Licorice vs. Cortisone

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone:

With all the questions lately about cortisone usage and Licorice results I

thought the following article would be helpful. I stumbled across it while

doing a search on holistic skin treatments on America on Line. Problem is it

doesn't say the amounts to use or how it was administered (except licorice in

tea). I would think you could get some at the health food store or holistic

medicine shops. It certainly is encouraging though for those who tend to use

cortisone. It says licorice works better!!

Hope it helps someone,

Question:

Our pediatrician recommends topical steroids to relieve my child's eczema.

Can you suggest alternatives?

Answer:

First of all, allergy causes eczema. This skin condition can be acute or

chronic and is characterized by dry, scaly, sometimes scabby skin that is

itchy and burns. The onset generally coincides with the introduction of

allergenic foods such as cow's milk, wheat or eggs. Low-allergen diets often

alleviate it.

Eczema sufferers often have fatty acid imbalances--too much omega-6 and not

enough omega-3 fatty acids. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which

generally decrease inflammation, include flaxseed and cold-water fish.

However, research on the effect of gamma-linolenic supplements in children

with eczema have produced varying results.1,2

Several herbs may help. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains potent

anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, topical use of the licorice

constituent glycyrrhetinic acid improved eczema even more than topical

cortisone.3 In another study, 38 children with eczema drank a decoction of 10

Chinese herbs containing predominantly licorice for four weeks. Half the

children showed a 90 percent reduction in symptoms.4

Long-term ingestion can result in sodium and water retention, potassium loss

and estrogenic effects, so patients taking licorice for more than a few weeks

should be monitored by a doctor. Topical use of licorice or a salve

containing glycyrrhetinic acid may be a better way to start.

Other herbs traditionally used to decrease inflammation and promote skin

healing include gotu kola (Centella asiatica), echinacea (particularly

Echinacea purpurea) and burdock (Arctium lappa), which can be taken both

internally and externally. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also works but

should only be used externally.

References

1. Biagi PL, et al. The effect of gamma-linolenic acid on clinical status,

red cell fatty acid composition and membrane microviscosity in infants with

atopic dermatitis. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1994;20:77-94.

2. Hederos C-A, Berg A. Epogam evening primrose oil treatment in atopic

dermatitis and asthma. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1996;75:494-7.

3. FQ. The rational use of glycyrrhetinic acid in dermatology. British

Journal of Clinical Practice 1958;12: 269-79.

4. Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese

medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic eczema. British Journal

of Dermatology 1992;126:179-84.

White, M.D., is the coauthor of Kids, Herbs and Health (Interweave

Press, 1999).

Article Info

Issue:

Health & Nutrition Breakthroughs 03/99

Department:

Nutrition Q & A

Author:

B. White, M.D.