes to email me.
7. You can see the serotonin study for yourself: just google licorice root.
This site is a blessing. I wish it was around when I was younger, but its enough that its here now. Be well.

Would red twizzlers work?

                Potter

Linda, I did not find he was selling, just describing.  I looked for that also.

I have no idea if it works or not.  I'm going to have to do some homework before trying it.

Jerry

Hey Igenser,

Glad to see you've been getting relief.

It will be interesting to see what happens if other clusterheads try your approach, as I figure it would help rule out any coincidence factor with your CH stopping at the same time that you started the licorice tincture.

I didn't realize that about the herbal tinctures having the "whole plant" advantage. Going a bit off topic for a sec here, but what do you think about herbal teas in general - do they involve  too much heat, killing the active compounds, or are they still useful?

Potter wrote on Dec 14^th, 2010 at 11:55pm:

Would red twizzlers work?                 Potter

Twizzlers make mouths Happy!   :D

I have heard the virtues of licorice root extolled before, but whatever connection there may between black licorice and licorice root...I know I, and others, have linked licorice as a fairly consistent trigger. Also, I remember there being evidence that a CH was preceded by a serotonin storm, which is a bad thing, and wonder if increasing sorotonin would be a good thing for CHs. Having taken GABA in the past and finding it worsened the cycle, I have my doubts. But then again, I could be mixing up all sorts of homeopathic errors here. Time to exit. lance

Licorice root can raise the blood pressure.

wimsey1 wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 7:50am:

I have heard the virtues of licorice root extolled before, but whatever connection there may between black licorice and licorice root...I know I, and others, have linked licorice as a fairly consistent trigger. Also, I remember there being evidence that a CH was preceded by a serotonin storm, which is a bad thing, and wonder if increasing sorotonin would be a good thing for CHs. Having taken GABA in the past and finding it worsened the cycle, I have my doubts. But then again, I could be mixing up all sorts of homeopathic errors here. Time to exit. lance

Actually, from what I'm reading this stuff acts like a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, which can be effective in threating CH.  I would be cautious taking it in conjunction with any anti-depressants or 5HTP (which some people here use).  I think it could work............

Since it may be connected to serotonin levels, you never know.

When mushrooms were first suggested on here years ago, a bloodbath ensued. Now look at it.

I hope someone else DOES try it. I would be interested to hear how it worked.

