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Herbal DTX

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Chronic chemical poisoning (i.e., insecticide, pesticide, herbicide, artificial hormones and preservatives, chemical compounds, chemical solvents, plastics, cleaning products, pollutants, detergents, paint thinner, nail polish remover, new carpet fibers and any other products that may contain toxic fumes or fragrance)

* Chronic heavy metal poisoning (i.e., arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury)

* Chronic poisoning from air pollution (i.e., gas exhaust, fumes, perfumes, air freshener, burned plastic, and other airborne toxins)

* Chronic food poisoning (i.e., tetrodotoxin, snake, and mushrooms)

* Chronic poisoning from accumulation of drugs and their metabolites  

* Note: Do not use this formula to treat acute or serious poisoning conditions. Call 911 and send the patient to the nearest emergency room immediately.

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* General detoxification effect to treat chronic exposure to and accumulation of unwanted substances, such as toxic chemicals, herbicides and pesticides, allergens, heavy metals, drugs, and other industrial pollutants and contaminants

* Hepatoprotective effect to protect the liver

* Nephroprotective effect to protect the kidneys

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears heat and eliminates toxins

* Expels toxins through urine and stool

* Nourishes yin

* Tonifies Kidney and Heart

 

DOSAGE

Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily with a large glass of water for six to twelve months for optimal effect. This formula is ineffective if taken only for a short period of time. Do not use this formula to treat acute poisoning.

 

INGREDIENTS


Bai Mao Gen (Rhizoma Imperatae)

Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)

Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae)

Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae)

Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)

Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii)

Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae)

Lu Dou (Semen Phaseoli Radiati)


 

BACKGROUND

Poisoning is contact with a substance that causes toxicity. Acute poisoning generally has a direct cause-and-effect relationship, and is easy to diagnose and treat. Chronic poisoning is usually associated with long-term exposure to and accumulation of toxic substances, such as chemicals, herbicides and pesticides, allergens, heavy metals, drugs, and other industrial pollutants and contaminants. Chronic poisoning is difficult to identify as these toxic substances are ubiquitous in developed countries. The cause-and-effect relationship is hard to establish as substances become toxic with long-term exposure and accumulation, and not with one time contact. Therefore, detailed investigation into the personal life and medical history of the patient is absolutely necessary to identify the toxic substance. Optimal treatment requires avoidance of the toxic substances, and use of herbs to remove the toxic substance and manage the symptoms.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Herbal DTX is designed to treat various symptoms related to chronic exposure to and accumulation of different kinds of chemicals, allergens, heavy metals, drugs and other toxins. Patients may exhibit symptoms of heat sensation, low-grade fever or high fever, thirst, dry mouth, headache, nasal congestion, allergy, irritability, nausea, vomiting, turbid urination or disorientation.

        The key to treatment of poisoning is to accelerate the elimination of toxins in the body and protect the organs at the same time. Lu Dou (Semen Phaseoli Radiati) is sweet and cold, and clears heat and eliminates toxins. Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) is sweet and neutral, and is the most essential harmonizing herb to detoxify various substances. Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) is bitter and slightly cold, and has a great effect to invigorate blood and cleanse the toxicity from the blood. It also clears heat, reduces irritability and tranquilizes the Heart. Bai Mao Gen (Rhizoma Imperatae) is cold in property and clears heat and eliminates toxins through urination. It also prevents potential bleeding and protects the Kidney. Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae) clears heat, detoxifies and further helps Bai Mao Gen (Rhizoma Imperatae) to dispel toxins through the Kidney. Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) is sweet, and is mainly used for nourishing the Stomach yin and generating body fluids. It has a unique effect to create a protective layer in the stomach to prevent the absorption of toxins from the digestive tract. Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) is a purgative herb that detoxifies and purges heat simultaneously by invigorating blood circulation and purging downwards. Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) dispels internal Liver wind and is used to relieve stiffness, discomfort, and pain in the muscles associated with poisoning.

