‘Chickweed and Cascara Combination Tea'
Composition Chickweed, Gotu kola, Cascara sagrada, Hawthorn berries, Licorice, Papaya, Safflower, Fennel, Parthenium, Dandelion, Black walnut,
Properties Laxative, Diuretic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Demulcent
General description
Chickweed and Cascara combination is used to eliminate excess weight. The formula enhances the eliminative and detoxifying functions. The herbs are laxative, increase the flow of urine, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes and soothe inflamed tissues.
Chinese herbalists would describe this herbal combination as a wood reducing formula. It also reduces the metal and water elements while enhancing the earth and fire.
Chickweed and Cascara combination has traditionally been used to treat obesity, constipation, arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions.
This formula is commonly used in conjunction with parsley, alfalfa, pumpkin seed, the complex of B vitamins, vitamin A and 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. J Imbalances are often noted at the 7:30 position of the right iris. Use caution in cases of gastrointestinal weakness and impaired kidney function.
∞ Individual Components
—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.
—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.
—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.
—Safflowers—- 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.
—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.
—Black walnut hull— 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.
—Gotu kola— contains bitter compounds that have a sedative effect, dilate peripheral blood vessels and increase the flow of urine. It is an excellent herbal source of niacin, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon and sodium. Gotu kola has been used to treat insomnia, failing memory, schizophrenia, fever, headaches and inflammatory skin conditions.
—Hawthorn berries— contain bitter compounds that increase coronary blood flow and myocardial metabolism allowing the heart to function with less oxygen. These compounds also lower blood pressure by decreasing cardiac output and dilating peripheral blood vessels. It has been used to treat hypertension, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, blood clots and insomnia.
—Papaya— contains Proteolytic enzymes that enhance protein digestion. It has been used to treat indigestion, flatulence, nausea and belching.
—Fennel seed— contains aromatic compounds that stimulate the production of digestive fluids, relieve inflammation, are antiseptic, make one breathe deeply and more often and increase the flow of urine. It has been used to treat indigestion, dyspepsia, anorexia, colic, flatulence, coughs and colds.
—Dandelion root— 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.
—Parsley— contains aromatic compounds that decrease the thickness and increase the production of mucosal fluids, increase the production of digestive fluids and increase menstrual and urine flow. It also contains bitter compounds that reduce muscle spasms and pains, reduce blood pressure and are antiseptic. Parsley is an excellent herbal source of trace minerals especially the electrolyte minerals including sodium, excellent herbal source of vitamin A, vitamin C and chlorophyllins. Parsley has been used to treat urinary tract infections, amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, dyspepsia, bronchitis, allergies, arthritis, asthma, flatulence, dysuria and nephritis.
—Alfalfa— contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of digestion by increasing appetite and the assimilation of nutrients. These compounds also lower blood pressure and balance estrogenic hormones. Alfalfa is an excellent herbal source of vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B-1. The herb has been used to treat debility, anorexia, arthritis, weak digestion, hypertension and gout.
—Pumpkin seed— contains bitter compounds that are anthelmintic and antiseptic. It is an excellent herbal source of zinc. Pumpkin has been used to treat intestinal worms, parasites and dysmenorrhea.
—Vitamin A— Prevents night blindness and other eye problems, as well as some skin disorders, such as acne. It enhances immunity, may help to heal gastrointestinal ulcers, and is needed for the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissue, of which the skin and mucous membranes are composed.
—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.
—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
—References—
—References—
—References—
Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Chickweed, gotu kola, cascara sagrada, hawthorn, licorice, papaya, safflower, fennel, parthenium, dandelion, black walnut. Steep 5 to 10 minute add honey.
Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Chickweed, gotu kola, cascara sagrada, hawthorn, licorice, papaya, safflower, fennel, parthenium, dandelion, black walnut and add 1 teaspoon of any one of these herbs [Parsley, Alfalfa, pumpkin seed]. Steep 5 to 10 minute add honey.
Recipe:
Recipe:
| Note: Information and statements about the products on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, sure, or prevent any disease. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Send us an email |  |
Generated on February 27, 2009
Updated on October 14, 2009
