‘Cascara and Dong quai Combination Tea'
Composition Dong quai, Ginger, Cascara sagrada, Barberry, Turkey rhubarb, Fennel, Gold seal leaf, Red raspberry, Capsicum
Properties Purgative, Cholagogue, Carminative, Antispasmodic.
General description
Cascara and Dong quai combination is a purgative formula. It enhances the eliminative and detoxifying functions of the body. The herbs are purgative, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile, and reduce smooth muscle cramps.
Chinese herbalists would describe this herbal combination as a wood reducing formula. It also reduces the fire and metal elements while enhancing the earth and water elements.
Cascara and Dong quai combination has traditionally been used to treat constipation, jaundice, liver imbalances and weak digestion.
This formula is commonly used in conjunction with Psyllium, dandelion, fruit juice, lactobacillus acidophilus, digestive enzyme supplements, the vitamin C family, the complex of B vitamins and vitamin A.
· 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 surrounding each pupil. Use caution in cases of diarrhea and pregnancy. Do not use before surgery.
∞ Individual Components
—Dong quai root— contains aromatic compounds that relieve smooth muscle spasms especially in the uterus, have a sedative effect and increase the production of digestive fluids. It also contains bitter compounds that regulate glycogen production in the liver, reduce pain and inflammation, increase blood flow especially to the heart, lower blood cholesterol, normalize uterine contractions and are antiseptic. Dong quai is an excellent herbal source of iron, magnesium and niacin. It has been used to treat anemia, abdominal pains, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, arthritis, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, indigestion and headaches.
—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.
—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.
—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.
—Capsicum fruit— 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.
—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.
—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.
—Red raspberry leaf— contains astringent compounds that relieve pain and shrink inflamed tissues, especially in the female reproductive system. It also contains bitter compounds that relieve smooth muscle spasms. Red raspberry is an excellent herbal source of manganese. It has been used to treat morning sickness, nausea, dysmenorrhea, false labor, colds, flu and fevers.
—Psyllium— is used as a diuretic; treat bloody urine, coughing and high blood pressure, a bulk laxative, peristaltic activity in the bowel, candida infections and chronic yeast infections.
—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.
—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.
—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.
—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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Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Dong quai, cascara sagrada, turkey rhubarb, golden seal leaf, capsicum, ginger, barberry, fennel, red raspberry. Steep 2 to 3 minute add honey.
Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Dong quai, cascara sagrada, turkey rhubarb, golden seal leaf, capsicum, ginger, barberry, fennel, red raspberry, and add 1 teaspoon of any one of these herbs [Psyllium, dandelion, fruit juice, lactobacillus acid, digestive enzyme supplement, the vitamin C family, the complex of B vitamin and vitamin A]. Steep 2 to 3 minute add honey.
Recipe:
Recipe:
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Generated on February 27, 2009
Updated on October 14, 2009