1. I'm not selling anything. I thought I made that very clear. I also thought I made clear that I have suffered CH for 37 years and counting. I apologize if anyone had trouble following; I am certainly not trying for any literary prizes here.  I also did not intend to post twice. As I might have mentioned, I have not been near a computer in years. Sorry.
2. "black licorice", most licorice candy in fact contains no licorice at all, rather it contains anise. Licorice root is quite different.
3. "Serotonin storm" is an apt term but what is not understood by ANYONE is whether that means excessive production of serotonin, depletion and uptake of serotonin, or some other mechanism. I think the most apt metaphor would be to think of it as a short circuiting of normal circadian process in the hypothalamus resulting in wildly fluctuating imbalance.As I said, this particular herb is a genius at balancing. Consider this; You are probably familiar with the ability of psylocibin to abort clusters almost instantly. Psylocibin metabolizes as psylocin, an indole which is virtually structurally identical to serotonin. It is presumed that the psylocin replaces serotonin on receptor sites; hence my hypothesis that preventing serotonin uptake would be a good thing. Also. since cortisol has been shown to be depleted in clusters, the ability of licorice root to inhibit the breakdown of cortisol and balance other adrenals seems important.
4. The off topic question: herbal teas and decoctions in water can be extremely effective; it all depends on the specific herb. For example, milk thistle (which is a miracle in itself) is widely marketed as a tea but it is useless therapeutically since sylimarin, the active ingredient in the herb, is soluble in alcohol but not water. Don't trust the clerk in the GNC or whatever to know any more than you do. They ARE trying to sell stuff.
5. CORRECT: Do not take licorice root with MAO inhibitors or some other antidepressants, or if you are medicated for hypertension, or if you suffer from osteoporosis, kidney disease, or if you are pregnant. As I tried to be clear about, I'm trying to discuss an herb not dispense medical advice. Always check with your Doctor. Of course, the odds are extremely high that your Doctor will know next to nothing about herbs. Or, for that matter, how most of the pharms they prescribe actually work. I will tell you this: Licorice root is a far more efficient serotonin reuptake inhibitor than any MAO inhibitor on the market today, has virtually no deleterious effects when taken at proper levels, no side effects to speak of, and can be stopped instantly without titreing down. And its cheap. Please don't take my word for ANY of this information: Do the research.
6. The other off topic question: Whole plant herbal products are always superior to "Scientifically" produced extracts. Does anyone really think we can improve on millions of years of evolution? (sorry creationists). Example: Garlic. This plant is a proven and reliable antiviral and antibacterial agent. It will stop respiratory infections, colds, flu, even kills (documented) antibiotic resistant pneumonia. It is also available, cheap, in the supermarket. This annoys the crap out of makers of "natural" products.  Garlic is a chemical slurry of about 35-50 active compounds, all working synergistically. How do we know which ones are necessary? Put up with the bad breath and take the whole herb. "Extracts" and their lack of effectiveness have given many viable herbal remedies a bad name.
7. I assume you are joking, but no twizzlers will not work. As I said, licorice candy generally contains no licorice at all.
8. This part is serious: In answer, I think to another good point raised, the tincture did NOT terminate the cluster, so I am relatively sure the results I'm getting are not coincidental with it just spontaneously ending. This is what is happening now: I am still experiencing the 'metabolic' disturbances; I have been waking up at what are the usual intervals with the flushing, hot flashes and other peripherals that generally would have me up and going for the ice packs. I have had this happen only once during waking hours.... But what is different is that these disturbances do NOT escalate or lead to any significant pain. I have just kind of noted them (and to really feel whats going on in the triggering process has been very valuable) and after a few minutes they fade and I have gone back to sleep. I guess what I am trying to say is that I believe the cluster is still with me; it just doesn't hurt, if that makes any sense.
9. I briefly looked at some of the posts on the boards last night; as I said I have had these f-ing things since I was 20 years old. I went through the years of misdiagnosis, the youthful fears I was dying of brain tumors, the condescension of doctors, the fear of going anywhere or doing anything and the shame of "ruining" occasions with an unpredictable invisible illness I had no control over. I have been to the same places you all have, and my heart goes out to all of you.
I am not at all invested in whether anyone follows my suggestions or not. I have very rarely accepted any money for any of the things I have made for people or animals; I consider it part of my karmic obligation.
I am invested in stopping the pain, primarily my own. I'm quite certain you all know why. If it helps anyone else, I will be very happy.
I'll check back at some point later if I can answer any other questions. Thank you for being here.

lgenser wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 1:32pm:

9. I briefly looked at some of the posts on the boards last night; as I said I have had these f-ing things since I was 20 years old. I went through the years of misdiagnosis, the youthful fears I was dying of brain tumors, the condescension of doctors, the fear of going anywhere or doing anything and the shame of "ruining" occasions with an unpredictable invisible illness I had no control over. I have been to the same places you all have, and my heart goes out to all of you. I am not at all invested in whether anyone follows my suggestions or not. I have very rarely accepted any money for any of the things I have made for people or animals; I consider it part of my karmic obligation. I am invested in stopping the pain, primarily my own. I'm quite certain you all know why. If it helps anyone else, I will be very happy. I'll check back at some point later if I can answer any other questions. Thank you for being here.

+1 Spoken like a true CH'er.  Couldn't agree more and thanks for sharing the information with us.

Man I'm starting to get a hankering for some licorice tincture!  ;D

I have read about the wide health benefits of licorice root before, and I certainly love the flavor of Yogi brand Egyptian licorice tea.    8-)

I think I've seen some tinctures on the market before that are alcohol free - would be nice if there is a  high quality licorice root one, since so many many of us clusterheads (including myself) have become so deathly afraid of even a hint of the booze.

I also remember someone saying once that if you leave your tincture dose in an open cup for half an hour the alcohol will evaporate off? Hmm maybe that was for putting tincture in a tea or something...

