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Spring Clean Your Body 

by Karyn Siegel-Maier

This article appeared in part in Delicious! magazine.

Most of us associate the dawning of spring with renewal, rebirth and rejuvenation. It's the time of year we launch a campaign to eliminate dirt and clutter from our closets, attics and that daunting abyss under the refrigerator.

Unfortunately, we sometimes neglect to purify our first home, the place where we live — our own body. Just as turning mattresses and washing draperies helps spruce up a home, periodic internal cleansing of the body can improve intestinal/colon function and help restore optimum health.

You may wonder why it might be necessary to purge our internal plumbing in the first place. When you consider that we're exposed to more than 60,000 synthetic chemicals each year, and new ones at a rate of nearly three per day, the answer becomes quite clear. We need to eliminate toxins, specifically those introduced by food additives, pesticides, environmental pollutants and even those produced by the body as a result of its normal metabolic functions.

Just like the kitchen sink, our intestines can become burdened with too much waste blocking the path of elimination. Herbalist Leeann Rohde of Edmonds, Wash., underscores this point: "You must consider your intestinal system as your waste disposal plant. Your waste products must be eliminated so they aren't reabsorbed into the blood." If these harmful waste products are allowed to metabolize in the body, toxicity can result.

Many herbalists and physicians agree intestinal detoxification should be induced at least once each year, preferably in spring when lifestyle changes are likely to promote the process. However, since dietary patterns vary, the need for intestinal cleansing may vary between individuals. Lucas Kyle, N.D., who practices in Maggie Valley, N.C., and is vice president of the All Natural Healthcare Association, says the element of frequency "is an issue that's highly debated. Cleansing should be done as deemed necessary by someone monitoring your situation on a regular basis." Regular visits to your health care provider, during which you can report symptoms of possible toxicity, will help him or her construct a detoxification plan based on your particular needs.

The Colon Cleansers
Derived from the Spanish meaning "sacred bark," Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshianus) is an age-old remedy for alleviating constipation. Seventeenth-century Spanish explorers learned to use cascara from North American natives who made a constipation remedy from the boiled, mashed bark. In 1878, a pharmaceutical company marketed a fluid extract of cascara bark to relieve chronic constipation. Because cascara bark is so potent in its fresh state, it should be aged for one year or more before it's used in a preparation.

Cascara's success as an effective and fast-acting laxative is due to the presence of hydroxy-anthraquinone glycosides called cascarosides. These agents increase peristalsis (contractions of the large intestine) and bile secretion from the liver. In a clinical study involving 1,200 patients about to undergo a radiographic study, the combination of cascara and a saline purge produced a significant cleansing effect in 52 to 80 percent of them (Gastrointestinal Radiology, 1982, vol. 7, no. 4). According to Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., the most effective form of cascara is the aromatic fluid extract.

Senna (Cassia acutifolia), a member of the bean family, has an action similar to cascara and is considered the most powerful of laxatives, containing from 1.5 to 3 percent dianthrone-type glycosides called sennosides. For this reason, senna is often combined with carminative (gas-eliminating) herbs or diluted with more gentle laxatives such as bulk psyllium or cascara. The active agents of senna are found in the leaves and pods. The seeds are usually removed from the pods because they're considered irritating.

In 1977, the Bristol University Department of Medicine studied the effect of senna as a dietary supplement on 13 healthy adults. Researchers found that stool form and frequency improved, colonic pH was reduced and SCFAs, particularly butyrate, increased (Gut, 1997, vol. 41).

A word of caution: Use of laxative herbs such as cascara and senna that contain anthraquinone-type glycosides should be limited to short periods of time, as dependency may develop.

There are more than 250 species of plantago, but psyllium (Plantago psyllium) and Indian plantago seed (Plantago ovata) are the more popular plants used for intestinal cleansing. In fact, they often appear on the labels of commercially prepared laxatives. The seed husks of both herbs contain a mucilage that acts as a bulk laxative by expanding 8 to 14 times their original size when introduced to water. In the intestines, this means larger stool formation, which carries off toxins and excess fats. Other mucilagenous herbs such as plantain seed (P. lanceolata) can also be used as bulk laxatives.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), also known as una de gato, is a species native to the Peruvian rainforest. While evidence of this herb's therapeutic benefits is mainly anecdotal, research from Germany and Italy suggest cat's claw effectively checks environmental toxin poisoning and bowel/intestinal disorders. Researchers have isolated oxindole alkaloids, which promote phagocytosis, the process that triggers white blood cells to attack abnormal cells, harmful bacteria and intestinal toxins. Other phytochemicals found in cat's claw include proanthocyanidins (powerful antioxidants), triterpenes and quinovic glycocides, further contributing to its antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Herbal Crafting & Cooking

April 8: Festival Hill’s Herbal Seminars Series: Herbs for a Healthful Life. Round Top, TX.. Seminar includes buffet luncheon, printed materials and supplies, tastings, a garden tour and Festival Hill plant treasures. $60 per person, 10 AM-3PM. Contact: The Herbal Forum at Round Top, P.O. Box 23 Round Top, TX 78954. Ph: 979-249-3973. Fax: 979-249-3961.

