LICORICE GINSENG 
 
Product Profile 
Licorice ginseng formulation is to support the body with its natural responses to stress and to support hormonal balance, and increase feelings of vitality. 
 
Active Constituents 
Licorice is soothing and softens mucus membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines, and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucus membrane that needs immune support. It is often found in cough syrups and throat medications for this reason, and works as an expectorant, by its saponins loosening the phlegm in the respiratory tract. 
Licorice can aid in healing and restoring the adrenal glands, through its steroidal (cortisone-like substance) content. 
Licorice helps regulate sodium retention and water balance, acts as a blood cleanser and detoxifier with benefits to the liver. It may help raise low blood pressure, (often associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), however, if you have high blood pressure, may aid in lowering it. 
Licorice also displays this alterative action in hormonal balancing. If oestrogen levels are too high it will work to lower them, and if they are too low, it will work to raise them. This is thought to be due to its isoflavone content. 
Licorice is also said to increase sexual desire, and be an aid in staying alert. 
Licorice is an important tonic for the musculoskeletal system, also thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs when added to formulations. 
 
Borage was used in ancient times, infused into wine and drunk before conflict to boost courage, and at times to dispel melancholy, and is still considered a mild anti-depressant. 
Natural therapy practioners use Borage for the regulation of the hormonal system, and for metabolism, and consider it a good remedy for PMS and menopausal symptoms. It is also indicated for use to alleviate head cols, bronchitis, and respiratory infections, fevers, and general inflammatory conditions. 
As a diuretic, it is used in support of urinary tract conditions, increasing activity of the kidneys. 
Borage is useful for gently strengthening the adrenal glands especially in times after stress, or after steroidal treatment. 
 
Siberian Ginseng is a herb of much focus and study in countries of Eastern Europe, in particular Russia. 
Siberian ginsengs main active ingredient is called eleutherosides, which are thought to increase stamina and stimulate the immune system. It is also a rich source of B3 (Niacin), and the minerals Zinc and Magnesium. 
The main uses are for its ability to restore vigour, and enhancing overall health and longevity through its antioxidant activity. It stimulates a healthy appetite, and increase memory functioning. Considered to be an adaptogen, so helps the body to adapt to different and often stressful situations, and strengthens the adrenal and reproductive glands as well. 
It has long been used in folk medicine of the Eastern European countries for increasing the male reproductive capacity and fertility in particular, as it stimulates sexual function. 
Studies have shown it to have an effect on the herpes simplex type 2 viruses, reducing the severity and frequency of attacks. 
Also works aiding the nervous system to relax (nervine), lowers cholesterol, has mild anti-inflammatory properties, and works as a tonic to the immune system. 
 
Gotu Cola is an esteemed herb in traditional Indian medicine, being considered one of the best herbs for rejuvenating the nerve and brain cells. Studies show that a compound in Gotu Cola called triterpenoids, exert anxiety soothing effects and boost mental functions, and plays a role in wound healing. Used in China as a herb for longevity. 
Another active compound present is called beta-sitosterol, and it has a blood purifying action and also lowers serum cholesterol levels.  
It works to protect the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the brain, which helps increase the brains oxygen supply and helps to improve mental functioning. It also aids blood vessels supplying to lower limbs, increasing circulation, and has been found to benefit those suffering from varicose veins, and normalizes blood pressure. 
It is considered both a sedative and a narcotic, which in moderate doses is not toxic, but works to depress the function of the central nervous system, by inducing sleep and lessening pain. So combats anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and supports a low thyroid function. 
It is a diuretic, and is used in conditions of swelling of the connective tissues, such as, scleroderma, anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. 
Other uses for Gotu Cola as noted by herbalists are for increase of sexual drive, syphilis, epilepsy, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, asthma, fever, diarrhoea, as a preventative for Alzheimer's. 
It is said to support the immune system, both cleansing and nourishing it, and gives support to the adrenal glands. 
Stimulates hair and nail growth, and works to strengthen the dermal layers of the skin, and helps prevent scar tissue forming. 
 
Bladder wrack is a type of kelp which has a high Iodine content, which stimulates the thyroid function and boosts metabolism. 
Bladder wrack assists in the problem of lipid balance associated with obesity associated with thyroid dysfunction, and so may help with weight management. 
It is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, silicon, and iron and has some of the B vitamins. It contains alginic acid, which has fibrous qualities that can aid constipation and diarrhoea, is used for indigestion, and has also been found to lower LDL cholesterol levels. 
Another dietary fibre called fucoidan is found in Bladder wrack. It has been found to lower cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and has anti coagulant, anti- inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. 
Bladder wrack also has a reputation for use in the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, and may be used as an internal anti-inflammatory for joints. 
 
Fenugreek was used historically by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, as both a culinary herb and medicinally for menopausal symptoms, inducing childbirth, and for digestive problems. Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. It is now also used for loss of appetite, to stimulate milk production, and for diabetes. It is considered a carminative (expels gas from stomach, intestinal system or bowels), a demulcent (relieves internal inflammation and provides a protective coating to allay irritation of the membrane tissue), a stomachic (gives strength and tone to the abdominal area and stimulates appetite which helps in digestive problems), an expectorant and mild laxative. 
Fenugreek contains an estrogen precursor called Diosgenin.  
It has a history as a breast enlarger. Studies have found that fenugreek promotes the growth of new breast cells, so increases size and fullness of the breast. 
Fenugreek is also a moderately effective galactagogue (promotes secretion of milk in lactating mothers). Some lactation consultants recommend mothers ingest fenugreek in quantities until their skin exudes a smell similar to that of maple syrup. Fenugreek is often used in the food industry as artificial maple syrup flavouring. 
Fenugreek is a good source of protein, and the seeds contain hormone precursors that replenish hair growth, so has benefits in hair loss, balding and thinning of hair. It contains lecithin, which is a natural emollient known to strengthen and moisturise hair.  
Contains choline which aids brain functioning. 
Fenugreek has been the focus of many studies for diabetes, as it also contains amino acid 4-hydroxyisoluecine, which appears to increase the body's production of insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated. Higher insulin production may decrease the amounts of sugar that stay in the blood, for many people. 
 
Indications for use 
-Anorexia Nervosa 
-Alzheimer's 
-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 
-Depression 
-Anxiety 
-Stress 
-Fatigue 
-Hormonal balance - especially if stress/anxiety present 
-Menopausal support 
-Immune Support 
 
Recommended Dosage 
Take 5ml to 10mls up to 3 times daily. Shake bottle well. 
 
Ingredients: 
Each 5mls contains: 
Licorice (equiv to dry herb)..........................................1000mg 
Borage (equiv to dry herb)...........................................1000mg 
Siberian Ginseng (equiv to dry herb)............................750mg 
Gotu Cola (equiv to dry herb).........................................750mg 
Bladderwrack (equiv to dry herb)..................................200mg 
Fenugreek (equiv to dry herb).......................................100mg 
Vegetable glycerine and Alcohol 
 
Note: Not for use if pregnant or lactating. 
 
Cautions: 
If using prescription medications or have known ingredient sensitivities, consult with a healthcare provider prior to use. 
Restrict use if suffering from hypotension or low potassium levels. (Gotu Cola) 
Not recommended for long term use. (Borage) 
 
Licorice has been shown to deplete potassium levels, and lead to sodium retention, which may lead to fluid retention and hypertension. This may occur with very large doses if taken over extended periods of time.  
 
-Caution for those who have a pre-existing deficiency of potassium. 
-Caution for those on medications for blood pressure, to lower cholesterol, and diabetes.