        Herbal DTX is an excellent formula for the prevention and treatment of overdose and accumulation of harmful chemicals and toxins. Herbal DTX eliminates toxins through urination and defecation, invigorates blood circulation to accelerate recovery, and strengthens the body to increase its natural defensive ability.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* This formula is not recommended for the following conditions:

¡± Patients with an acute overdose or severe poisoning should be treated in an emergency room or urgent care center. Call 911 and send the patient to the nearest emergency room immediately.

¡± Patients with hematuria (blood in the urine) should be treated with extreme caution because this symptom may indicate the possibility of significant damage to the kidney.

¡± Patients who are disorientated or having a seizure/epilepsy/convulsion associated with poisoning should consult their medical doctor immediately.

* This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising.[1]

* Patients with a sensitive stomach should take this formula with food. If stomach upset still occurs, reduce the dosage and increase the frequency.

* The following warning statement is required by the State of California: ¡§This product contains Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei). Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.¡¨

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* Herbal DTX is a good formula for individuals who have hypersensitivity to certain toxins, chemicals, and environmental factors because of its effect to eliminate the accumulation of toxins and enhance the functions of the liver and kidney. Herbal DTX contains herbs that will enhance the body¡¦s natural ability to break down and eliminate the buildup of toxins in the body. Herbal DTX is a gentle formula that gradually and continuously removes toxins from the body. It should be taken persistently for six to twelve months for optimal effect.

* General actions for acute poisoning are as follows:

¡± For inhaled poison, open the doors and windows and get the person fresh air as quickly as possible.

¡± For poison on the skin, remove the contaminated clothing and flood the skin with water for at least 10 minutes.

¡± For poison in the eye, flood the affected eye(s) with lukewarm water poured from a glass two to three inches from the eye(s) and repeat for 15 minutes.

¡± For swallowed poison, give a glass of water (two to eight ounces) immediately unless the person is unconscious, having convulsions, or cannot swallow. For more information, please contact the National Poison Control System at (800) 222-1222.

 

Pulse Diagnosis by Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang:

* Big pulse, a thick, expanding, forceful pulse on the left guan and both chi positions.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* For liver damage or hepatitis due to poisoning, add Liver DTX.

* For kidney damage or nephritis due to poisoning, add Kidney DTX.

* To detox the colon, add GI DTX.

* For general signs and symptoms of heat and excess conditions, add Gardenia Complex.

* For headaches, add Corydalin (AC) or Corydalin (CR).

* For toxicity manifesting in skin allergies, rashes or unexplainable itching of the skin, choose from Silerex, Dermatrol (Damp) or Dermatrol (Dry).

* For mild nasal congestion and post-nasal drip, add Magnolia Clear Sinus.

* For severe nasal obstruction with yellow and sticky discharge, add Pueraria Clear Sinus .

* For difficulty breathing and feeling of chest tightness, add Respitrol (Heat) or Respitrol (Deficient).

* For excess perspiration or fatigue, add Immune +.

* For diarrhea with weakness, add GI Tonic or GI Care II.

* Zhu Dan (Fel Porcus) and Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) can be added to detoxify poison in difficult cases. Dosage of Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) can be used up to 6 grams a day in addition to Herbal DTX to achieve desired effect.

* For unknown causes or strange symptoms of blood stagnation, add Circulation (SJ).

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* To improve liver functions to metabolize toxins: Xingjian (LR 2), Taichong (LR 3), Ganshu (BL 18), Danshu (BL 19), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Sanyinjiao (SP 6)

* To improve kidney functions to eliminate toxins: Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zhigou (TH 6), Shuifen (CV 9), Guanyuan (CV 4), Feishu (BL 13), Hegu (LI 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zusanli (ST 36)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Fenzhishang (T DT.01), Fenzhixia (T DT.02), Ganmen (T 33.11), Minghuang (T 88.12), Huoquan (T 88.16), Qihuang (T 88.14). Needle every day.

 

Master Tung¡¦s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Drugs, chemicals, heavy metal, toxin in the blood: Bleed Fenzhishang (T DT.01), Fenzhixia (T DT.02). Needle Jie (T 88.28).