April 8-9: Dietary Supplement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) Seminar. Gaithersburg.  Two day intensive program exploring key regulatory and legal aspects of GMPs for dietary supplements. Website: www.aacseminars.com.

April 8-May 20: Austin School of Herbal Studies' 8-Session Herbal Intensive Course. Austin, TX. Learn about herbs that can be useful for several systems of the body, make your own herbal medicines, and experience the magic of being in the garden. Classes meet on Tuesday evenings: 6:30-9:30pm (except Saturday, May 3rd.). The entire series is $335 and individual classes are $45 each. Fees include: class instruction, herbal preparations, handouts, and homemade herbal foods. Ph: 512-301-5838. Website: www.ezherbs.net.

April 9-14: Comprehensive Cancer Care 2003. Washington, DC. Overviews of cancer care crucial to the integrative approach, new research in  complementary and alternative therapies, workshops , and presentations. Ph: 202-966-7338. Website: www.cmbm.org.

April 10-11: Dietary Supplement Labeling Seminar. Gaithersburg. This two day intensive labeling program will pesent the FDA requirements for dietary supplement labeling from the perspective of those who review labels to determine compliance. Website: www.aacseminars.com.

April 10-13: Elena Avila, Curandera, Workshop. Murcia, Spain. This Spanish-language workshop will take place at an 18th C country house—women only this weekend! Website: www.Elena-curandera.com.

April 12: Commercial Hemp Symposium 2003. London, Ontario, Canada. Sponsored by the Ontario Hemp Alliance, this year's theme is "5 years, 50 lessons and 500 Opportunities - the History and Future of Industrial Hemp Use in Canada." Ph: 519-439-9706. Website: www.jalondon.org.

April 16: Herb Days at Festival Hill. Round Top, TX. Tours begin at 11am with a luncheon and lecture and last until 2pm. $30 per person. Contact: The Herbal Forum at Round Top, P.O. Box 23, Round Top, TX 78954. Ph: 979-249-3973. Fax: 979-249-3961.

April 23: Festival Hill’s Herbal Seminars series: Glorious Spring Herbs. Round Top, TX.. Seminar includes buffet luncheon, printed materials and supplies, tastings, a garden tour and Festival Hill plant treasures. $60 per person, 10 AM-3PM. Contact: The Herbal Forum at Round Top, P.O. Box 23 Round Top, TX 78954. Ph: 979-249-3973. Fax: 979-249-3961.

April 23-25: Conference on Medicinal Plants and Their Uses. London, UK. Presented by the Association of Applied Biologists and the Institute of Horticulture, Imperial College, London. Website: www.aab.org.uk/

April 24: Austin School of Herbal Studies presents "More Joy, Less Stress with Bach Flower Essences." Austin, TX. Learn about the Bach philosophy and history, and how to put together individualized remedies for mental and emotional growth. The $25 fee includes a free book, a tube of Rescue Remedy, and a personalized remedy. Ph: 512-301-5838. Website: www.ezherbs.net.

April 26: ABC's Medicinal HerbFest. Austin, TX. Tour herb gardens, learn to identify, grow and use medicinal herbs, and enjoy live music and other festivities at the American Botanical Council's Medicinal HerbFest at ABC’s beautiful Case Mill Homestead. Presentations and classes will include the latest on herbal medicine with Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of ABC, as well as classes and sample products from renowned local herbalists and gardeners. 10am-5pm. Contact: ABC, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78737. Ph: 512-926-4900.

April 25-27: Natural Remedies for Psychiatric Disorders: Considering the Alternatives. Boston, MA. This course, presented by the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, will present a synthesis of the state of knowledge from research on the application, efficacy, and safety of herbal psychotropic medications as well as acupuncture, relaxation therapy, and spirituality. Websites: www.cme.hms.harvard.edu, www.MGHpsychEd.org.

April 30: Herb Days at Festival Hill. Round Top, TX. Tours begin at 11am with luncheon and lecture and last until 2pm. $30 per person. Contact: The Herbal Forum at Round Top, P.O. Box 23 Round Top, TX 78954. Ph: 979-249-3973. Fax: 979-249-3961.

Source: American Botanical Council (ABC)

DISCLAIMER:  The contents herein are not intended and should not be construed as being in any form or manner an attempt at diagnosis, therapy or medical advice. While the editors and contributors strive for accuracy, neither collectively nor individually do we assume responsibility for injury and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied, for any products or services mentioned herein. If a medical condition exists, we suggest that you seek competent attention and or/counseling by a qualified health practitioner.

Copyright 2003, The Herbal Muse Press