THE SYSTEM

DUODENUM: Food enters here from the stomach and is mixed with powerful pancreatic enzymes and liver bile. Now the full digestive process begins.

ILEUM: Enzymes breakdown food through the length of the small intestine. This is where the major absorption of food occurs in veins and lymph channels.

ILEOCECAL VALVE: The liquefied food remains are dumped into the first part of the large intestine (colon) through the ileocecal spincter. When this valve is weakened, this allows a reflux of toxins back into the intestines.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: The lining of the intestines has many large patches of tonsil-like material, including the appendix, to keep bacteria down to a minimum.

LARGE INTESTINE: With over 200 kinds of organisms (four pounds worth!) the colon flora helps break food down further, as well as produce certain vitamins. Here fluids and other matter are absorbed back into the blood stream.

HERBAL APPROACH

COLITIS/IBS: Herbs work with these conditions through anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and astringent properties and address underlying immune weakness.

CONSTIPATION: Herbal medicines work short-term to relieve spasms and soften stool. They also correct underlying problems, such as enzyme deficiency.

CRAMPS/COLIC: Anti-spasmatic herbs are effective for calming abdominal cramps. Their gentle nature makes them ideal for children and infantile colic.

DIARREA: Herbal medicine is often effective for diarrhea when it is due to a recent upset/infection, but also when part of a chronic bowel syndrome

HEMORRHOIDS: Herbs can help this rectal problem, shrinking and soothing piles. Blood vessels may be strengthen and congested organs that are causing venous pressure (liver, uterus or colon) can be corrected.