‘Combination Tea’

Ø  Composition

Cascara sagrada                               Ginger

Buckthorn                                         Couch grass

Licorice                                              Red clover

Barberry                                            Turkey rhubarb

Capsicum

Ø  Properties

Purgative

Carminative

Cholagogue

Antispasmodic

Ø   General description

Cascara combination is a purgative formula.  It is a colon stimulant that enhances elimination. The herbs are purgative, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile, reduce smooth muscle cramps and promote the growth of friendly colonic bacteria.

Chinese herbalists would describe this herbal combination as an internal attacking or wood reducing formula.  It also reduces the fire and metal elements while enhancing the earth and water elements.

Cascara combination has traditionally been used to treat constipation, dry stool, obesity, fevers, skin inflammations, jaundice and liver dysfunction.

This formula is commonly used in conjunction with Psyllium hulls, fruit juices, lactobacillus acidophilus, digestive enzyme supplements, Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex.

·        Imbalances: indicating the use of this formula are commonly noted in the colon acupressure point located halfway between the navel and the right hip bone.  Imbalances are often noted just outside the nerve wreaths surround each pupil Use caution in cases of pregnancy, diarrhea and a weakened constitution.  Do not use before surgery.

∞      Individual Components

---Cascara sagrada bark--- is perhaps the most famous herbal laxative.  It contains bitter compounds that increase peristalsis, are purgative, increase the release of bile and promote the growth of friendly colonic bacteria.  Cascara is used to treat constipation, dyspepsia, liver congestion, gallstones, hemorrhoids, jaundice and intestinal parasites.

---Buckthorn bark--- contains bitter compounds that increase peristalsis, are purgative and increase the release of bile. It has been used to treat constipation, fevers, inflammatory skin conditions, rheumatism, hemorrhoids and intestinal parasites.

 ---Licorice root--- contains bitter compounds that reduce inflammation, decrease the thickness and increase the production of mucosal fluids and relieve muscle spasms.  In addition, licorice stimulates adrenal functions, reduces the urge to cough, is mildly laxative and enhances immune response.  It has been used to treat coughs, colds, arthritis, asthma, peptic ulcers, Addison’s disease, dropsy and atherosclerosis.

---Barberry--- contains bitter compounds that improve the efficiency of digestion, stimulate the production of bile, dilate blood vessels and produce a mild laxative effect.  It also contains astringent compounds that tighten inflamed tissues in the digestive system.  Barberry has been used in cases of jaundice, dyspepsia, constipation and gallstones.

---Capsicum--- contains aromatic resins that increase blood circulation, promote sweating, increase the production of digestive fluids and reduce muscle spasms.  It has been used to treat flatulence, colic, ulcers, rheumatic arthritis, cold hands and feet and dropsy.

---Ginger root--- contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. It also contains bitter compounds that reduce muscle spasms increase blood circulation and dilate blood vessels.  Ginger is an excellent herbal source of trace minerals especially silicon, magnesium, and manganese.  It has been used to treat nausea, motion sickness, flatulence, colds, coughs, indigestion, fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic bronchitis and cold hands and feet.

---Couch grass--- contains bitter compounds that increase the flow of urine and are antiseptic.  It has been used to treat urinary tract infections, arthritis and rheumatism.

---Red clover flower--- contains bitter compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile.  These compounds also shrink inflammation and relieve pains.  Red clover is an excellent herbal source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium,  It has been used to treat arthritis, jaundice, liver congestion, muscle cramps and inflammatory skin conditions.

---Turkey rhubarb--- stem contains bitter compounds that are purgative and increase the release of bile. It has been used to treat constipation, jaundice, and inflammatory skin conditions.

---Psyllium hulls--- is used as a diuretic, treat bloody urine, coughing and high blood pressure, a bulk laxative, peristaltic activity in the bowel, candida infections and chonic yeast infections.

---Vitamin C--- is an antioxidant that is required for at least three hundred metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums.  It also aids in the production of antistress hormones and interferon, an important immune system protein, and is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C can reduce symptoms of asthma.  It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity.  Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.  It can combine with toxic substances, such as certain heavy metals, and render them harmless so that they can be eliminated from the body.

---Vitamin B complex--- help to maintain the health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function.  

  ---References--- “Medical Herbalism” The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine By – David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG; ISBN: 0-89281-749-6 Copyright 2003

  ---References--- “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen; ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

  ---References--- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” Fourth Edition a practical A to Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs and food supplements By – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; ISBN: 1-58333-236-7 Copyright 2006

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Ø  Recipe:  Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Cascara sagrada, buckthorn, licorice root, barberry, capsicum,, ginger, couch grass, red clover, turkey rhubarb. Steep 5 to 10 minute add honey.

Ø  Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Cascara sagrada, buckthorn, licorice root, barberry, capsicum,, ginger, couch grass, red clover, turkey rhubarb, and add 1 teaspoon of any one of these herbs [Psyllium hulls, fruit juices]. Steep 5 to 10 minute add honey.

Ø  Recipe:

Ø  Recipe: