LOWER BOWEL
There are several formulas of this type out there, but this particular one seems to work the best for me. I have inherently weak and constricted bowels. It is gentle yet effective. You can tailor the formula to best suit you.
Ingredients: Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Red Clover, Senna, Burdock, Chaparral, Dandelion, Licorice, Lobelia, Cayenne.
Herb: BUCKTHORN BARK
Botanical name: Rhamnus frangula
Origin: Hungary/Poland
Therapeutic actions: Alterative; Anthelmintic; Bitter; Cathartic; Cholagogue; Depurative; Diuretic; Emetic; Laxative (the fresh bark is violently purgative); Tonic, Vermifuge.
Drug interactions: Interacts with Digoxin and any type of Diuretics. Check with doctor if on Oral
Corticosteroids.
Nutrients: Buckthorn contains moderate amounts of calcium, phosphorus and potassium, small amounts of
sodium and chlorine; trace amounts of magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc.
Description: In the same family as Cascara Sagrada having similar properties; however, its action is gentle like
Turkey Rhubarb root.
Internal uses: It has a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract without being habit forming. When hot it causes profuse perspiration. It has been valuable in appendicitis, bleeding, bowels, dropsy, fever, itching, parasites, lead poisoning, rheumatism and skin diseases. Other uses include: cancer, chronic constipation, fevers, gallbladder, gallstones and liver congestion.
Herb: BURDOCK ROOT
Botanical name: Arctium lappa
Origin: USA/China
Therapeutic actions: Alterative; Anti-scorbutic; Anti-bacterial; Anti-fungal; Anti-rheumatic; Antibiotic; Anti-phlogistic; Aperient; Blood purifier; Carminative; Cholagogue; Depurative; Demulcent; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Hypoglycemic; Mild Laxative; Stomachic; Tonic.
Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C.
Drug interactions: No known drug interactions.
Description: Burdock is one of the most effective herbs for cleansing the blood without the side effect of nausea. It is a powerful antioxidant.
Internal Uses: It has been used to treat conditions caused by an overload; of toxins, such as throat and other infections, boils, rashes and other skin problems. It has soothing, mucilaginous properties and is said to be one of
the most certain cures for many types of skin diseases, burns and bruises.
Burdock can help to reduce joint inflammation. The root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals from the body. The
plant is also part of a North American formula called Essiac, which is a popular treatment for cancer.
Herb: CASCARA SAGRADA BARK
Botanical name: Rhamnus purshiana
Origin: USA
Therapeutic actions: Laxative; Purgative; Tonic.
Nutrients: Calcium, choline, copper, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, silicon, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.
Drug interactions: Interacts with Digoxin,Thiazide, Diurectics, Antiarythmics, Digitalis Glycosides and Indomethacin.
Description: One of the best herbs for the entire digestive tract. It is a bowel toning herb.
Internal uses: It tones and increases peristaltic action without being habit forming. Promotes secretions of the stomach, liver, pancreas and gallbladder ducts. It has helped the body to rid itself of gallstones. It has an antibiotic effect on harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and is valuable in all digestive complaints. Best used in combination with other herbs.
Herb: CHAPARRAL LEAF
Botanical name: Larrea mexicana/tridentata
Origin: Mexico
Therapeutic actions: Anti-microbial; Antioxidant; Alterative; Anti-venomous; Astringent; Anti-arthritic; Anti-rheumatic; Anti-scrofulus; Anti-inflammatory; Expectorant; Ordontalgic; Diuretic (lithotriptic); Tonic; Depurative; Emetic (large doses).
Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, sulfur, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C.
Drug interactions: No known drug interactions.
Description: It is a great blood purifier. It tones the system and peristaltic muscles in the lower bowel and rebuilds the tissue.
Internal uses: It has been especially known for its actions with arthritis and cancer. It cleanses the liver and the kidneys. It is valuable to the urethral react and the lymphatics.
Herb: DANDELION ROOT
Botanical name: Taraxacum officinale
Origin: Hungary/China
Therapeutic actions: Anti-bacterial, Aperient; Cholagogue; Depurative; Diuretic; Hepatic; Laxative; Stomachic; Tonic; Warts.
Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C .
Drug interactions: Interacts with Ciproflacin, Loop diuretics, Spirronolactone, Thiazide diuretics, Trimterene.
Description: Dandelion has been used in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders. It is a valuable blood purifier.
Internal uses: A blood purifier used for liver and kidney disorders. It contains nutritive salts to build up the blood. It has a mild laxative effect. It increases bile production and stimulates its flow to the gallbladder, where it also causes contractions and the release of bile.
