Friday, July 24, 2009

CleanStart, Popular Cleansing Product

 Clean Start

CleanStart® is a two-week program that helps to cleanse, nourish and rejuvenate the whole body, especially the digestive system. It contains laxative herbs to facilitate the cleansing of the intestinal tract. Soothing herbs in the formula help support cleansing while soothing the digestive system. Herbs that rekindle the ability of the digestive system to properly handle digestion, absorption and waste elimination are also part of this product. Lactobacillus spores aid in re-establishing the balance of these beneficial organisms.

The digestive system is not alone in the waste elimination process. For this reason, herbs for detoxifying the accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas and the urinary tract) are incorporated into this formula. Blood purification is also an important aspect of body cleansing; hence, reputable blood-purifying herbs are components of the product. Adequate water intake is recommended during the cleansing program to help in waste elimination and to replenish losses.

The Laxatives
Psyllium (Plantago ovata) and fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) function as bulkforming laxatives. Psyllium contains the highest level of soluble dietary fiber of any grain source, and is the chief ingredient in many commonly used bulk laxatives. The laxative properties of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes into contact with water. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.1 Fenugreek seeds contain about 50% dietary fiber and may have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal transit.

Additional laxative herbs in this formula include cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana), yellow dock (Rumex crispus), buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), Turkey rhubarb (Rheum officinale) and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis). They help remove toxic debris that builds up in the colon.

Anthraquinones, the active component in these laxative herbs, are absorbed from the large intestine and circulated through the blood. Anthraquinones stimulate the secretion of electrolytes and water from the lumen of the small intestine and inhibit their absorption by the large intestine.2,3 They also stimulate a nerve center in the lower intestine, which promotes elimination.4,5

Soothing Herbs
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) help to alleviate the harsh effects of the stimulant laxatives without interfering with their beneficial effects. Marshmallow root contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that help protect and soothe tissues. The soothing action of marshmallow in the digestive tract helps reduce irritation.6,7 Licorice is thought to have soothing properties.6

Purifying Herbs
Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis), red clover (Trifolium pratense), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), burdock (Arctium lappa), Oregon grape (Bereris aquifolium) and couch grass (Agropyron repens) are purifying herbs in this product. They are recommended for periodic “spring cleaning” of the blood. They bind to and neutralize toxins. They individually and collectively purify the blood.8 Their mild diuretic effects help increase urine flow and aid in the elimination of urea and toxins. Sarsaparilla, through its sweat-promoting properties, enhances toxin elimination from the lymph and circulatory systems.9 Burdock is restorative both to the liver and the gallbladder.10

Detoxifying Ingredients
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) are both detoxifying herbs. They have great beneficial effects on the gallbladder and liver, the body’s center for detoxification. Milk thistle is believed to protect and rejuvenate the liver cells. 11

Dandelion improves the flow of bile.12 Dandelion also contains choline, which may account for its liver tonic properties.12 Dandelion has a potent diuretic effect.11

Bentonite and sodium copper chlorophyllin provide additional detoxification capabilities. Bentonite adsorbs toxins, and because it is not digestible, it holds onto the toxins and is eliminated in the feces. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a green pigment found in almost all plants. It has been used to aid in the removal of various toxins via the liver and remains a key compound for improving the function of essential detoxification pathways.13 Chlorophyllin is a deodorizer, helpful in controlling body odors;14 thus many herbalists use it to complete a digestive system cleanse.

Other Ingredients
Other herbs and ingredients that help restore the function of the digestive system include pepsin, capsicum (Capsicum annuum) and potassium citrate. Pepsin augments digestive secretion of this protein-digesting enzyme. Anytime a deficiency of proteolytic enzymes exists, bits of undigested protein may remain in the body. Capsicum is used to improve digestion and soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Potassium citrate plays a role in gastric secretion and enzyme reactions, helping to support digestion.

Get more CleanStart® information and purchase at wholesale prices.

References
1. Leung AY and Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 1996;2d ed.:427-429.
2. Izzo AA, Mascolo N, Capasso F. Nitric oxide as a modulator of intestinal water and electrolyte transport. Dig Dis Sci 1998 Aug;43(8):1605-20.
3. The German Commission E. Monograph. Banz no.228 dated 05.12.1985.
4. Yang WX, Jin ZG, Xu WS, Tian ZS, Guo SD. Effects of sennosides on cellular electric activities in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig taenia coli. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1993 Sep;14(5):430-2.
5. Mowery, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc. 1986:58.
6. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2007.
7. PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000.
8. Seidel, K.; Knobloch, H.; “Nachweis and Vergllichder antiphlogistischen wirkung antirheumatischer medikamete.” Z fur Rheum. 1989; 55: 566-567.
9. Mowrey, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc. 1987.
10. Castleman, M. The Healing Herbs, The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press 1991: 297.
11. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Bisset, N.G. [Ed.]. Stuttgard: Medpharm Scientific Publishers 1994: 121.
12. Murray, M.T. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing 1995: 302.
13. Fahey, J. W., Stephenson, K. K., Dinkova-Kostova, A. T., Egner, P. A., Kensler, T. W., and Talalay, P. Chlorophyll, chlorophyllin and related tetrapyrroles are significant inducers of mammalian phase 2 cytoprotective genes. Carcinogenesis 2005;26(7):1247-1255.
14. Young RW; Beregi JS Jr. Use of chlorophyllin in the care of geriatric patients. J Am Geriatr Soc, 28(1):46-7 1980 Jan.


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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Ginkgo Reduces Neuropathic Pain


An extract of ginkgo biloba shows scientific evidence of effectiveness against one common and hard-to-treat type of pain, according to animal data reported in the June issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS).

Dr. Yee Suk Kim and colleagues of The Catholic University of Seoul, South Korea, performed experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of ginkgo against neuropathic pain, a common pain problem associated with herpes zoster, limb injury, or diabetes. Affected patients may feel severe pain in response to harmless stimuli like heat, cold, or touch.

The study provides no evidence as to how ginkgo works to reduce pain. Several mechanisms are possible, including antioxidant activity, an anti-inflammatory effect, or protection against nerve injury—perhaps in combination.

Many herbs and "alternative" drugs are commonly used without prescriptions for a wide range of purposes, despite a lack of scientific evidence for health claims. Ginkgo, one of the most popular herbal products, is widely used as a memory enhancer, among other purposes.

The new study provides the first scientific evidence that ginkgo has a real effect in reducing neuropathic pain. New treatments are needed for neuropathic pain, which does not always respond well to available treatments.

Source: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605175332.html


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