Bowel Cleansing Herbs

BOWEL CLEANSING FORMULAS


Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel Formula

1 part Barberry Bark
2 parts Cascara Sagrada Bark
1 part Cayenne
1 Part Ginger
1 Part Lobelia
1 part Red Raspberry Leaf
1 part Turkey Rhubarb root
1 part Fennel


Take according to how many you need. No two people are alike. The bowel itself differs as much as the human fingerprint from person to person. Most people will start with 2 capsules 3x daily and regulate the dosage from there. If the stools are too loose cut down, but if the stool is hard and difficult to pass increase to the movements become soft and well formed. For the average person it will take 6-9 months to clean out all the years of accumulated fecal matter.

Note:  If you have had a diet heavy in processed and devitalized food, you may need to add senna or cape aloe to the above formula.


BARBERRY

The primary chemical constituents of Barberry include alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin and tannins. The berries are rich in vitamin C, and the root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems. It also acts as a mild purgative and helps regulate the digestive process.  The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid, berbamine, have shown activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia coli.  It has anti-microbial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract.  Barberry is said to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels.  This herb has also been used to relieve hepatitis, colic, jaundice, diabetes and consumption.  Historically, Barberry was used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, sciatica and rheumatic complaints.  Use of this botanical is believed to decrease heart rate, depress breathing, stimulate intestinal movement, reduce bronchial constriction and kill bacteria on the skin.  External applications have included use for sores, burns, ulcers, acne, itch, tetters ringworm, cuts and bruises.  It is indicated in congestive jaundice and inflammation of the gallbladder and gallstones.  As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, Barberry has been used by weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system.   It is also thought to reduce an enlarged spleen.  The herb is said to combat malaria and has been effective in the treatment of protozoan infections.  Berberine is highly antibacterial, anti-amoebic and trypanocidal and has been active in vitro and in animals against cholera.  It makes a useful compress for inflammatory eye conditions such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

CASCARA SAGRADA
The dried, aged bark of this tree has been used continually for at least 1,000 years by both native and immigrant Americans as a laxative natural medicine, commercially called "Cascara Sagrada", but old timers call it "chitticum bark".

Cascara Sagrada means "sacred bark" in Spanish. The much more pertinent name chitticum means "shit come" in Chinook Jargon; chittam comes from the Chinook Jargon phrase chittam stick = "laxative tree" which is similarly from the English word "shit".  Cascara Sagrada is a medicinal plant whose bark is used primarily for relief from constipation. Traditionally it has been used as a folk remedy for chronic constipation, dyspepsia, as a tonic for the bowels, and a treatment for liver and gallbladder problems. It should be noted that except in usage for constipation, none of these traditional applications have been clinically validated.The value of cascara sagrada as a laxative is clear for easing constipation, when it's taken properly and at a safe dosage. In fact, cascara is such a mild laxative that it can safely be used by the elderly and for the mild constipation that can occur following anal or rectal surgery as it prevents the pressure and pain associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

CAYENNE
Cayenne pepper (also called Capsicum frutescens) is a stimulating herb made from the dried pods of chili peppers and is well known for its pungent taste and smell. Cayenne is a popular spice used in many different regional styles of cooking, but it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years.  Cayenne is often referred to as chili, which is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper.
The main medicinal properties of cayenne are derived from a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the ingredient which gives peppers their HEAT. A pepper's capsaicin content ranges from 0-1.5%. Peppers are measured according to heat units. The degree of heat determines the peppers' usage and value. Generally, the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. In addition to adding heat to the pepper, capsaicin acts to reduce platelet stickiness and relieve pain. Other constituents of cayenne are vitamins E, vitamin C and carotenoids.
Today cayenne is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including poor circulation, weak digestion, heart disease, chronic pain, sore throats, headaches and toothache.
Ayurveda also utilizes cayenne to treat poor digestion and gas. Chinese medicine uses cayenne for digestive ailments.
When taken internally, cayenne soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva. These secretions contain substances which help digest food.
Cayenne is the greatest herbal aid to circulation and can be used on a regular basis. Dr. Richard Schulze, the medical herbalist, says that "If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other."

GINGER
Ginger, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. In China, for example, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Since ancient times, ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. In addition to these medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to help the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstrual periods. Native to Asia where its use as a culinary spice spans at least 4,400 years, ginger grows in fertile, moist, tropical soil. Today, ginger root is widely used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset and is commonly recommended by health care professionals to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. Ginger is used as support in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, and may even be used in heart disease or cancer.

LOBELIA
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use in connection with respiratory ailments, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and coughs. Lobelia was a common herb prescribed by early North American doctors.

Lobeline, an active constituent in the lobelia plant, is very similar to nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system. Lobeline acts as a relaxant overall while also dilating the bronchioles (air passages), thereby increasing respiration and possibly helping the lungs. Its anti-asthma activity consists of stimulating the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine, which causes the airways to relax.
Lobelia is a strong relaxant and deobstruent (meaning it opens obstructions). It relaxes the stomach (a common problem in asthmatic children) and dilates the bronchial passages. Many people have used it to stop asthma attacks in place of inhalants.