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Dadun (LR 1), Yinbai (SP 1), Yongquan (KI 1), Hegu (LI 4), Zhongzhu (TH 3), Houxi (SI 3)

* Right side: Daling (PC 7), Lieque (LU 7), Lingdao (HT 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xialiao (BL 34)

* Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Drug addiction: Sympathetic, Shenmen, Kidney, Liver, Lower Lung, Anxious, Nervous Subcortex. Bleed Ear Apex.

 

NUTRITION

* Organic products are highly recommended for patients who are suffering from poisoning.

* Take Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement to restore normal balance of intestinal flora.

* Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins.

* Avoid preserved foods such as ham, canned food, and peanut butter.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Lead and copper poisoning: consume daily 1 pound of fresh water chestnuts with 1/4 pound of peach kernels.

* Allergic reaction to sulfites: drink daily 3 cups of broth made from boiling equal portions of lima and mung beans.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Exposure to the offending toxins should be avoided as much as possible. Do not drink tap water if it contains high levels of heavy metals. Avoid eating foods that contain preservatives, artificial hormones, herbicides, and pesticides. Minimize outdoor activities if the air quality is poor in order to avoid inhalation of air pollutants. Avoid all products that may contain artificial scents and flavor. Lastly, individuals with hypersensitivity should avoid the use and inhalation of certain chemicals, such as hair spray and perfumes.

* The work environment should also be considered when determining the cause of poisoning. Chronic poisoning is sometimes related to the work environment.

* Taking deep breaths for ten minutes each day can enhance the elimination process of toxins in the body.

 

CASE STUDIES

* C.F., a 30-year-old male, presented with shortness of breath and had been experiencing asthma attacks while drinking, smoking, and painting an outside fence. Objective findings included a red face, swollen red tongue with cracks, and dry red coating. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as toxic heat due to toxic chemicals; Western diagnosis was acute asthma attack. Herbal DTX was prescribed for treatment. After taking the herbs for two weeks the patient reported that his shortness of breath had improved. He had mentioned he was going to continue taking the herbs to help him more. Submitted by M.P., Muskego, Wisconsin.

* W.G., a 23-year-old male, presented with toxicity due to recreational drugs. The TCM diagnosis was toxic heat in the Liver as well as throughout the entire body. For treatment, Liver DTX and Herbal DTX were prescribed. The patient noticed a significant detoxification in response to taking both formulas. In comparison, he had noticed the Liver DTX working more through the urine and the Herbal DTX working throughout the entire body. He was very in-tune with his body and testified that these formulas were very helpful to his condition. Submitted by B.S., Niceville, Florida.

* This formula has been used with great success in China for treatment of drug overdose (sedatives and hypnotics), accidental ingestion of rat poison, and adverse reactions associated with Shang Lu (Radix Phytolaccae). This formula has been used with excellent results by itself, in combination with drug treatment, or following gastric lavage. Submitted by W.C., Shanxi, China.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Herbal DTX is designed to treat various kinds of chronic poisoning reactions, including but not limited to such toxins as environmental toxins, chemical compounds, heavy metals, drugs, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, gas exhaust, artificial hormones, air and water pollution. Acute poisonings are easy to diagnose, and are usually treated by physicians in the emergency room or urgent care center. Chronic poisonings, however, are far more difficult to diagnose as the signs and symptoms are often vague and non-conclusive. Chronic poisoning usually occurs following long-term exposure to toxic agents and their gradual accumulation in the body. Eventually, the accumulation of toxins will begin to interfere with the normal functions of the body to create various illnesses and diseases. Furthermore, since the liver and the kidneys are the two organs that are primarily responsible for metabolizing and eliminating foreign substances, it is extremely important to ensure that these organs are functioning properly. Individuals with chronic poisoning often have damaged liver and kidney functions. Therefore, optimal treatment must address both detoxification of the offending agent and healing of these two organs.

        Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) is one of the most commonly used herbs for treatment of overdose and poisoning reactions. It has been proposed that Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) should be used as the first agent in cases where the identity of the ingested poison or the specific antidote is unknown.[2] Research and clinical reports have all confirmed Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) to have a marked effect to reduce the toxicity of numerous agents, such as toxic foods and plants.[3],[4] More recently, it was reported that the use of Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) showed satisfactory results in treating 454 patients with various types of food poisoning.[5] In another report, 20 out of 22 patients with mushroom poisoning had complete recovery after being treated with an herbal decoction of Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae).[6] Furthermore, glycyrrhizin, generally considered one of the main constituents of Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae), has a marked detoxifying effect to treat various kinds of poisonings, including but not limited to drug poisoning (chloral hydrate, urethane, cocaine, picrotoxin, caffeine, pilocarpine, nicotine, barbiturates, mercury and lead), food poisoning (tetrodotoxin, snake, and mushrooms), and others (herbicides, pesticides, enterotoxin).[7],[8] In addition to Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae), Lu Dou (Semen Phaseoli Radiati) has been used to treat cases of pesticide poisoning with complete recovery after only three doses.[9]

        Herbal DTX also contains herbs that are effective for treating heavy metal poisoning. In one report, 278 patients were treated for arsenic poisoning with an herbal decoction twice daily consisting of Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Lu Dou (Semen Phaseoli Radiati), Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) and sugar. At the end of the 28-day treatment, 155 patients (55.76%) reported a significant improvement in subjective signs and symptoms, with normal levels of arsenic found through urinalysis.[10]

        Herbal DTX contains many herbs, such as Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae), Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) and Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), with marked hepatoprotective effects and can be used to treat various disorders related to the liver. In one report, 330 patients with hepatitis B were treated with glycyrrhizin with 77% effectiveness. The study reported that glycyrrhizin reduced the damage and death of liver cells, reduced inflammatory reaction, promoted the regeneration of liver cells, and decreased the risk of liver cirrhosis and necrosis.[11] The mechanism of action of Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) is attributed to the increase of enzyme cytochrome P450 in the liver, which is responsible for the protective effect of the herb on the liver against chemical- or tetrachloride-induced liver damage and liver cancer.[12] In addition, Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) is another herb with marked benefit to protect the liver and treat hepatitis. Administration of Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) is associated with a marked hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride by lowering liver enzyme levels.[13] The hepatoprotective function of Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) is due in part to its effect to improve blood circulation and promote regeneration of new liver cells.[14] Clinically, the use of Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) has been found to be 81.7% effective in treating acute viral hepatitis.[15] It is also used with great success in treating patients with chronic hepatitis.[16] Lastly, Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) can also be used to treat hepatitis and acute icteric hepatitis. Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) has a hepatoprotective effect by reducing the extent of liver damage (necrosis of hepatocytes), especially by carbon tetrachloride.[17] According to one study, 80 cases of acute icteric hepatitis were treated with a large dosage of Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) with 95% effective rate based on symptomatic evaluation and improvement of liver function.[18] According to another study, 67 patients with acute hepatitis A were treated with Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) resulted in recovery in 41 cases, significant improvement in 16 cases, moderate improvement in 7 cases, and no effect in 3 cases.[19]

        Herbal DTX also has many herbs with remarkable nephroprotective effects to protect the kidney and treat kidney related disorders, including but not limited to acute and chronic nephritis, acute and chronic glomerulonephritis, and toxic uremia. Pharmacologically, Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) shows nephroprotective activity as it effectively reduces blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in both in vitro and in vivo studies.[20] Clinically, an herbal formula with Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and others was effective in treating 20 patients with various degrees of renal impairment by reducing the blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels significantly.[21] Furthermore, one formula with Bai Mao Gen (Rhizoma Imperatae) as the main ingredient showed a marked effect for treating acute nephritis in children. Of 84 patients, 30 had complete recovery, 32 had significant improvement, 18 had moderate improvement, and 4 had no effect.[22] Chronic nephritis in 20 patients was treated with good success (significant improvement in 13 cases, moderate improvement in 2 cases, and slight improvement in 5 cases) using an herbal formula with Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) and other herbs in decoction.[23] For acute and chronic glomerulonephritis, one study of 60 patients reported 91.7% rate of effectiveness using an herbal decoction that contained Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) and other herbs.[24] Lastly, 46 patients with toxic uremia were treated with 87.5% rate of effectiveness using an herbal formula that contained Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) and others.[25]

