ANY FOLK AND HERBAL REMEDIES TREAT MORE THAN ONE PROBLEM.
	When researching information for my book concerning the acupressure point on the upper spine, the seventh cervical, and how it relates to pain for broken bones and the pituitary, I felt it would be worthwhile to see if there may be a connection between arthritis remedies and pituitary benefits.

Ginger brings extra blood to inflamed areas and research studies have shown that ginger is effective for pain in 75% of those who suffer from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The dosage used in research studies was 500-1000 mg. per day but double or triple that dose brought quicker and better relief than with conventional drugs, and without any adverse effects. Bromelain, derived from the stem of pineapples, produced no side effects and relieved pain from surgery, injury and wounds better than drugs. Research participants were released from the hospital in half the time as those on conventional drugs. Bromelain also reduced inflammation from arthritis and sports injuries.

In China ginseng, bupleurum and licorice are used for pain and inflammation. These herbs have shown to stimulate the pituitary and adrenal glands to increase the natural production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones. Pharmaceuticals such as Prednisone® shrink the size of the adrenal glands and can cause hypoadrenia. Ginseng and bupleurum help to reduce adrenal shrinkage. Bupleurum, when taken in conjunction with prescription drugs, can help repair damage caused by the drugs.

Licorice has shown to reduce depression, slow or even reverse thymus atrophy, reduce cholesterol, increase levels of serotonin and the pituitary hormone ACTH, all which are adversely affected by prescription drugs. Licorice slows the breakdown of natural cortisone by the liver and appears to enhance the effectiveness of bupleurum. Licorice has also shown to be effective in reducing inflammation connected with arthritis.

Licorice contains a lot of different ingredients, some of which can cause headaches, potassium loss and sodium retention in some people. Sodium retention causes increased blood pressure and potassium loss can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, paralysis and in extreme cases, heart failure. Licorice combined with prescription blood thinners or diuretics can cause even greater losses of potassium. Deglycyrrhinizated licorice (DGL) has the glycyrrhinizinic acid removed which causes many of the problems connected with licorice. DGL is an effective anti-ulcer remedy and has shown to work as efficiently as Tagamet®® for both treatment and maintenance of duodenal and peptic ulcers. 90% of all licorice imported into the US is used in tobacco products. Chewing tobacco, snuff and licorice flavored candy contains concentrated licorice and not the whole root. Concentrated forms of licorice appear to be the main offender where headaches and high blood pressure are concerned. Natural, whole root teas diminish or negate those problems. If you’re licorice sensitive and use tobacco in any form, you’re increasing your likelihood of problems. Make certain the licorice is 100% herbal without chemical additives. A large percentage of “licorice” is actually produced in laboratories from chemicals and will not produce results. An authors note: I find licorice combined with a pinch of peppermint makes an excellent tea.

Foods soothing to the pituitary gland are organic and hormone free lean beef, light meat poultry, fish, eggs, liver, kidney and heart. Vegetables include beets, carrots, cauliflower, peas, potato, pumpkin and squash. Salads soothing to the pituitary are best made from lettuce, cucumber, mushroom, celery, radish, bell pepper, tomato and onion. Beneficial fruits include apple, apricot, banana, berries, cantaloupe, cherries, fig, mango, nectarine, peach, pear, pineapple, plum, strawberry and watermelon.

The headstand in yoga is a specific for regulating the pituitary gland. The headstand is an advanced posture and should be learned under the supervision of a qualified yoga instructor.

Ref: Folk Remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) And Health Options From Around The World