Herb: LICORICE ROOT
Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Origin: Egypt/China
Therapeutic actions: Demulcent; Expectorant; Emollient; Pectoral; Aperient; Stimulant; Sialagogue.
Nutrients: Biotin, calcium, choline, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E.
Drug interactions: Interacts with Digoxin, loop diuretics, Thiazide diuretics. Supports those taking Aspirin, Etodolac, Ibuprofen, Interferon, Isoniazid, Nabumetone, Naproxen and topical corticosteroids.
Description: This herb is one of the favorites in Chinese herbal medicine. It has general effects on the whole body.
Internal uses: Its stimulating action helps to counteract stress, supplies energy to the body, making it especially useful for those recovering from illness. Licorice works with the lungs, stomach, intestines, spleen, liver and adrenals. Other uses: constipation, coughs, Cushings' disease, to increase effectiveness of adrenal hormone glucocorticoids in liver, impotency, liver protector, and Crohn's disease.
Herb: LOBELIA LEAF
Botanical name: Lobelia inflata
Origin: USA/India
Therapeutic actions: Antispasmodic; Anti-venomous; Astringent; Cathartic; Counter-irritant; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emetic;
Expectorant; Emmenagogue; Nauseant; Nervine; Relaxant; Stimulant.
Nutrients: Calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12 and C.
Drug interactions: Check with physician if on nicotine alternatives.
Description: Lobelia is commonly used both externally and internally to relax all spasms.
Herb: RED CLOVER BLOSSOMS
Botanical name: Trifolium pratense
Origin: USA/Croatia
Therapeutic actions: Alterative; Anti-scrofulus; Antibiotic; Anti-inflammatory; Anti-viral; Anti-fungal; Anti-microbial; Antineoplastic; Anti-tumor; Antispasmodic; Aperient; Anti-cancer; Blood purifier; Detergent; Diuretic; Expectorant; Laxative; Sedative; Skin; Tonic.
Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5 and C.
Drug Interactions: Interacts with Estrogen, Heparin, Ticlopidine and Warfarin.
Description: It is considered one of the best blood cleansers. It is beneficial for the liver, lungs, nerves, digestion, and lymph.
Herb: SENNA LEAF
Botanical name: Cassia marilandica
Origin: India
Therapeutic actions: Antibilious; Anti-periodic; Cathartic; Laxative; Purgative; Tonic; Vermifuge.
Drug Interactions: Interacts with Digoxin.
Description: Senna is a very strong laxative herb which may cause griping if used without other herbs. It is wise to use it in combination with warming, stimulating and antispasmodic herbs such as Ginger. Other appropriate herbs might include Cloves, Fennel, Cinnamon and Coriander. When combined with these other herbs, it can even be used for children, the elderly and sensitive individuals.
Internal uses: In combination with other anthelmintic herbs it is used to expel intestinal worms.
Other uses: relieve malarial-type fevers and chills, biliousness, dyspepsia, disordered stomach, jaundice, diphtheria, constipation,
fevers and fissures.
CAUTION: Do not use if pregnant. Not to be used with inflammation of the alimentary canal, stomach and/or intestines nor with hemorrhoids, piles or intestinal hemorrhage. Overuse may lead not only to dependency but also to vomiting and purging.
Herb: CAYENNE ROOT
Botanical name: Capsicum minimum
Origin: India
Therapeutic actions: Anesthetic; Anti-hemorrhoidal; Anti-bacterial; Alterative; Astringent; Antispasmodic; Anti-rheumatic; Antiseptic; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Digestive; Emetic; Irritant; Pungent; Rubefacient; Sialagogue; Stimulant; Stomachic; Sudorific;
Tonic.
Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E and G.
Drug interactions: Supports interaction with aspirin.
Description: It is considered by many to be the strongest stimulant known.
Internal uses: Use as a relaxant to the stomach and colon and as a healer for ulcers. It has been able to stimulate the stomach and is not irritating when small doses are used. Cayenne stimulates the blood and the heart, increasing and strengthening the pulse. It does well in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving chronic congestion of people addicted to drink. It has been used as a tonic and is said to be unequalled in warding off disease because of the high vitamin C content. It has been used for colds, sinus, respiratory ailments, indigestion, hangover, diabetes, cramps,
circulation problems, asthma, rheumatism, kidneys and high blood pressure. It has been used with ginger to clean out the bronchial tubes and sinus cavities, as a gargle for sore throats, as an emergency treatment for shock, for hemorrhage and bleeding wounds - use internally and externally. Also good for headaches (cluster and migraine),
obesity, indigestion, heartburn, osteoarthritis, pain, shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, low back pain and neuropathy.
CAUTION: Should not be used in large doses because it can irritate the gastro-intestinal tract.