‘Combination Tea’

Ø  Composition

Gentian                                 Safflower

Irish moss                            Yellow dock

Cascara sagrada                  Barberry

Golden seal leaf                   Dandelion

Fenugreek                            Buchu

Comfrey                               Chickweed

Black walnut                        Catnip

Parthenium                          Cyani flower

Myrrh

Ø  Properties

Laxative                                 Antiseptic

Diuretic                                 Immunostimulant

Carminative                          Antispasmodic

Cholagogue

Ø   General description

Gentian and Cascara combination is used after a digestive system purge to eliminate residual toxins from the body.  The formula enhances the detoxifying and eliminative functions of the liver, colon and kidneys.  The herbs are laxative, increase the flow of urine, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile, and relieve smooth muscle spasms.  In addition, the herbs are antiseptic and enhance immune response.

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

Gentian and Cascara combination has traditionally been used to treat infectious fevers, jaundice, hepatitis, diabetes, obesity, swollen glands, lymphatic, inflammations, hemorrhoids, eczema and ulcers.

This formula is commonly used in conjunction with the vitamin C family.

·        Imbalances: indicating the use of this formula are commonly noted in the colon acupressure point located approximately four inches to the right of the navel.  Imbalances are often noted surrounding the nerve wreath of each pupil.  Use caution in cases of anemia, emaciation, vertigo and chronic debility.

∞      Individual Components

---Gentian--- contains bitter compounds that increase appetite by enhancing the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, particularly bile.  It is an excellent herbal source of vitamin B-1, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.  Gentian has been used to treat anorexia, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, indigestion and gallstones.

---Irish moss--- contains mucilaginous compounds that enhance the detoxifying and eliminative functions of the digestive system.  These compounds absorb toxins from the bowel and provide bulk to the stool.  Irish moss is an excellent herbal source of the electrolyte minerals including calcium, magnesium, sodium and iodine.  Iodine is essential to normal thyroid function.  It is used to increase the metabolic rate and strengthen connective tissues including the hair, skin and nails.  Irish moss has been used to treat enlarged glands, debility, fatigue, eczema, psoriasis, dry cough and nosebleeds.

 ---Cascara sagrada--- 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.

---Golden seal leaf--- contains, bitter, astringent alkaloids that normalize liver and spleen functions by increasing the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, particularly bile. The compounds are antiseptic, constrict peripheral blood vessels, especially in the uterus, are laxative and relieve pain and inflammation in mucosal tissue.  Golden seal leaf is an excellent herbal source of trace minerals including cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc.  It is also an excellent herbal source of vitamin C.  It has been used to treat hepatitis, gastritis, colitis, ulcers, menorrhagia, postpartum hemorrhages, dysmenorrhea, diabetes, infections, hemorrhoids, eczema, obesity and fevers.

---Fenugreek--- contains mucilaginous compounds that decrease the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluids and soothe inflamed tissue.  It also contains bitter compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes and have a mild laxative effect.  Fenugreek is an excellent herbal source of iron and selenium.  It has been used to treat bronchitis, dyspepsia, fevers, ulcers, respiratory tract infections, anorexia and gastritis.

---Comfrey--- contains mucilaginous compounds that decrease the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluid.  These compounds increase the production of digestive fluids, decrease bowel transit time and absorb toxins from the bowel.  Comfrey also contains astringent compounds that soothe inflamed tissue.  It is an excellent source of allantoin, which promotes healing.  Comfrey has been used to treat colitis, weak digestion, bronchitis, rheumatism, diarrhea and inflammatory skin conditions.

---Black walnut--- contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues of the digestive system.  It also contains bitter compounds that are antifungal and decrease the secretion of fluids in the digestive system.  Black walnut has been used to treat hemorrhoids, inflammatory skin conditions, colitis, intestinal worms and parasites and fevers.

---Parthenium--- contains mucilaginous compounds that increase immune response, sequester infection and soothe inflamed tissue.  Parthenium also contains bitter compounds that increase immune response by increasing the production of T-lymphocytes, phagocytic macrophages, interferons and lymphokines.  Parthenium has been used to treat wounds, infections, blood poisoning, inflammatory skin conditions and tonsillitis.

---Myrrh--- contains astringent resins that promote the healing of sores.  These compounds shrink inflamed tissue, are antiseptic and reduce pain in mucous membranes.  Myrrh also decreases the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluids.  It has been used to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, dysmenorrhea, rheumatism and arthritis.

---Safflower--- contains bitter compounds that increase the production and release of bile.  It is an excellent herbal source of unsaturated fatty acids. Safflower has been used to treat liver congestion, gallstones, gout, scarlet fever, indigestion and amenorrhea.

---Yellow dock--- contains bitter compounds that are laxative, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile, and increase the flow of urine.  It also contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues.  Yellow dock is an excellent herbal source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium.  It has been used to treat liver congestion, constipation, arthritis, rheumatism, inflammatory bowel disorders and inflammatory skin conditions.

---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.

---Dandelion--- 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.

---Buchu--- contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of urine and are antiseptic. It also contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues.  Buchu has been used to treat dysuria, urinary tract infections, gout, nephritis, arthritis and rheumatism.

---Chickweed--- contains mucilaginous compounds that absorb toxins from the bowel, soothe inflamed tissues, give bulk to the stool and increase the flow of urine.  These compounds also decrease the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluids.  Chickweed has been used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, inflammatory skin conditions and obesity.

---Catnip--- contains aromatic compounds that have a sedative effect, relieve smooth muscle spasms and induce sweating.  It has been used to treat coughs, colds, anxiety, colic, fevers, influenza, lung congestion and nausea. 

---Cyani flower--- contains bitter compounds that increase the flow of urine, are sedative, relieve smooth muscle spasms, dilate peripheral blood vessels and are antiseptic.  It has been used to treat fevers, inflammatory skin conditions, anxiety and urinary tract infection.

---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.  

  ---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 – Gentian, Irish moss, Cascara sagrada bark, Golden seal leaf, Fenugreek, Comfrey root, Black walnut hull, Parthenium, Myrrh, Safflower, Yellow dock, Barberry, Dandelion, Buchu, Chickweed, Catnip, Cyani flower. Steep 3 to 4 minute add honey.

Ø  Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Gentian, Irish moss, Cascara sagrada bark, Golden seal leaf, Fenugreek, Comfrey root, Black walnut hull, Parthenium, Myrrh, Safflower, Yellow dock, Barberry, Dandelion, Buchu, Chickweed, Catnip, Cyani flower and add 1 teaspoon of any one of these herbs [Vitamin C family]. Steep 3 to 4 minute add honey.

Ø  Recipe:

Ø  Recipe: