CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Bowel cleansing formula to promote intestinal health (especially those with poor dietary habits resulting in an accumulation of toxins in the colon)

* Abdominal distension and rigidity due to fecal compaction and constipation

* Polyps or inflammation in the colon due to toxic build-up

* Short-term intestinal detoxification

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Promotes healthy elimination of intestinal toxins

* Cleanses the intestines and promotes healthy bowel function

* Provides temporary relief of occasional, mild constipation

* Promotes regular intestinal motility and elimination

* Prevents and treats intestinal polyps

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears toxic heat in the Intestines

* Strengthens and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach

 

DOSAGE

Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily. Dosage can be increased up to 6 to 8 capsules three times daily. One round of cleansing is for one week. The treatment may be repeated every six months if necessary.

 

INGREDIENTS

Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis)

Bai Jiang Cao (Herba cum Radice Patriniae)

Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)

Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris)

Fu Ling (Poria)

Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae)

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)

Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata)

 

BACKGROUND

Constipation and fecal compaction are two of the most common intestinal problems in developed countries. Although constipation may be caused by a variety of factors, the most common and preventable factor is diet. Refined sugar, white flour, chemical food additives, and preservatives are all ingredients found in many modern foods. Overindulgence in these types of foods may often lead to intestinal upset and constipation. When waste materials stay within the colon for an extended period of time, they become toxic material through putrefaction and fermentation, and the toxic materials are absorbed into the blood and the body.

        When intestinal peristalsis becomes slow and the bowel movements become stagnant, it is possible for the large intestine to retain 15 pounds or more of waste. Constipation may lead to a host of health issues, including indigestion, skin problems, unexplained fatigue, and aches and pains. Today, with the increase of environmental and food toxins, it is very important for individuals who already experience stagnant bowel movements to detoxify and regulate their digestive tract.

        A healthy colon is vital for the general health and well-being of an individual. A healthy colon detoxifies the body by extracting excess water and salt from solid wastes, and effectively expelling these waste materials and toxins from the body. Good bowel movements are an indicator of great health, and a healthy individual should experience one to two bowel movements per day. With the incidence of colon cancer on the rise, it is becoming more and more evident that maintaining colon health is an important preventative health measure.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

The first and foremost important strategy to cleanse the colon is to purge out the toxic accumulation in the colon. GI DTX contains unprocessed Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) to achieve the maximum effect to purge downward and eliminate toxins. It also has qi invigorating effects to increase peristalsis and enhance the overall detoxifying effect. Additionally, it can also drain damp and help eliminate toxins through urination. To prevent the purging effect of Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) from injuring the yin, Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) is added. Additionally, with its sour taste, it provides a check and balance to prevent the overly bitter and purging Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) from injuring the qi. Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) also has an excellent effect to protect the liver and help in the detox process. Lastly, Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) nourishes yin and tonifies the blood.

        Bai Jiang Cao (Herba cum Radice Patriniae), Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris) and Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis) all enter the Large Intestine channel to enhance the detoxifying effect of Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei). Bai Jiang Cao (Herba cum Radice Patriniae) and Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis) drain pus and abscesses to treat intestinal polyps. Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris) effectively reduces inflammation in the colon.

        Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) and Fu Ling (Poria) function to tonify the Spleen and Stomach to restore balance after toxins are purged from the colon. Both of these herbs also prevent the harsh effects of the heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs from injuring the digestive system.

        Overall, GI DTX achieves the delicate balance to simultaneously cleanse the intestines and protect the digestive tract.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* GI DTX is recommended to be used for seven days per course of treatment within a six-month period. Though it may be used more frequently in severe cases, it should not be used more than one course every other month.

* Use of this formula at a large dosage or for a prolonged period of time is contraindicated.

* This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy, nursing, and menstruation. It is also contraindicated in individuals who have weak body constitutions, such as children or geriatric individuals.

* 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.¡¨

* According to most textbooks and contemporary references, the classic entry of "He Shou Wu" is now separated into two entries: the unprepared Sheng Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori) and the prepared Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata), as they have significantly different therapeutic effects and side effects. Sheng Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori) is a stimulant laxative that treats constipation, but may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in rare cases, liver disorder (dose- and time-dependent, and reversible upon discontinuation).[1] On the other hand, Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) is a tonic herb that is safe and well-tolerated. The dramatic changes in the therapeutic effect and safety profile are attributed to the long and complicated processing of the root with Hei Dou (Semen Sojae) through repeated blending, cooking, and drying procedures. When properly processed, the chemical composition of the root changes significantly. Many new compounds are generated from the Maillard reaction (four furanones, two furans, two nitrogen compounds, one pyran, one alcohol and one sulfur compound). Furthermore, the preparation process causes changes in the composition of sugars and 16 kinds of amino acids; it also reduces the pH of the herb from 6.28 to 5.61.[2],[3] In summary, these changes give rise to the tonic effects of the prepared roots, and eliminate the adverse reactions associated with the unprepared roots. Note: Due to medical risks and legal liabilities, it is prudent to exercise caution and not use this herb in either prepared or unprepared forms in patients with pre-existing or risk factors of liver diseases.

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* After using GI DTX for one week, incorporate probiotics in the diet to replenish the intestinal flora.

* In the first three days of intestinal cleansing, patients may notice passage of more than normal amount of stool that may be foul smelling. After the third day, there should be passage of normal amount of stool with little smell.

* GI DTX is designed as a short-term intestinal detoxification for patients who suffer from long-term constipation and fecal compaction. As a short-term treatment, this formula has a strong and powerful effect to drain downwards to eliminate accumulation of stools, fecal compaction, and other toxins in the intestines. For long-term benefit, patients are strongly advised to engage in dietary and lifestyles changes so the same conditions do not recur.

 

Pulse Diagnosis by Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang:

* Dryness in the Large Intestine and Stomach: superficial and forceful on the right cun and guan positions

* Constipation due to constriction: yinqiao pulse, a thin, straight and wiry pulse, on or proximal to the chi positions

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* To detox the Liver and support liver functions, add Liver DTX.

* To detox the Kidney and improve kidney functions, add Kidney DTX.

* To facilitate elimination of heavy metals, chemical, and other toxins, add Herbal DTX.

* For individuals with underlying qi deficiency, add GI Tonic.

* For individuals with underlying qi, blood, yin and yang deficiencies, add Imperial Tonic .

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Dachangshu (BL 25), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhigou (TH 6), Zhaohai (KI 6), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Colon detox: Tushui (T 22.11), Qimen (T 33.01), Qijiao (T 33.02), Qizheng (T 33.03), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19), Tongtian (T 88.03), Fuchang (T 77.12), Huochuan (T 33.04)

* Bloating: Pizhong (T 11.18), Sihuashang (T 77.08), Sihuazhong (T 77.09), Sihuaxia (T 77.11), Fuchang (T 77.12), Menjin (T 66.05), Huoju (T 66.11), Changmen (T 33.10), Minghuang (T 88.12), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Qihuang (T 88.14), Beimian (T 44.07), Fukuai (T 1010.15), Shangjiuli (T 88.26), Zhongjiuli (T 88.25), Xiajiuli (T 88.27), Sifuyi (T 1010.11), Sifuer (T 1010.10)

 

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

* Colon cleanse: Menjin (T 66.05), Changmen (T 33.10)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Waiguan (TH 5), Zhigou (TH 6), Zhaohai (KI 6), Quchi (LI 11)

* Right side: Shangjuxu (ST 37), Tiaokou (ST 38), Kongzui (LU 6) or ah shi points nearby, Quze (PC 3)

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

 

Ear Acupuncture:

* Sympathetic, Shenmen, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Endocrine

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Increase bowel movement: Large Intestine, Sigmoid, Liver, Spleen, Lung, San Jiao, Digestive Subcortex

 

NUTRITION

* Increase fiber intake, and avoid fast foods, processed foods, artificial sugars, and carbonated drinks.

* Give the body two to three hours between the last meal of the day and bedtime. When a person sleeps, the digestive system slows down as well. Make sure to give the body adequate time to digest the food before going into sleep mode.

* Always eat breakfast! According to the TCM clock, the most optimal time for the digestive system is in the morning from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

* Drink warm or hot liquids with meals. Putting cold and ice on any part of the body will immediately constrict the flow of blood to that region. Similarly, drinking cold or iced drinks with meals will hinder the natural peristaltic movements of the digestive system.

* Chew food completely. The digestive system can process and absorb smaller pieces of food much better than food that is incompletely chewed. Larger pieces of food can lead to incomplete digestion and digestive discomfort.

* Incorporate fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as high-fiber whole grains into diet.

* Drink at least two quarts of water daily.

* Do not eat processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs, and sausages, as they contain nitrites that are associated with inflammation and chronic disease.

* Avoid deep-fried or greasy foods whenever possible.

 

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

* Recommendations: bananas, apples, walnuts, figs, spinach, peaches, pears, pine nuts, sesame seeds, mulberries, grapefruit, yams, honey, azuki beans, apricot kernel, milk, yogurt, alfalfa sprouts, beets, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, potato, Chinese cabbage, and salt water.

* Eat two bananas on an empty stomach, followed by a glass of water.

* Drink a glass of lukewarm water with two teaspoonfuls of honey on an empty stomach.

* Drink blended beets and cabbage on an empty stomach daily.

* Make beet soup.

* Eat 5 to 10 figs on an empty stomach, followed by a glass of water.

* Eat a fresh apple on an empty stomach.

* Drink mulberry juice.

* Eat lightly steamed asparagus and cabbage at night before retiring.

* Drink a glass of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of salt, on an empty stomach. This remedy should be used as a last resort when nothing else has worked and should not be used by those with edema or hypertension.

* Avoid spicy foods, fried foods and meat.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Eliminate things that are unhealthy (e.g., alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars, and saturated fats) or potentially toxic (e.g., chemical-based household cleaners and personal hygiene products).

* Regular use of steam rooms or saunas can help to eliminate toxins through sweating.

* Take a 30-minute walk after meals to help stimulate the circulatory and digestive systems.

