The Every Day Healing Elements of Licorice Tea

A few weeks ago I was sidelined by a sudden and sporadic sharp pain in the right side of my mouth and all along my jaw. Whenever I closed my eyes during one of these strange, painful episodes, I immediately pictured the inside of my mouth shattering - so great was the intensity of distress this new condition caused me. Eventually, the episodes grew tighter, and closer together, and I was forced into the emergency room seeking pain relief and some answers. No sooner had I stumbled in the door holding my mouth, when I was confronted with a condition called Postherpetical Neuralgia - the severe pain that sometimes follows an attack of shingles or the zosters herpes virus - the relapse of a childhood experience with the chickenpox.

Afer my diagnosis I was sent home with a handful of prescriptions for heavy narcotics, high dose convulsants, and a medication to directly attack whatever might be left of the original painful virus. Immediately, I consumed the medication. Immediately, I discovered that it was not going to "cut it". The same combos that had often taken away the pain of chronic kidney stones, or even some moments during childbirth, did absolutely nothing to calm the redicukously high level of pain I was experiencing with Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). I sought medical attention once again. Once again, I was given the same medications, just in radically higher doses. To take anymore could mean addiction or even death. One can only go so high, with even prescription narcotics, before they become frighteningly dangerous, but the fear of pain is often as strong as the "hit" that comes with drowning pain medication. I knew that in order to survive this pain, whose ending has no definite line of departure, I was going to have to take my own pain management into my hands. Without ignoring my doctor's advice, and without dumping all the meds that were now, at least, becoming helping somewhat, I looked towards ways and methods to relieve my pain that would not cause me potential harm if practiced wisely. I looked for an avenue of eventual escape from modern pharmaceutical "answers" for my extreme discomfort.

Somehow, weeks before my pain had begun, I had walked out of my local grocery store with a box of Egyptian Licorice Tea. I did not like the sugary sweet beverage at first. In fact, I believe I only sipped it once, before storing it back on the shelf and ignoring it until it fell into the "last resort" category. As my pain forced me into desperate prayers for pain-relieving wisdom, I had a strong hunch that I should boil some hot water and consume a bit more of that licorice tea.

I sat on the couch, lightly touching the right side of my face where the pain shot like angry electricity up and down my jaw. It hurt just to bring the cup to my lips, but I did - once, twice, three times - until, eventually, I was beginning to relax for the first time in days. My muscles were smoothing. I could feel it, and I was beginning to, at least, feel the smile that I could not, yet, form across my face.

I began to drink one cup three times a day until I started to look forward to that moment on the couch - just me and my annoying pain and my cup of Egyptian Licorice. Eventually, I have been able to drop the levels of narcotic analgesics and to even taper the anti-convulsants- so heavily pushed by the FDA as the only medication safe for PHN. Last night I ran out of my box of licorice tea, and sent my husband off to the grocery story by sun-up to purchase another stash. Being the writer I am, I have dug up a bit of helpful information on this cup of joy that has miraculously entered, or centered, my sometimes painful life.

The Latin name for Licorice is Glycyrrhiza Glabra Fabaceae, but it is also, not surprisingly known as Sweet Root, Sweet Wood, Gan-Cao, and simply as "sugar" for its intense sweetness. This powerful plant harbors 30 times the sweetness of sugar cane, and it can be consumed as candy, as a sweetener, and, of course, as a hot cup of soothing tea. It is native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia, but is has been found for many centuries just about everywhere in the East. It grows easily in warm southerly climates, but is considered a hardy plant, as its winter dormancy protects it from even the most virile frosts.

One cup of high quality Egyptian Licorice tea contains Vitamin E, B-Complex, Biotin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Lecithin, and Manganese. While some nutritional experts suggest that it is safe for diabetics, as it raises the blood sugar so slightly that it is barely detectable, it is important to avoid this tea if you have this condition and have not, yet, sought the advice of your doctor or nutritionist. It is also not recommended for people with hypertension, hypokalemia edema, cirrhosis of the liver, or cholestatic liver disorder.

For all others, it appears, not only safe, but as a beneficial addition to any diet. It has been used as a key ingredient in European cough aides for many years, as it is a proven expectorant and bronchial dilator. It also has the ability to calm stress in certain individuals, and is an muscle relaxant. Taken before bed, it will aid in a restful and fulfilling night sleep, and it does not interact with most medications - although, as always - consult your pharmacist before mixing it with your medication. And do not overdose. It can raise estrogen levels in women - which has the theoretical benefit of lowering the chance of menstrual migraines and other painful menstrual side effects. But it can raise estrogen levels in men, too, and excessive amounts of licorice tea over prolonged periods of time can create obvious problems for men. I moderation, it can help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and is considered a natural laxative and energy-booster as well.

Overall, licorice is a beneficial, sweet natural remedy for pain. For my pain, at least. I find that, without it, I cannot soothe the stomach ache that comes with certain medications and illnesses, the pain that gives PHN its name, or simply the stress of suffering. One or two cups a day, simply to calm your nerves, is something that, if you try it, I promise you will come to discover - you cannot live without.