4-Herb Formula™ holds an important place as an alterative formula in support of detoxification as well as the treatment of degenerative type conditions and the general maintenance of good health. Alteratives are that class of herbal medicines that alter the metabolic processes, enabling tissues to deal properly with nutrition and eliminative functions, gradually ridding the body of waste tissue.
Both traditional use and modern studies confirm that the ingredients effectively promote detoxification and maintain good health:
The following is a brief explanation of the individual herbs and the rationale for their use:
Burdock – Burdock was popular among the Iroquois, who had many uses for this herb, including its use as a blood medicine (purifier), among others. Burdock has been highly valued in the Western herbal tradition for purifying the blood and was often used for clearing the complexion and for general alterative use. Mrs. Maude Grieve confirms burdock as “One of the best blood purifiers.” Eclectic physician Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. explains that burdock “is a potent but neglected alterative and diuretic. It … favours the elimination of waste material, and secondarily proves tonic.” Herbalist David Hoffmann adds that, “In general, Burdock will move the body to a state of integration and health…”
Medieval German philosopher, herbalist and religious Hildegard of Bingen used burdock to treat cancerous tumours. Burdock is an ingredient in both Harry Hoxsey’s (Hoxsey Formula) and Nurse Renee Caisse’s (Essiac) herbal cancer treatments.
Based on a history of use as a folk remedy for abnormal growths, two scientists screened burdock for antitumor activity, noting considerable effect.
Japanese researchers also demonstrated potent antimutagenic (cancer preventive) properties. The authors report that, “These results demonstrate that outstanding desmutagenic effects were shown on both types of mutagen which manifest their mutagenicity both with and without metabolic activation”.
Sheep sorrel – Sheep Sorrel acts to reduce inflammation, stimulate defences, cleanse and strengthen the tissues and the whole body, while also enhancing phagocytic activity.
Sheep sorrel was a traditional medicine used by several First Nations tribes, including the Aleut and Cherokee. The Mohegan chewed the fresh leaves as a stomach aid, while the Squaxin ate the raw leaves to treat tuberculosis. At least 12 other tribes used the leaves as food.
J. Milton Welch, M.D. classes sheep sorrel as an alterative, calling it “a great cancer remedy”. Fellow Eclectic physician John M. Scudder, M.D. adds that, “A tincture of the Sorrel has a very decided action in those cases where there is a tendency to degeneration of tissue. It makes no difference whether it is called syphilis, scrofula, or cancer, the indication for use is the replacement of tissue with lower organizations … Its use in the treatment of
cancer has been quite extensive, and if we can believe the reports given, it has proven fully as successful as any other remedy.”
Slippery elm – Slippery elm is a common botanical for feeding, soothing, and strengthening mucous membranes. Slippery elm has high concentrations of fatty acids and fatty acid esters that have cytostatic properties.
Over 19 First Nations tribes had medicinal uses for slippery elm. These included its use as a blood purifier, as a stomach aid, to ease childbirth, for gonorrhoea, for tuberculosis, and many other conditions. Eclectic physician Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. and pharmacist John Uri Lloyd, Pharm. D., Ph. D. praise this herb as a “very valuable remedial agent”.
One review enumerates several powerful properties for slippery elm, noting that it has, “several direct and indirect anticancer effects: (1) reduces bowel transit time; (2) absorbs toxins from the bowel; (3) increases faecal bulk and dilutes stool materials thereby reducing stool contact with the intestinal mucosa; and (4) enhances beneficial colonic bacteria and provides an excellent substrate for bacterial fermentation."
Alma Hutchens describes traditional uses of slippery elm for both female reproductive tract cancers and stomach cancer, stating that the bark “will sustain ulcerated and cancerous stomach when nothing else will”.
Turkey rhubarb – As a mild laxative, Turkey rhubarb stimulates detoxification via the bowels. Eclectic physicians considered it such a gentle laxative that they prescribed it for infants. They also classified it as a general tonic for the entire gastrointestinal tract. Finley Ellingwood, M.D., for example, states that, “Its tonic powers are promptly exercised … it produces markedly restorative effects. It acts directly upon the duodenum, and subsequently upon the entire intestinal tract.”
Combination rationale: According to herbalist Michael Tierra, alteratives are “also known as blood purifiers. These are agents that gradually and favourably alter the condition of the body. They are used in treating toxicity of the blood, infections, arthritis, cancer and skin eruptions. Alteratives also help the body to assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste products of metabolism.”
Combinations to consider: For immune modulation, consider this in conjunction with our Deep Immune® and/or EchinAce® formulas, which promote long-term immune stimulation and prophylaxis.
Administration:
(adults) take 30-60 drops (1-2 ml) 3X daily in a little water, on an empty stomach.
Contra-indications and Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you intend to use this product during pregnancy or lactationor if there is a history of kidney stones.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic Burdock Root (Artium lappa radix)
Certified Organic Sheep Sorel (Rumex acetosella)
Wildcrafted Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)
Certified Organic / Wildcrafted Turkey Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
Testimonials
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Darlene Gustin BSc., ND
Bronte Naturopathic Clinic, Oakville ON
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