Re: Licorice Root as an anti-inflammatory for CF

 I has dismissed that because I figured I was nebulizing the Glutathione, which I incorrectly assumed was an anti-inflammatory, but it is actually just an anti-oxidant - these are not necessarily the same thing, right?

Correct.

I thought coleus would act as an anti-inflammatory, but I realized that you have never stated this. I think it works more as a bronchiodilator with some anti-allergy properties as well, right?

Correct, it increases cAMP levels, which acts as an antihistamine and antileukotriene. Forskohlin is anti-inflammatory as well, but it is not going to be as strong as the steroidal anti-inflammatories.

A lot of people with CF take that drug from the underworld, prednisone, in order to deal with inflammation. I have no desire to take it, however thinking about what you have written about licorice root and it's steroidal properties, I think it might make sense for me to take additional licorice root beyond the amount in the adrenal protocol. Do you think this makes sense?

This can help if it is an inflammatory condition. I don't believe it is totally inflammatory though. Inflammation can cause the increased mucous production, though it is not going to cause the thick stickiness.  Back to the question though, people that are on Prednisone will have a different dosage since licorice root prolongs the effects of Prednisone. Therefore people on Prednisone will have to decrease their licorice or Prednisone dose.

In your case I would still combine the licorice root with the yucca root in particular. and since you will be increasing your licorice root intake then you also need to increase your potassium intake to counter the side effects of high dose, long term use of licorice root. A simple formula would be 5 ounces of Chinese licorice root (G. uralensis), with 3 ounces of yucca root (not the stem) and 2 ounces of nettle leaf. Recommended dose is 1 teaspoon 3 to 4 times daily on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before meals.

Would it be possible to safely take an equivalent dose of licorice root and other natural herbs and if so how much?

It is going to be hard to match 40mg of Prednisone, which is a very hefty dose. But the synergy of the herbs will give a very good anti-inflammatory effect at the recommended dose above. 

Although you still need to thin out the mucous. Fenugreek is good for this, and there is Chinese herb that is supposed to be excellent. I don't recall the name though. I bought some years ago for an old girlfriend with CF. I will have to see if I can find the name again. Some cayenne pepper can also help since it stimulates the release of fluid in to the lungs.