Another something to try.
bb

lgenser wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 1:32pm:

....I believe the cluster is still with me; it just doesn't hurt, if that makes any sense....

Certainly not the first time I've heard that - from what I remember, it's a fairly commonly reported experience over at the clusterbusters.com forum amongst CH'ers who have busted with psilocybin.

Quote:

I am not at all invested in whether anyone follows my suggestions or not. I have very rarely accepted any money for any of the things I have made for people or animals; I consider it part of my karmic obligation. I am invested in stopping the pain, primarily my own. I'm quite certain you all know why. If it helps anyone else, I will be very happy. I'll check back at some point later if I can answer any other questions. Thank you for being here.

You seem to have missed that we are interested. For the most part your posting is intelligent and forthright; it is a tad defensive, perhaps because we have seen so many who were selling something. That you "seldom" take money for what you make is not the same thing as I am not selling anything. I am sure you are only interested in something that may help and is not in our current regimen. I do hope you find a way to keep this going, with research and personal anecdote. Hang in there and you'll find this is a strong community of support. Blessings...sorry karmic types  ;)  lance

Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be toxic to the liver[20] and cardiovascular system, and may produce hypertension [21] and oedema.[22] In occasional cases blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn.[23] Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy.[24] Doses as low as 50 grams (2 oz) of liquorice daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.[25]

The European Commission 2008 report suggested that “people should not consume any more than 100mg of glycyrrhizic acid a day, for it can raise blood pressure or cause muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches or swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.”

Be Careful!

In response to the points made in reply #15:
the dosages referred to reported as dangerous are far, far in excess of what has so far (knock wood) been an extremely effective therapeutic dose: 6 milliliters per day, spaced into three doses. That is roughly one tablespoon.
I have no doubt that in the quantities you describe it would be nasty for the liver to process, but Japanese studies have shown (at proper dosage levels) that the antihepatotoxin activity of licorice root has shown benefits in patients with active hepatitis C. That is what I actually originally got interested in it for (for a friend).
Please bear in mind I am talking about the whole root extract, the tincture, not candy or tea.
Studies I can refer anyone to also indicate that the glycyrrhizin (which is the principal culprit cited in most of the negative effects) is "less bioavailable and has less toxicity when given in a whole extract rather than as an isolated substance". Licorice preparations are available with the glycyrrhizin removed, they are called 'DGL', but this may "reduce some of the herb's activity". Tinctures are also available with the alcohol removed (they are called glycerates), but I am extremely sensitive to alcohol,  it triggers me in minutes,  and I have never had an adverse reaction. Again, probably because the dose is so small and licorice tincture is relatively low alcohol (40%).
In any case; over a week into my personal experiment here I have had exactly one 'quasi' headache after a full day of intentional exposure to environmental triggers, it literally lasted less than ten minutes, wasn't particularly painful as these things go and was gone before I could really get the ice packs out ( I wasn't being an optimist) with no recurrence since. I am still experiencing, at intervals, the middle of the night 'metabolic' disturbances; kind of like hot flashes but they fade after a few minutes. I can report no adverse effects as of yet.
Please be reassured I will be just as quick to report negatives. I have been disappointed before; I am quite certain that is a familiar sentiment around here.

julyn wrote on Dec 16^th, 2010 at 2:29pm:

Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be toxic to the liver[20] and cardiovascular system, and may produce hypertension [21] and oedema.[22] In occasional cases blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn.[23] Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy.[24] Doses as low as 50 grams (2 oz) of liquorice daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.[25] The European Commission 2008 report suggested that “people should not consume any more than 100mg of glycyrrhizic acid a day, for it can raise blood pressure or cause muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches or swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.” Be Careful!

Imitrex can cause immediate death...........


Quote:

Serious cardiac events, including some that have been fatal, have occurred following the use of Imitrex Injection or Tablets. These events are extremely rare and most have been reported in patients with risk factors predictive of CAD. Events reported have included coronary artery vasospasm, transient myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Significant hypertensive episodes, including hypertensive crises, have been reported on rare occasions in patients with or without a history of hypertension.

And people endorse this stuff here all the time.

I thank you for your post.