    * One of the most potent single herbs, a powerful relaxant. The relaxing effects of lobelia can be felt all over the whole body; they work very quickly and have a good influence of the body. Small doses of lobelia act as a relaxant and large does act as an emetic. Note: some people who are very sensitive or very weakened become very relaxed and sleepy by lobelia. Lobelia can be balanced by taking it with Cayenne. There are no harmful effects. Lobelia is a marvelous herb; it is the rare person who is so sensitive to it.

    * Relieves spasms. Keep tincture on hand for use in convulsions. Can be rubbed on the body or drops can be put in the mouth and the body will immediately absorb it.
    * Rubbing lobelia tincture or extract on the shoulders of a restless child is an excellent way to help him go to sleep.
   * Reduces palpitations of the heart.
   * Especially good for croup and respiratory problems.
    * Extract is good to rub on gums of teething baby.
    * Helps remove obstructions and congestion throughout the body, including the blood vessels. Expels mucus.
    * Sometimes used as a emetic to remove congestion from stomach.
    * Encourages the flow of oxygenized blood.

RED RASPBERRY LEAF

The leaves are described as astringent in use. This is brought on by tannins found in a plant. The action of tannins as an astringent can be effective in soothing inflammation and constricting the tissues of the intestines to prevent water loss. As a result. the tannin content of red raspberry leaf provides an effective treatment to soothe diarrhea or intestinal inflammation, especially in children. It can also be used as a mouth wash to soothe mouth and throat irritations.

Raspberry leaf tea also acts as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin or mucous membranes effectively reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness.The leaves contain high concentrations of several vitamins and minerals because of the plant's secondary compounds. As a result, it is used as an aid for pregnancy and delivery.

Vitamin C and vitamin E are present in large amounts as well as Vitamin A and some B Complex. Increased Vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red raspberry leaf can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby. Vitamin E serves to promote better circulation in the mother who is dramatically increasing her blood volume during pregnancy. The Red raspberry leaf also contains many essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and an easily assimilated form of calcium. An increased availability of calcium is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain during childbirth and in aiding bone development in the fetus.
Red raspberry leaves are also beneficial for women of all ages, not just of childbearing age. They’re used to treat upper respiratory disorders, sore throats, wounds, colic pain and gastrointestinal upset. They’re rich in tannins, which have an astringent affect, reducing inflammation.

TURKEY RHUBARB ROOT
The Turkey Rhubarb root contains vitamin A, many of the B complex, C, and P; calcium, chlorine, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc.Turkey rhubarb has been used as a purgative for at least 2,000 years. Its used was recorded in the Chinese medical text Divine HusbandmanÍs Classic of the Materia Medica nearly two centuries before the beginning of the Christian era
Like buckthorn, cascara sagrada, and senna, turkey rhubarb encourages bowel movement by inhibiting the smooth muscles that retain stool and stimulating the smooth muscles that push stool through the intestine.
The rhubarb root exerts a gentle laxative action by stimulating the secretion of bile into the intestines. It also stimulates the gall duct to expel toxic waste matter, thus purging the body of waste bile and food. As a result, it is alleged that the liver is cleansed and chronic liver problems are relieved. In small doses, the powdered root is an astringent and checks diarrhea, but in larger doses it irritates the colon causing the bowels to evacuate (diarrhea).

FENNEL
Fennel is a sweet, aromatic, diuretic herb that relieves digestive problems, increases lactation, relaxes spasms and reduces inflammation with expectorant, carminative and aromatic properties.# It is used as a antispasmodic, diuretic, pain-and fever-reducer and has antimicrobial properties.
 Furthermore it has a mild estrogenic effect and also exhibit a calming effect on the bronchial tubes.
 Fennel relieves the smooth muscle lining of the digestive track and help digestion and relieves indigestion, gas, dyspepsia and colic, as well as reducing intestinal spasms.
 It is used to increase milk flow in breastfeeding mothers.
It is also used for menstrual problems and to relieve the griping effect of laxatives.
 Juice extracted from the fresh herb or the fruit is used to treat chronic coughs and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract in both children and adults.

Dr. Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care by Dr. Bernard Jensen

ADDITIONAL BOWEL CARE
Take 3-5 times a day:
 8 oz water
2 oz apple juice (organic unfiltered)
1 tablespoon betonite clay
1 teaspoon intestinal cleaner

Take 3-5 times daily
10 oz water
1 Tablespoon Apple cider vinegar (raw unfiltered)
1 tsp raw honey

Supplements 4 times daily:
 8 alfalfa tablets or
12 cholorella tablets
 2 capsules Cod Liver Oil
1 tablet Dulse / Kelp
Flaxseed tea ( 1 tsp to 8 oz water)
1 teaspoon Liquid Chlorophyll
1 capsule Wheat Germ Oil
 2 tablets100 mg  tablet Vitamin C with Bioflavenoids
 4 tablets Digestive Enzyme Supplement
Herbal Laxative tablets