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Fertility Therapies Toxins & Fertility

Licorice Root: Potent Fertility Plant Medicine

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

When we hear the word licorice, candy, not fertility comes to mind. Did you know that the same plant made to flavor black licorice candy in the old days is also an excellent herb for a variety of fertility problems? Well it is! In fact, it positively supports key body systems that directly affect the quality of our fertility health. Licorice rt. (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been shown to be powerful in healing and protecting body systems vital to maintaining healthy fertility. Licorice is potent plant medicine!

Liver Health

The compound glycyrrhizic acid, found in root of the licorice plant, has been shown to be hepatoprotective. This simply means it protects the liver from damaging substances, including damage from pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceutical medications, alcohol and more.

Why is liver health important for fertility? Well , we need the liver to function at its best to maintain hormonal balance. The liver is our chemical processing plant. So you can imagine what must go on in there. The liver removes hormones, drugs, and other biologically active molecules from the blood. If there are too many excess toxins and hormones overwhelming the liver, they may be stored up, not only in the liver, but other parts of our body. This may disrupt our hormonal balance. Maintaining liver health is vital for proper hormonal balance.

Glycyrrhizic acid is so powerful that studies have shown it to inhibit liver damage and protect the body from three main toxic chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors.

  • Carbon tetrachloride: known to be damaging to the entire reproductive system, central nervous system, liver and kidneys
  • Benzene hexachloride: known to damage and affect thyroid health
  • Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB): known to affect estrogen, androgens, and Thyroid hormones

Licorice has been researched in Japan and has been found to be extremely useful in healing cirrhosis and hepatitis liver damage as well. Licorice is a potent plant medicine for the liver.

Immune and Endocrine System Function

Licorice is an adaptogen. For an herb to be classified as an adaptogen, it must support endocrine system function. This herb is also an immunomodulator, which means it supports proper immune system function. Licorice has been shown to stimulate the immune system in people with chronic illness or it can reduce the excessive immune response seen in those people with autoimmune disorders.

It is often used to treat autoimmune disorders. It has the ability to reduce an excessive immune response. In people with immunological fertility problems, their body identifies part of reproductive function as an enemy and sends Natural Killer (NK) cells to attack. A healthy immune response would only identify an enemy correctly and attack only foreign invaders such as a virus, parasite, bacteria, etc.

Fertility Issues associated with autoimmune disorders:

  • Premature Ovarian Failure
  • Endometriosis
  • Antisperm antibodies, both in men and women
  • Recurrent miscarriage
  • Thrombophilia, a blood clotting disorder

It provides excellent hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA axis, part of the endocrine system) support. This makes it an excellent choice for stress-related infertility or hormonal imbalance issues of any kind, including absent periods due to stress, poor egg health, poor sperm health, and any type of hormonal imbalance.

Estrogenic Action

Licorice is a known phytoestrogen because it contains isoflavones. Phytoestrogens are not true estrogen, but they may have a similar action to our own endogenous estrogens. Phytoestrogens exert weaker estrogenic effects on cells, compared to our own endogenous estrogens or to xenoestrogens. Phytoestrogens compete for hormone receptor sites. Phytoestrogens compete for hormone receptor sites. If they bind to the estrogen receptor sites first, they actively block xenohormones from binding. Xenohormones are endocrine system disruptors and cause hormonal imbalance and may cause infertility.

Will Licorice rt. increase my estrogen levels? Will it make me become estrogen dominant? Will it make my estrogen dominance worse? Probably not. You would have to consume very large doses of this plant for it to increase your estrogen levels through its isoflavone content. Taking licorice at very high doses can be toxic, so avoid taking large amounts of this herb.

Licorice rt. packs a double whammy of positive hormone-balancing benefits.

1. It is a phytoestrogen, which protects our estrogen receptor sites from xenohormones. This helps to protect our body from endocrine disruptors, which are known to cause fertility problems.

2. It is an adaptogen that supports liver health, endocrine and immune system function, which supports hormonal balance overall!

Anti-inflammatory

When the body metabolizes the glycyrrhizic acid, the result is a molecule similar to that of adrenal cortex hormones known as Glucocorticoids. In this case, the Glucocorticoid is cortisol. Cortisol has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. This is thought to the same reason for licorice’s anti-inflammatory action. Reduction in inflammation reduces painful fertility issues.

