The foundation of any health or healing program begins with a full cleansing of the intestinal tract, because it experiences the most abuse on a daily basis, and it impacts every system in the body. The colon is the main channel of elimination in the body. The vast majority of elimination of toxic waste – including large amounts of E. coli bacteria and parasite larvae – occurs through the digestive tract. If that waste is un-eliminated or only partially eliminated, the effects on the body are profound.
Many people are consuming refined, processed, low fiber foods and animal fats, get minimal exercise, and experience chronic stress. All of these factors play a role in the unprecedented digestive disorders we are experiencing as a society.
Today, in the United States alone, over 100 million people suffer from gastrointestinal problems of some kind. In fact, digestive diseases are among the leading causes of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and disability each year and include issues that affect the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as colon and intestines. Additionally, the number two cancer among men and women combined is colorectal cancer, second only to lung cancer.
But being in the wellness industry for many years now I have noticed that the word “detox” has become so widely used that it has lost much of its meaning. All types of websites and Faccebook pages offer “cleanse” and “detox” programs that are haphazardly put together without the science behind how the body actually cleanses. There are several types of cleanses that must take place if you truly want a full body restoration:
- Intestinal
- Heavy metal
- Kidney
- Gallbladder
- Liver
- Blood
Each of these types of cleanses is unique, and each requires a different protocol. I highly recommend you undertake ALL Of these as a baseline, and then every few months, do a “tune-up”. And be certain to avoid the very dangerous “gallbladder” flushes out their that suggest you drink cupfuls of toxic olive oil. People have been misled into thinking this somehow eliminates “gallstones”. When in fact, scientific inquiry and testing has revealed that the “stones” that come out into the toilet are nothing more than the olive oil itself that has been saponified by the bile salts. (Basically, the same process as soap making where a fat becomes solid).
The best thing you can do is to truly cleanse your body using the proper protocol, at a minimum do a raw food or juice based cleanse that includes parasite removal herbs and protocol, once a year. In addition, you can add some herbs periodically throughout the year, to give your body added support. Of course, it is best to use these herbs along with a healthy plant based, low fat, whole foods diet. Also, always be sure to check with your personal health care provider before making any changes to your diet, or taking any herbs. Especially if you are currently on any medications or are pregnant/nursing.
Here Are Five Herbs You Can Use For Digestive Support
1. Cascara Sagrada: This herb has been in the United States Pharmacopoeia since 1890. Early plant chemists identified the key active constituents in cascara sagrada bark as aloe-emodin, barbaloin cascarosides A and B, and emodin. These compounds gently stimulate peristalsis to keep food moving through the digestive system. Several studies have shown that cascara sagrada is effective in easing chronic constipation. It is a much more gentle way to support your body than to use a harsh chemical laxative like Miralax for example.
2. Barberry Root: Contains a bitter alkaloid called berberine that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver health. It also helps regulate the digestive processes and improve insulin sensitivity. Another alkaloid in Barberry Root is berbamine, which is antibacterial and has shown to be effective against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli. It is incredibly beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. Barberry has also been shown to have a positive effect on high blood pressure, and to stimulate instestinal movement for natural colon cleansing.
3. Fresh Ginger:Â Ginger is a strong COX 2 inhibitor, which means it can help reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract. I highly recommend juicing fresh ginger on a regular basis, or grating some into a tea cup and covering with hot water. Then steeping it for about 10 minutes, and drink as a warm tea.
4. Fennel Seed:Â Fennel Seed is considered a carminative herb that helps reduce gas, indigestion, intestinal disorders, and nausea. It has been proven effective to help break up kidney stones and uric acid in the tissues, which can be very helpful for people with gout. Fennel seed is also effective in: clearing mucus from the intestinal tract and lungs; and eliminating some toxins from the gallbladder and liver.
5. Terminalia Chebula: The Tibetan “King of Medicines”, and one of the prime Ayurvedic herbs used in India because of its extraordinary healing powers. This herb is often used as a natural colon cleanser to help with constipation, digestive orders, ulcers, vomiting, colic, and hemorrhoids.
I buy most of my herbs on Amazon and use a variety of brands. Here are my affiliate links to the ones I personally use, for your convenience.
