http://www.ei-resource.org/ 3822-540 http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-%11-herbal-remedies/herbs-g%11l/licorice/ As a long-term chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sufferer and having had adrenal stress index (ASI) results suggesting low morning cortisol was a possible explanation for my increasing difficulty waking up and getting going in the mornings, I decided to try a short trial of a licorice root supplement. I took a modest dosage of 250mg/day of a supplement with glycyrrhizin content standardized to 20% for one week. The effect was rapid and pronounced. Within a couple of days I was waking up early, feeling full of energy. I found the sense of energy lasted throughout the day and the licorice altered my diurnal pattern so I was waking early and going to bed early, the opposite of what has become "normal" for me. After a week I had come to appreciate the ability to wake up early in the morning and feel like I had the drive and energy to accomplish tasks throughout the day but it had become apparent that rather than genuinely having more energy I was actually feeling rather "wired". I found I couldn't switch off and relax even when not engaged in any stressful activities. It was as if my body constantly wanted me to be on the move. After I stopped taking the licorice supplement the effects I would associate with increased cortisol (being able to wake early) gradually wore off but I have been left feeling I am incapable of relaxing. I also feel my heart is constantly pounding and have increased muscle tension in my neck and shoulders. It is now a number of years since I took the licorice but still these effects remain. Based on my experience I would say that licorice may well benefit those suffering from ME/CFS and/or adrenal fatigue but is clearly very potent and should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. ]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:09:55 +0000 1296-60 http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-%11-herbal-remedies/herbs-g%11l/ginseng-(panax)/ I have found panax ginseng to be a very powerful herb with many benefits. As a sufferer of both CFS and depression I found this herb to be beneficial for both conditions, boosting both energy and mood. I felt more energy on a sustained basis and the benefits increased the longer I took the herb. Panax ginseng also significantly brightened my mood, which combined with the increased energy allowed me to greatly increase my daily activities. As well as CFS and depression I also have trouble with allergies and chemical sensitivities and panax ginseng noticeably reduced the severity of symptoms triggered by chemicals and other allergens, and the frequency with which symptoms occured. The only reservation I have about using panax ginseng is that it can sometimes be TOO stimulating which can interfere with sleep. If this occurs you may need to adjust the amount you are taking or the frequency with which you take it. If you can get the dose right this herb is a great help. I used a capsule form but you can get the herb in numerous other forms from every good health store. Another slight downside is that some of the premium brands can be very expensive but shop around and you will find a good compromise between quality and price. ]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:33:26 +0000