Episode 176: Licorice with Dr. Ryan Shepherd

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Episode Summary

It was such a joy to meet Dr. Ryan Shepherd! In our conversation, we dove into the many benefits of licorice root, which is one of the most frequently worked-with plants in herbal medicine, thanks to its wide use in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas. Ryan also shared about his herbal journey from London to China to Texas – a story that is perhaps as varied and unique as licorice itself!

In addition to discussing the medicinal benefits of licorice root, Ryan showed just how versatile this herb is by including it in his mouth-watering recipe for Qi-Boosting Chicken. (I can’t wait to give this recipe to my handsome French husband so he can make it for me!) You can find your beautifully illustrated recipe card in the  section below so that you, too, can make this yummy herb-infused dinner.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Five different body systems that can benefit from licorice

► Why licorice root is like the conductor of an orchestra

► When Ryan works with licorice in smaller quantities in formulas vs. when he gives it a more starring role

► Five conditions that can be helped by working with licorice root

► Who should NOT take licorice root (hint: it’s not just about hypertension!)

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know him, Dr. Ryan Shepherd is one of those amazing practitioners with a deep well of knowledge and experience. He started his journey at the University of Westminster in London, earning his degree in Medical Herbalism, and then went on to study naturopathy, functional medicine, and acupuncture. Ryan’s passion for healing took him all the way to China, where he worked in hospitals in Shanghai and Nanjing, treating complex cases and training under Dr. Zhonghua Fu, the inventor of Fu’s Subcutaneous Needle technique. Ryan currently has a practice in Dripping Springs, Texas where he is very passionate about providing his services and years of training and experience to the community.

I’m thrilled to share our conversation with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Ryan

• Website | ShepherdFunctionalMedicine.com

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Student spotlight
• [2:40] Introduction to Dr. Ryan Shepherd
• [3:50]  Ryan’s herbal path
• [19:50] Medicinal benefits of licorice
• [30:10] The taste of licorice
• [31:32] Qi-Boosting Chicken recipe
• [36:26] Formulating with licorice
• [39:25] Ryan’s current projects
• [42:35] How herbalism has surprised Ryan
• [49:11] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Recipe!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 01:10 - Student spotlight
• 02:39 - Introduction to Dr. Ryan Shepherd
• 03:49 - Ryan’s herbal path
• 20:40 - Medicinal benefits of licorice
• 31:26 - The taste of licorice
• 32:50 - Qi-Boosting Chicken recipe
• 37:58 - Formulating with licorice
• 41:06 - Ryan’s current projects
• 44:34 - How herbalism has surprised Ryan
• 51:10 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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