Most everyone who is familiar with natural health care also understands the importance of cleansing and detoxification in restoring, promoting or maintaining health. The ability of the body to eliminate waste products that could otherwise become toxic is primarily dependent upon the normal functioning of the liver, kidneys and bowels. The Chinese botanicals bupleurum, featured in Planetary Formulas' Bupleurum Liver Cleanse and the legendary Triphala compound of India are two key preparations designed to support normal eliminative functions thereby minimizing the buildup of potential toxins.

THE LIVER IN DETOXIFICATION

One of the primary functions of the liver is to break down chemicals, hormones and fats. It does this through chemical and enzymatic reactions that allow for the toxins to be excreted by liver through the production of bile. Bile, laden with fat and toxins, is then distributed to the gallbladder awaiting transportation to the small intestine. Once in the small intestine, the bile is soaked up by fiber--if we have a high fiber diet--and is eliminated from the system when we have a bowel movement. There are at least three important principles for this process to occur naturally:

• Bile must be produced.
• Bile must flow from the liver to the gallbladder to the small intestine.
• Fiber must be present for the bile to be eliminated.

In the diet, bitter foods stimulate the production and flow of bile. In herbal therapies, many botanicals have this function.

BUPLEURUM-THE LIVER DREDGER

While not well known in the west, bupleurum (pronounced bull-plurum), is the primary liver regulating herb used in Chinese medicine. It contains a class of compounds known as saikosaponins which exhibit many beneficial effects on the liver. Specifically these compounds have been shown to protect both the liver and kidneys from damage due to toxic chemicals, reverse liver damage including that associated with hepatitis C, and reduce inflammation. The herb itself has also been shown to enhance bile flow thereby facilitating the detoxification process.

Together, with a naturally healthy diet, annual supplementation with Bupleurum Liver Cleanse and Triphala for a period of approximately 6 weeks can help support normal eliminative processes.

BUPLEURUM LIVER CLEANSE

Bupleurum Liver Cleanse was developed by world renowned herbalist, licensed acupuncturist and author, Michael Tierra. It combines bupleurum with some of the primary liver supportive herbs in the West including the seed extract of milk thistle, dandelion root, and the herbal bitter Oregon grape root. Together, these botanicals form an ideal liver supportive formula for protecting the liver against the damaging effects of environmental toxins and to facilitate the elimination of toxins.

BOWEL HEALTH - THE FIRST STAGE TO PROPER ELIMINATION

When foods are consumed, they must be digested and broken down into smaller components in order to be utilized by the body. If the quality of our food is high and digestive, assimilative, and eliminative processes are efficient, relatively small amounts of waste products are produced. If not, then toxic metabolic by-products are produced. Part of this is dependent upon maintaining efficient bowel transit time--the amount of time it takes for waste matter to be eliminated from the colon. Unfortunately, Americans have a very high rate of constipation and so waste matter from broken down food is not eliminated efficiently and America tends to be dependent on laxatives. This can literally lead to the food rotting in the system which gives rise to toxic compounds which are then absorbed through the intestines and colon and can contribute to numerous diseases, including cancer, years later. The saying goes, "what goes in must come out." If we are eating 3 meals in a 24-hour day then we should at least be having two bowel movements in the same time period. If not, bowel transit time is less than optimal and therefore active steps to improve this must be taken.

TRIPHALA - THE LEGENDARY "THREE FRUITS" COMPOUND OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is a system of herbal medicine that originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Today, it is one of the most highly developed systems of herbal healing on the planet. Triphala is an herbal formula consisting of 3 sour, astringent and bitter fruits that has been in continued use for more than 3000 years. It is, by far, the most widely prescribed of all herbal compounds by Ayurvedic physicians. It promotes digestion and assimilation, promotes healthy intestinal flora, improves the health of the tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, supports the liver in its detoxification processes and increases bowel transit time. Michael Tierra introduced this amazing compound to the American health food industry more than 20 years ago. Today it is a staple for those wishing to promote efficient elimination and bowel health.

Together, with a naturally healthy diet, annual supplementation with Bupleurum Liver Cleanse and Triphala for a period of approximately 6 weeks can help support normal eliminative processes.