        In summary, Herbal DTX contains many herbs that have been used successfully to treat overdose and poisoning by many substances, as stated in the paragraphs above. Furthermore, herbs in Herbal DTX prevent and treat disorders of the liver and kidney caused by the accumulation of foreign and toxic substances. By restoring the normal functions of the liver and kidney, Herbal DTX ensures the healing and recovery from toxic reactions.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

One striking difference between Western and traditional Chinese medicine is that Western medicine focuses on and excels in crisis management, while traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes on and shines in holistic and preventative treatments. Therefore, in emergencies, such as gunshot wounds or surgery, Western medicine is generally the treatment of choice. However, for treatment of chronic idiopathic illness of unknown origins, where all lab tests are normal and a clear diagnosis cannot be made, traditional Chinese medicine is distinctly superior.

        In cases of chronic poisoning (from chemicals, heavy metals, and various environmental toxins), there are often many vague, non-specific, non-diagnostic signs and symptoms accompanied by normal laboratory tests. Under these circumstances, Western medicine struggles to determine the exact diagnosis and corresponding treatments. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine is beneficial as it excels in regulating imbalances and alleviating associated signs and symptoms. This formula is extremely beneficial because many herbs in this formula have been shown to have a marked effect to detoxify various types of toxins, and to protect and restore normal functions of internal organs (liver and kidneys). This, however, is a gradual process that requires long-term commitment. Herbs should be taken continuously for 6 to 12 months for optimal success. By treating both symptoms and cause, herbal therapy effectively prevents deterioration and restores optimal health.

 



[1] Chan K, Lo AC, Yeung JH, Woo KS. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 1995 May;47(5):402-406.

[2] Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet) by Zhang Zhong-Jing in Eastern Han.

[3] Shang Hai Zhong Yi Yao Za Zhi (Shanghai Journal of Chinese Medicine and Herbology), 1964; 8:22.

[4] Fu Jian Zhong Yi Yao (Fujian Chinese Medicine and Herbology), 1965; 4:44.

[5] Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine), 1985; 2:34.

[6] Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine), 1978; 1:36.

[7] Zhong Yao Tong Bao (Journal of Chinese Herbology), 1986; 11(10):54.

[8] Zhong Yao Tong Bao (Journal of Chinese Herbology), 1986; 11(10):55.

[9] Zhe Jiang Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Zhejiang Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1965; 7:7.

[10] Xin Yi Xue (New Medicine), 1973; 7:6.

[11] Zhong Yao Tong Bao (Journal of Chinese Herbology), 1987; 9:60.

[12] Zhong Yao Tong Bao (Journal of Chinese Herbology), 1986; 11(10):55.

[13] Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1982; (1):67.

[14] Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi (Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine), 1983; 3(3):180.

[15] Shan Xi Zhong Yi (Shanxi Chinese Medicine), 1980; 6:15.

[16] Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi (Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine), 1984; 2:86.

[17] Zhong Guo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (People's Republic of China Journal of Chinese Herbology), 1989; 14(10):46.

[18] Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi (Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine), 1983; 1:19.

[19] Si Chuan Zhong Yi (Sichuan Chinese Medicine), 1994; (3):21.

[20] Chang Yong Zhong Yao Xian Dai Yan Jiu Yu Lin Chuang (Recent Study & Clinical Application of Common Traditional Chinese Medicine), 1995; 181:190.

[21] Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1981; 9:21.

[22] Yun Nan Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Yunan Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1986; (4):19.

[23] Zhong Yao Lin Chuan Xin Yong (New Clinical Applications of Chinese Medicine), 2001; 139.

[24] Zhong Yao Lin Chuan Xin Yong (New Clinical Applications of Chinese Medicine), 2001; 139.

[25] Zhong Yao Lin Chuan Xin Yong (New Clinical Applications of Chinese Medicine), 2001; 31-32.