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| topically as hydrocortisone for many skin ailments including dermatitis, impetigo, hemorrhoids and herpes. |
| Although licorice does not suppress the immune system in the same way that steroids do, both pharmaceutical cortisone and the glycyrrhizin compound in licorice may cause fluid retention, weight gain, sodium retention, low blood potassium, weakness (due to low potassium) and sometimes headache. Licorice should be avoided by pregnant women and those with high blood pressure, history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and glaucoma. |
| Deglycyrrhinized licorice products (those which have been treated to remove the glycyrrhizin) have long been used in Europe and are now available in the United States and Canada, While a cup of licorice root tea daily is considered safe, more than five cups of strongly brewed licorice tea per day or long-term use of lower doses could cause side effects. Glycyrrhizin is unsafe at daily doses of 0.5 g, equivalent to 5,000 mg of herb per day. Elderly persons who may be on other medications and whose metabolism is slower, should be cautious about using licorice. |
| Lomatium |
| (Lomatium dissectum) |
| Part used: Root |
| Actions: Antiviral, immunostimulant, expectorant |
| Indications: A native of rocky areas in the western United States, lomatium has been used as a medicine for centuries by native Americans, herbalists and naturopathic physicians. Although it is not well-known in the rest of the country, in the Western states, it is used in the treatment of viral conditions, lung problems, pneumonia and severe fevers. |
| Besides benefiting simple head colds, its most promising use is in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory virus infections. Its aromatic resins act as an expectorant in respiratory conditions, and as a mild immune stimulant it may be a helpful adjunct in the treatment |
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