Re: Licorice Root as an anti-inflammatory for CF

Thanks, Hv!  This info is awesome!! A few more followup questions below in blue.

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.

Let me ask you this. Do you know if Coleus does anything similar to the drug Cromolyn Sodium (a.k.a. Intal) - http://www.rxlist.com/intal-nebulizer-solution-drug.htm ? Page 6 - "In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown that cromolyn sodium inhibits sensitized mast cell degranulation which occurs after exposure to specific antigens. Cromolyn sodium acts by inhibiting the release of mediators from mast cells. Studies show that cromolyn sodium indirectly blocks calcium ions from entering the mast cell, thereby preventing mediator release." I'll be honest, I don't know what a mast cell is. I am curious because several CF patients have posted on CF forums that this medicine helped them with inflammation and allergies in the lungs, whatever they mean by that exactly. I am wondering which natural supplement(s) would do the same thing?

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.

And this formula would ensure that I get enough potassium to counter any side effects, or do I need to take some Potassium Citrate in addition? Also, by taking this much of the licorice and yucca for anti-inflammatory purposes, will I be delaying/hindering the recovery of my adrenals, helping in their recovery, or neither?

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.

You are talking here about reducing the thick stickiness, right? Won't a mucolytic like NAC also help? I just started taking 600 mg 4 x/day. Is that a good dose? The standard pharmaceutical treatment is Pulmozyme (aka dNASE, a.k.a. Dornase Alpha). Will the NAC and the herbs above achieve a similar effect?

I'm also going to send you a PM in a minute with a couple additional questions.

Sorry for so many questions. I really, really do appreciate it!