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Liver/Digest Tincture Support

Description

A liver/ digestive proprietary herbal blend is designed to support the liver and aid digestion. A liver/ digestive tincture should focus on the digestive system, but also contains synergistic herbs that are designed to integratively support the other organ systems as well.

- Digestive complaints - Detoxification - Liver support

Oregon grape root is best known and most used for its berberine content, which is highly effective in conditions such as “infected mucous membranes, inflammation of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema” (Murray, MT, The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA 1995, page162-170). Due to the high alkaloid content of berberine, Oregon Grape Root possesses powerful antibiotic and anti-infective properties while also stimulating the immune system.

Fenugreek is best known for its expectorant properties, which makes it a good choice for congested lungs, asthma conditions and the lymphatic system. Fenugreek seeds also contain mucilage, a gummy substance that coats and soothes irritated mucus membranes.

Turmeric is a root belonging to the ginger family, in which the rhizome part is used in many flavorings, but most noticeably in curry powder. Research has demonstrated excellent antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric, and especially of curcumin, which is the active component of turmeric that is responsible for the yellow pigment (Reddy AP & Lokesh, BR. Mol Cell Biochem. 1992;111-117). Curcumin has been shown to have numerous therapeutic effects including potent antioxidant properties, adrenal support and liver protectant. Turmeric is known for its cholagogue (stimulate gallbladder contraction) and choleretic (stimulate liver to secrete more bile) properties.

Red Clover became popular in the nineteenth century as a “blood purifier”. Many people believed that toxins in the blood were the root cause of disease and if the blood was purified, illness would resolve. For this reason, many popular natural detoxification treatments, including the Hoxsey Formula, contain Red Clover as one of the primary ingredients. Red Clover has also been suggested in skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Bupleurum is a Chinese herb known for its positive effects on liver function. It has been used in PMS and to increase the body’s energy and lift vitality. Its strong ascending action picks up the body’s energy, lifting vitality and sagging spirits.

The Chinese believe that Siberian ginseng can increase longevity, improve general health, improve the appetite, and restore memory (Murray, M. The Healing Power of Herbs. 1995. Prima Publ. Rocklin, CA). Siberian ginseng has been traditionally used for centuries as an adaptogen (balancer), which is a substance that regulates the homeostasis of tissue organ systems. Siberian ginseng particularly stimulates and nourishes the adrenal glands, an important source of energy.

For centuries, Fo-Ti has been used as a tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Within that culture, it has been regarded as a stellar rejuvenating and restorative plant that retards aging and increases longevity. Fo-Ti is used today for this purpose by millions of Chinese. It is also used to enhance liver and kidney function, as well as cleanse the blood.

Pau d’arco was widely used by the Indian tribes of the Amazon region for centuries as a healing herb. It has become popular as an antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflammatory and antifungal agent (Mayell; Natural Health First Aid Guide. 1994. Pocket Books. NY, NY p. 44). Research into the medicinal substances of pau d’arco show it to also have antiparasitic properties.

Hawthorne has been used since ancient times as a heart remedy. It is widely used in Europe for the early stages of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne has had an extremely safe history for use as an herb. A phytopharmaceutical encyclopedia lists some of the areas in which hawthorn berries are utilized: cardiotonics, coronary remedies, antihypertonics, arteriosclerosis remedies, geriatric remedies, and general tonics (Grainger, NB ed., Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Fla. 1994).

Milk thistle has its main action on the kidneys and liver. It has a reputation for being a hepatoprotectant (liver protecting nutrient). Milk thistle has been employed as a cholagogue (agent to stimulate gallbladder contraction and promote bile flow) in supportive treatment of hepatic and biliary functional disorders.

In China, licorice is called, "the great detoxifier," and is thought to drive poisons from the body (Ody, P. The Complete Medicinal Herbal 1993. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London). It has also been called, "the grandfather of herbs" because of its reputation for a wide variety of effects, including antiinflammatory, anti-arthritic, stimulant of the adrenal cortex, blood cholesterol reducer, gastric membrane soother, and possibly anti-allergenic and expectorant (ibid).

Wild Yam is a beneficial antispasmodic that is used to relieve intestinal colic and diverticulitis. Wild Yam is listed as an anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and colagogue (stimulate gallbladder contraction).

Buckthorn berries contain anthraquinone glycosides, which are responsible for their cathartic effect, and which are similar to cascara sagrada, with buckthorn being the milder of the two. Buckthorn has shown activity against Candida, staphylococcus, herpes, and influenza (Weiner, M.A. Herbs that Heal. 1994. Quantum Books, Mill Valley, Ca. p. 97).

Ginger is a perennial herb in which the rhizome (often referred to as the root) has been used in China for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. It is also a favored kitchen spice as well as a spa bath ingredient (promotes perspiration, which aids in detoxing & relaxing sore, achy muscles). Ginger is well known for aiding digestion and has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other herbs. Ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory product. The gingerols, an active ingredient in ginger, have demostrated some ability to reduce the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes (Chem Pharm Bull. 1992; 40:387-391).

Dandelion is an excellent liver remedy and has a high carotenoid content. Dandelion is a good natural herbal cleanser, and a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. According to A. Leung, who reviewed several studies on dandelion, it, "...enhances the flow of bile, alleviating liver congestion and bile duct inflammation" (as cited in, Marti, J. & Hine, A. Alternative Health Medicine Encyclopedia 1995. Visible Ink Press, Washington, D.C. p. 84). Dandelion is also a powerful diuretic. It is one of the best natural sources of potassium and replenishes this mineral, whereas other diuretics can deplete potassium.

5-20 drops in water three times per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Excessively high doses of the ginsengs can cause side effects of hypertension and anxiousness (this synergistic formula utilizes smaller amounts for an optimal effect). Licorice root is not recommended in doses above 400 mg/day in hypertensive patients. The combination of herbs in this herbal tincture work together in creating synergistic effects, and smaller amounts of the herbs are utilized for optimal effects.

Copyright: Copyright HealthQuest, Inc. All rights reserved. Information used with permission from the HealthQuest Nutritional Database Version 4.0
http://www.hquest.com

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