Whedonverse reference included in the endnotes.

After reading about the affects that the cleansing kit that I’m doing have had on other people (I went down the rabbit hole of internet searching and links) I decided to research the ingredients in each bottle included in the Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox Kit. For each ingredient description I’ve used one source, unless otherwise indicated. I googled, I found the sources I liked best.

At the bottom you’ll find a list of sources and notes, though I’ve linked to the source throughout.

Part 1: The Laxative.

Laxaherb (tabs) – Cascara Sagrada bark, Turkey Rubarb root, Buckthorn bark, Barberry root bark, Ginger root, Fennel seed, Red Raspberry leaf, Cayenne fruit.

Cascara Sagrada bark
Cascara sagrada has a long history of traditional use by native Americans. Cascara sagrada contains compounds called anthroquinones, which are responsible for cascara’s powerful laxative effects. Anthraquinones trigger contractions in the colon, called peristalsis, which causes the urge to have a bowel movement. Today, it is one of the most common herbal laxatives.

In addition to being a powerful laxative, cascara is also believed to improve the muscle tone of the colon walls.  Source.

Turkey Rubarb root
Like buckthorn, cascara sagrada, frangula, and senna, turkey rhubarb encourages bowel movement by inhibiting the smooth muscles that retain stool and stimulating the smooth muscles that push stool through the intestine. Source.

Buckthorn bark
Used since the days of ancient Greece. At that time it was thought to protect against poisons, headaches, witchcraft and demons. Buckthorn Bark’s main function is to relieve constipation. It contains chemicals that stimulate intestinal movement and also attract more water to the intestines. Both actions promote the emptying of intestinal contents.

Buckthorn contains anthraquinones which when taken help to move bowels more quickly through the colon. These anthraquinones increase the colons ability to contract and reduce water absorption by the intestines.

The spontaneous contractions of the colon are what push built up fecal matter through the colon, effectively cleansing the colon. The water that is not absorbed by the intestines is absorbed into the stool. Making movements softer and giving them more volume to pass more easily.

Buckthorn Bark is an effective colon cleanser because of its ability to increase the motility of the colon. The anthraquinone compounds in Buckthorn Bark help to stimulate the spontaneous movement of the colon. It’s these spontaneous movements that push the fecal matter through your colon instead of remaining stationary and eventually becoming impacted. As your colon contracts more regularly, more frequent movements are produced. Source.

Barberry root bark
Effective in treating liver functions because it helps the flow of bile. Also effective in treating gallbladder ailments. Known to reduce enlarged spleens.

Assists in cleansing the system and promoting mild laxative effects on weak or debilitated patients. Also works as a mucosa and improves digestion in general. Source.

The primary chemical constituents of Barberry include alkaloids… chelidonic acid, resin and tannins. The berries are rich in vitamin C, and the root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems. It also acts as a mild purgative and helps regulate the digestive process.  The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid, berbamine, have shown activity against [various viruses]. It has anti-microbial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract.  Barberry is said to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels.  Source.

Also see this page.

Ginger root
For this one I googled “ginger root health benefits” and “ginger root digestions” to narrow down my search. Check out “The Many Health Benefits Provided by Ginger Root“, which lists a list of 31 ailments which have found relief from the use of ginger/ ginger root including indigestion (“Ginger contains chemicals that are known to soothe the stomach muscles and aid in digestion.”).  Another website says that ginger has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile (secreted by the liver, bile aids digestion), and improve the appetite. It is a digestive stimulant, useful when appetite may be low.

I’ve known for a long time that ginger works for nausea and motion sickness, that it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and good for colds.

Fennel seed
“This herb has antispasmodic, analgesic, diuretic properties. It is used to stimulate the appetite, ease indigestion, soothe coughing and reduce intestinal spasms.”

“The diuretic properties of fennel help to relieve fluid retention and combined with the action of the antiseptic volatile oils, it can be used to treat urinary infections.

By aiding elimination of toxins from the system through the urine, it makes a useful remedy for arthritis and gout.”  Source.

Red Raspberry leaf

I knew it was a uterine stimulant, did not know it had astringent and tonic properties. Here it’s possibly used to counteract some of the laxitive effects, as it’s used to relieve diarreah. Source.

Abundant in potassium (441 ppm), calcium (121 ppm) and magnesium (93 ppm), it is also rich in all important trace minerals such as manganese (.52 ppm), zinc (.35 ppm), iron (.04 ppm) and chromium (.02 ppm). Source.

Cayenne fruit (aka Capsicum)

Capsicum is a catalyst herb. Its stimulating properties speed the absorption and effectiveness of any herbs taken in combination with it.

It’s a stimulant herb and a digestive aid, helping improve digestion and soothing inflammation. It helps remove toxins from the body, relieves gastrointestinal problems including bleeding ulcers, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence and even diarrhea. It helps relieve the pain of shingles, cluster headaches, and itching palms and feet of diabetes. Source.

I knew some of this. Capsicum is one of those wonder herbs that does a lot.

**

Summary of sources and notes:

• about.com. This was my go-to source for info years ago before Wikipedia.
• Mountainroseherbs.com. They sell herbs. I can’t vouch for the company, as I stumbled upon the website via google search.
• Puristat Internal Cleansing. Also found via google so I can’t vouch for them. I like the history of the herb provided. Buckthorn was once thought to be protection against demons and witchcraft. Guess it’s not available near the hellmouth.
• Monterey Bay Spice Company.
• Viable Herbal Solutions:
• Herbal Extracts Plus.
• Healthmad. Interactive health website.
• Diagnose-me.com. I’d generally advise against such websites even though I diagnose myself all the time. Do as I say, not as I do.
• Herbal Remedies Information

Eat well, be well.