I also intend to do a little homework on licorice root and it's effects.  I truly hope this works, not only for you, but for many for clusterheads.  As someone else said above, who knew shrooms and seeds would be a Godsend to sufferers.

I will count nothing out.

Please keep posting as to your results.

Sandy

Thank you for that post lgenser.

If I had read this thread a week ago, I would certainly have tried it.  So I bump this one.

For now, I'm fighting the thing with the clusterbuster, high dose of vit.D3 (after reading Batch's post) and Tongkat ali which is suppose to increase testosterone levels.  Adding to the mix 9mg of melatonin at bed time and I'm doing quite well.

PFDAN to all

edit: added (after reading Batch's post)

Hi,
If anyone wants a volunteer, just tell me where to get it, how much to take and we'll see what happens. The Ancients had to cope with this shit too, without Veramapril and O2!

Respect igenser!
You look as if you have done your research! My mind is open, my CH is a 'shadow' (forgive the pun here) of what it was 11 yrs ago..If you had said to me when the Kip 3 hits my left temple 'go rub some 'Vicks' on it (Vapour rub)..I would have told to you to go and ********I mean, take a hike! However, it does work (for me) but only coming in and going out of cycle...

Its got to be worth a try as this rubber band on my JT is doing nothing for the clusters..
(the swelling is however, coming along quite nicely thank you!)  :D

Respect and wink  ;)

Gary

I see no replies on this one for a while so excuse me commenting on such an old thread.

Is there something wrong with the search or is there simply no discussion about Liquorice root protocol ? I searched with "liqorice" and "liquorice" and came up with nothing.

I am a bit astonished to say at least. I have been using liquorice root (with skull cap as adviced) ever since Les Genser shared this protocol and have quite a few fellow finns who have had success with it as well. I just came to this board and thought it would be a subject lot talked about. But not much talk or maybe I just can't find it ?

:o

Hi Tony,
Not wanting to sound to dumb, but what is Liquorice Root
( with skull cap )  :question


Hoppy.

Does not sound dumb at all, I certainly had never heard of them before Les published his protocol. You can find it at our finnish CH site for an example.

EDIT: It seems I can not post links before I have 10 posts so just copy this to your address bar:
sites.google.com/site/hortoninneuralgia/resurssit/englanti/liquorice-root-protocol

Link version - START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Hi Tony,
Just been reading up on Licorice Root, ( Liquorice ) i eat a couple
of pieces most nights. I remember when i was a kid i use to buy
a stick of natural Licorice root from the grocery store on my way
to school and chew on it throughout the day, "YUM". So thanks
for that brought back lots of fond memories. I just did'nt put
two and two together when reading your post umm. Anyway
back to Licorice Root, very interesting reading it seems to be
able to cure anything from cancer to the common cold. I'm beginning to wonder why we have so many drugs on the market, ha $$$. So once again thanks.                               
Hoppy.

Liquorice and Liquorice root (herb) are usually quite a lot different. The use of herb and extract has been invented especially to use for cluster headaches. There is a lot of discussion about it on the Clusterbusters message board, valuable posts by Les Genser - I recommend everyone checking them out if planning to use this protocol. For me these herbs work like magic.

My doctors warned me about how dangerous these herbs can be. That's a huge load of BS (in my opinion) especially if compared to medications we are usually prescribed.

Just been checking up on Licorice Root fluid extract, alcohol and
alcohol free, and Licorice Root 450mg capsules, extract is absorbed faster than tablets or capsules, but the daily amount
is similar. I'ts recommended you only take for 4-6 weeks then
have a break. My point is if your CH episode lasts more than
4-6 weeks, mine normaly go on for 3 months, Spring, and Fall.
Then what do you do risk more health problems. [smiley=confused.gif]

Well, I started using it when chronic so my cycle was neverending. Nowadays I use it all year round, but to terminate my shadows only, that's usually a once or twice a week. I have no personal experience of terminating cycle with it. 