Fertility issues where inflammation is present:

  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Adenomyosis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often uses equal parts of Licorice rt. with White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Several studies showed that peony, when combined with licorice rt. in equal parts, greatly reduced painful menstruation by preventing prostaglandin production. The conclusion of this finding shows that this blend’s action plays a key role in reducing primary dysmenorrhea, but also is very helpful in treating the underlying causes of secondary dysmenorrhea. This blend has also been shown to lower serum and free testosterone levels in women with PCOS.

Balance Blood Sugar Levels

This cortisol-like effect that licorice root has, has also been shown to support healthy blood sugar levels, especially when taken first thing in the morning. This may be helpful for women with insulin resistant PCOS.

Digestion and Cervical Mucus Production

Licorice is emollient, demulcent, and nutritive. These actions support healthy mucous membranes and enhance their function, including those that secrete cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is necessary for the sperm to reach the egg.

These actions that licorice rt. has also support healthy digestion by lubricating and the digestive tract and enhancing digestion overall. We know digestion is the foundation for health; licorice rt. helps to support that. Licorice rt. has been used traditionally for hundreds of years and is considered to be the most prescribed herb of all time. It has been extremely effective in healing ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, and colic.

Antiviral

This root is extremely effective at treating the STDs genital herpes and warts. Studies have shown that licorice rt. can irreversibly inactivate herpes simplex virus. It has also been shown to inhibit the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses. This herb has been used for millennia to treat and prevent a variety of viruses, including the common cold and flu.

Licorice rt. and Hypertension: What’s All the Hype?

I guarantee if you do search on the internet for this herb, you are going to get a barrage of warnings of how it is dangerous or may be toxic. Well, let us be realistic here. Licorice is possibly the most commonly used traditional herbal medicine on the planet. It has been used safely for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. So why all the scary information? Licorice rt. in excess can cause hyperaldosteronism. What? This is a condition in which a person retains sodium, loses potassium, and develops high blood pressure. This can only happen when it is used excessively.

How much is too much? Well licorice-induced hyperaldosteronism has been reported after people have eaten excessive amounts of candies made with real licorice extract, or chewing tobacco with licorice extract, or have drank 4+ cups of licorice decoction (strong tea made by boiling the roots) per day, over a few days. An herbalist or naturopath would never suggest a person take Licorice rt. this way.

Traditional Suggested Usage

Tincture: 10-20 drops, 3 times a day

Decoction: 1/2 tsp of dried root to 8oz. of water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain. Drink 1-2 times per day.

We feel Licorice rt. is best used in combination with other herbs, rather than by itself alone. Licorice root blends well with a variety of herbs.

Drug Interactions

Please do not use Licorice therapeutically if you are taking any of the following medications:

  • Potassium-depleting diuretics
  • Digoxin
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Spironolactone
  • Cardiac glycosides
  • Thiazide
  • Amiloride

Pregnancy caution: Not recommended for regular consumption in pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of premature labor.

Breastfeeding: Shown to be safe for consumption while breastfeeding.

References

  • Winston, David, Maimes, Steven. (2007). Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
  • Hoffman, David FNIMH, AHG. (2003). Medical Herbalism The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
  • Romm, Aviva. (2010). Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier
  • Widespread Pollutants with Endocrine-disrupting Effects. Our Stolen Future; Book Basics: Chemicals implicated. Retrieved from: http://www.ourstolenfuture.com/basics/chemlist.htm
  • Mills, Simon; Bone, Kerry. (2005). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

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1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

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The chemicals, pesticides, and toxins in our environment are having a huge impact on male fertility. 

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Fertility Cleansing for men is a big step in the right direction. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

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Nutrition can make a big difference when you are wanting to prepare for pregnancy, support hormonal health or overcome fertility issues.

But it can sometimes be hard to start new habits.

One of my favorite ways to make lasting dietary changes is to focus on what you can add instead of only the things you shouldn’t be eating.

There are 5 specific things I have my clients add to their current diets every day.

🍌What they found after about 21 days of eating this way, they started to not only crave healthier foods, their body was giving them positive feedback through lighter cycles, better digestion, clearer skin and more energy. ⚡

While eating healthy is something you will need to do for the rest of your life, doing a challenge like this helps to give you a great jump start.

👇 If you would like to learn more about the Important 5 and start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type DIET in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

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The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 18

Open
📈 Fertility charting will help you to better understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path.

Some things you will be able to see on a fertility chart….📈

🌸Thyroid function
🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
🌸When and if you are ovulating
🌸Progesterone state
🌸Length of follicular phase
🌸Length of luteal phase
🌸Pregnancy

👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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