* Incorporate some form of cardiovascular exercise.

* Do not postpone bowel movements, respond to the urge immediately.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

GI DTX is an herbal formula designed to cleanse the bowel and promote gastrointestinal health for someone with chronic constipation, fecal impaction, intestinal polyps, and/or inflammatory bowel.

        To successfully remove the chronic buildup of dry and hard stools, GI DTX uses herbs to moisten the bowel, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and purge downwards. Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) and Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) are two tonic herbs with marked gastrointestinal effects. They moisten the bowels to soften the dry stools, and they stimulate the intestinal peristalsis to facilitate the passage of stools.[4]^,[5] To ensure success to cleanse the bowel, Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) is used for its strong purgative and laxative activities. Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) contains sennoside A, aloe-emodin, and rhein, compounds with a potent effect to directly stimulate the large intestine to increase contraction and peristalsis.[6] Together, these herbs achieve the effect of gently moistening and softening the dry stools, and strongly and potently purging them out of the body.

        Chronic constipation and fecal impaction are often accompanied by complications, such as inflammation, as long-term buildup of stools is toxic to the intestines. To reduce inflammation and swelling, several herbs with anti-inflammatory effects are used. Bai Jiang Cao (Herba cum Radice Patriniae) has remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, especially at colorectal sites, and has been shown to have therapeutic value for treatment of ulcerative colitis and other types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).[7] Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), in addition to having a potent purgative effect, also has significant anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase.[8] Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) exerts anti-inflammatory effects through its antioxidant activities.[9] Lastly, Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of nitric oxide production, prostaglandin E(2) release, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression.[10]

        Formation of intestinal polyps is another complication of long-term constipation and fecal impaction. To stop the formation and growth of intestinal polyps, GI DTX utilizes herbs with antiproliferative effects. Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) contains benzocyclooctadiene lignans, which have been shown to exert antiproliferative activity against human colorectal cancer cells.[11] Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis) also has a strong antiproliferative effect to inhibit the growth and induce the apoptosis of abnormal cells in the body.[12] Lastly, Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) is an herb with a broad spectrum of antiproliferative, cytotoxicity, and anticancer effects.[13]^,[14]^,[15]^,[16]

        Finally, after cleansing the bowel and removal of toxic substances in the intestines, it is necessary to rebuild the intestines and restore its normal health. Interestingly, in addition to having purgative, laxative, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative functions, Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) also has cytoprotective activity to protect human intestinal epithelial cells from damage. The cytoprotective effect of Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) is attributed to the inhibition of cell apoptosis and necrosis.[17] Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) has also illustrated a significant protective effect in subjects with artificially-induced ulcerative colitis.[18]

        In summary, GI DTX cleanses the bowel and promotes intestinal health to treat chronic constipation, fecal impaction, intestinal polyps, and/or inflammatory bowel conditions.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Constipation and fecal compaction are very common problems affecting many people in developed countries. Common causes include lack of exercise, insufficient intake of water and fiber, stress, overuse of laxatives, and use of certain drugs (such as opioids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticholinergics). As constipation becomes a long-term problem, complications will begin to rise, including but not limited to slowed or irregular intestinal peristalsis, fecal impaction, re-absorption of toxins, and formation of intestinal polyps. Therefore, optimal treatment requires treatment of constipation and its complications.

        In Western medicine, there are many options for treatment of constipation. Bulking agents (bran, psyllium and methylcellulose) are the gentlest and safest. These drugs are non-habit forming, and may be used safely on a long-term basis. However, they act slowly and are not very strong. Laxatives (docusate and mineral oil) soften stools by increasing the implementation of intestinal water. However, these drugs must be used carefully, as they interfere with absorption of nutrients and other drugs. Lastly, cathartics (senna, cascara, and bisacodyl) are used for severe cases of constipation by increasing intestinal peristalsis and intraluminal fluids. However, these drugs should only be used on a short-term basis, as prolonged use will cause ¡§lazy bowel¡¨ syndrome and serious fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Unfortunately, while these drugs are effective for treating constipation, they do not regulate the peristalsis or restore the intestines to its normal health. As a result, long-term use or abuse of cathartics will often cause dependence on these drugs.

        In traditional Chinese medicine, constipation can be treated with great success. Those with mild to moderate constipation are usually treated with herbs that moisten the Intestines and regulate bowel movement. Those with moderate to severe constipation are generally treated with herbs that purge the Intestines and induce bowel movement. These formulas should be used as needed, and discontinued when the desired effects have been achieved. In addition to treating constipation, many herbs are beneficial for regulating the peristalsis and restoring the normal health of the intestines. These preventative and maintenance measures are what ensure long-term success of the treatment and recovery of the health conditions.

        Both drugs and herbs are equally effective in treating constipation. Both modalities of medicines should be used sparingly, and only when needed, as prolonged use may cause side effects. However, Chinese herbs are generally more effective to correct the underlying problems associated with chronic and habitual constipation, fecal impaction and other complications of constipation. Lastly, diet and lifestyle adjustments are also needed to ensure regular bowel movement.