I think it is just an awesome addition to have in self-treatment arsenal. But one needs to read the protocol and understand it does not go well with most of the CH drugs. That being said, health-wise I have had no problems with it whatsoever compared to 50+ prescriptives I have been on. Ever since I got out of that prescriptive hell I am learning more and more to listen to my body - all I have received from this protocol are benefits, not just CH preventing but overall. I could also use a mood lift I got as a "side product".

Because I was told it is dangerous herb I also monitored my BP at home when starting and was over cautious. In the beginning it raised my BP slightly and momentarily but the effect was way less than for an example Verapamil lowering. Now I think my body has got used to it since it has no effect on my BP and my dosage is bigger than it was in the beginning.

The protocol covers the extract so can't really say anything about tablets. I think the tincture needs to have alcohol in it, the one without alcohol probably does not work (in CH treatment). It is also important to find the binomial name in the product, "Glycyrrhiza glabra" and avoid DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) since that won't work in CH either.

if you're using it for it's SSRI quality, I don't know why you wouldn't just get a script for Prozac (or an SSRI that works for you). They'll likely build up in your system quicker or in the same amount of time and you know exactly what the dose is, as opposed to variance which can occur with herbs.
If you're doing this because you don't have health insurance and perscriptions for SSRIs are too expensive, try Saint John's Wort which in 29 clinical trials showed the efficacy to be almost equal to standard SSRIs.
That said, because of a lack of regulation with supplements, you would need to confirm it actually contains St. John's Wort before taking it.
It is also good to keep in mind that SSRIs do not work instanteously and require weeks, if not months, to build up in your system.

Prozac is a perscription only drug to treat depression.
Saint John's Wort is an OTC supplement to treat mild anxiety.

I have used Liquorice Root very effectively to treat my cluster headaches. The better mood was just a nice extra. If I mood like to treat my mood with anything else than happy life, I would definitively look into herbs (St.John's Wort, Melissa balm, Arctic root etc.) and not the pharmaceuticals.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Hoppy wrote on Jun 15^th, 2013 at 11:27pm:

Prozac is a perscription only drug to treat depression. Saint John's Wort is an OTC supplement to treat mild anxiety.

notice I said if you were seeking the SSRI qualities of the root, both of which the above mentioned things do.

I would also encourage you not to cite the dailymail ever ever ever ever ever because it is a fucking joke journalistically.
You can just cite the Cochrane Review which studied the efficacy of Saint John's Wort as opposed to traditional SSRIs

I have looked into the benifits of Saint John's Wort in the past.
Conclusion, a very dangerous herbal supplement if taken when
on other Med's. Now banned  in France,  UK now have big
warning sign's plastered on i'ts packageging.  [smiley=frown.gif]

Hoppy wrote on Jun 16^th, 2013 at 8:04pm:

I have looked into the benifits of Saint John's Wort in the past. Conclusion, a very dangerous herbal supplement if taken when on other Med's. Now banned  in France,  UK now have big warning sign's plastered on i'ts packageging.  [smiley=frown.gif]

which is why it's banned. Natural supplements are very popular and if you have depression and wish to boost your mood, you'll likely try anything that works. Unfortently , it can cause sereotonin syndrome if you use a lot of it.
If you use it for a long time if can cause photosensitivity.
Which is why if you're not a medical professional or you aren't well versed in medicine, it is best to stick to what your doctor gives you.

and as a general rule: if it doesn't have solid science of proven efficacy, don't use it.

G'day iDorko,
You wrote, try Saint John's Wort which in 29 clinical trials
" Cochrane Review" showed the efficacy to be "Almost Equal "
to standard SSRIs. I've read other trials found it only to be
effective in treatment for mild non-melancholic depression.
Not in people who have major depression. I'm wondering
as you pointed out. I'ts side effects and adverse effects,
why you would suggest try it.?  [smiley=confused.gif]

Hoppy.

Hoppy wrote on Jun 16^th, 2013 at 11:24pm:

G'day iDorko, You wrote, try Saint John's Wort which in 29 clinical trials " Cochrane Review" showed the efficacy to be "Almost Equal " to standard SSRIs. I've read other trials found it only to be effective in treatment for mild non-melancholic depression. Not in people who have major depression. I'm wondering as you pointed out. I'ts side effects and adverse effects, why you would suggest try it.?  [smiley=confused.gif] Hoppy.

I'm not suggesting you try it over actual drugs. I'm suggesting that if you're intent with this licorice root treatment is to use it for it's SSRI qualities, you may as well use SJW, which has solid science behind it, as opposed to this, which to my knowledge, does not.
That said, SJW is not the magical cure for everything, as it really only works for minor to moderate depressive disorders and when taken over the long term as serious side effects if taken in large doses.
I'm not saying that you should use this, in fact, I'm saying the opposite: see a doctor. I'm saying that if you're into the herbal options, don't use this licorice root, use something with solid science to back itup for proven SSRI qualities.

Just as a personal opinion, people should not just go and use herbs. Herbs do not work with pharmaceuticals. But if someone is not on prescription medicine, then I think herbs are great option. But I would not advice to ask doctors about these, ask a herbalist.

Liquorice root works like magic in my CH, dozens of prescriptives did not. It just was a long, hard walk to get there (get rid of the pharma) to be able to use it.

Whow! I'm glad we got that "Herb" all cleared up, looks like
were on the same page now. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

asking an herbalist is probably not the best idea as they can't be objective about what they're selling.
Not to say that doctors can't either, but with requirments of evidence and objectivity thorughout medical school, they're probably better prepared.

Herbalist does not equal selling something. As a matter of fact, the three herbalists I have consulted none tried to sell me anything, they just shared their knowledge. The shopowners who sell herbs are not all herbalists. But the people who specialize in herbs because of their own interests seem to know about them a lot more than doctors about medicine, most often through own experience. I have seen dozens of doctors and a vast majority completely clueless concerning the undesired impact or side effects certain prescriptives can have on CH. Common sense on these different paths gets one far.

And reading the whole liquorice root protocol. The herb itself would be a great treatment choice for us if the protocol is understood completely; it's not a quick fix - "gimme some liquorice root, any liquorice root and I'll be fine and dandy". I will quote it here:

If herbal medicine gets a bad rap, it is not and has never been the fault of the plants. It is the fault of the people. It would be out of place here to go into a lengthy diatribe, but even when well meaning somewhat enlightened physicians like Andrew Weil prescribe herbs they do it wrong, recommending capsules and 'extracts' of powdered herbs to be taken like drugs. Any herbalist worth the dirt on his/her knees knows powdered herbs lose their potency quickly and are frequently made from inferior raw material, and the principle behind 'extracts' is just plain wrong. Would you powder a cheeseburger and wait six months to eat it? Herbs are essentially foods that the body uses to heal itself, not drugs which force processes. That is just one example. People come to believe herbs don't work because products do exist which honestly are little more than fads and fraudulent rip offs, they get bad advice from crappy magazine articles written by presumably well meaning but ignorant authors, or a variety of other possibilities which turn them off to herbal medicine despite the record of thousands of years of accumulated knowledge and use and literally billions of successful case histories. Fortunately, alternatives exist.
     If you are fortunate enough to live in an area with access to a practicing local herbalist avail yourself of their services. There is really no substitute for good handmade herbal medicines made with loving care from the best quality plant material. I confess to a prejudice against most commercially made tinctures. I am used to controlling the entire process from harvesting or selecting raw materials to finished product. The difference between crafted small batch tinctures and commercial products is like the distinction between a fine French vintage wine and anything with a screw cap. That having been said, there are extremely ethical small firms operated by (mostly) families of knowledgeable, highly skilled herbalists who make outstanding preparations. All of them, I assume, do business on the Internet. If they are worthy of the name, they should be able and willing to answer any questions as to how their products are prepared and what goes into them. Curiously enough, unlike wines you can tell nothing about the quality of a tincture based on price. Retail establishments will sell poor quality mass produced stuff at about $20 for a two ounce bottle, and that price is about the same as that charged by the better makers. I suppose I could have made this point more succinctly by simply advising readers to buy the best product they can find, but it is important to understand what I mean by that statement.
     One further note; as a rule, always use products produced from whole plant source material, not extracts. Whole herbs have evolved over millions of years in complex chemical interactions which balance the excesses of individual components, and thinking that we are smarter than nature is usually delusional.