Acidux heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis, and peptic
(Meadowsweet Combo) ulceration.”1
NPN: 80038140 Chamomile – “As a popular remedy,
(chamomile) may be thought of as the • Calendula is traditionally used in European counterpart of ginseng,” writes Herbal Medicine to help relieve Varro Tyler, as quoted by herbalist Steven inflammatory conditions of the Foster.2 “The Germans describe it as alles digestive system. zutraut – ‘capable of anything’,” Tyler adds. The great German herbalist and physician Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D. asserts that Acidux contains (per ml): “patients with chronic stomach complaints would greatly benefit from” chamomile.3 • 0.3 ml of meadowsweet (Filipendula Dr. James Duke calls it “the first-choice ulmaria, flowering tops) tincture 1:4 herb for heartburn and stomach distress.”4 (QCE 150 mg) • 0.22 ml of chamomile (Matricaria Calendula – Dr. James Duke points out chamomilla, flowers) tincture 1:4 (QCE that, “Calendula has been shown to alleviate 110 mg) symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation, • 0.2 ml of calendula (Calendula what doctors call hypersecretory gastritis, a officinalis, flowers) tincture 1:4 (QCE condition that has been associated with 100 mg) ulcers. Clinical trials in Europe suggest that • 0.14 ml of marshmallow (Althaea this herb may also be useful for treating officinalis, root) tincture 1:4 (QCE 70 ulcers.”5 In effect, calendula protects the mg) stomach from its own acid. David Hoffmann • 0.08 ml of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, adds that, “As a cholagogue, it helps relieve root and stolon) tincture 1:4 (QCE 40 gallbladder problems and many of the vague mg) digestive complaints known as • 0.06 ml of ginger (Zingiber officinalis, ‘indigestion’”.6 rhizome) tincture 1:1 (QCE 120 mg) Marshmallow – With a medicinal history QCE = Quantity Crude Equivalent going back thousands of years, this excellent demulcent herb contains large amounts of The claim given above is officially mucilage, a spongy material that soothes the body’s various mucous membranes. For this sanctioned by Health Canada for Acidux. reason, it eases inflammation of the mucosa The following is a brief explanation of the of the gastrointestinal tract. individual herbal ingredients and the various rationales for their use as found in the Licorice – Dr. James Duke explains that, literature: “Commission E… approves licorice as an ulcer treatment. This recommendation is Meadowsweet – Renowned herbalist David based on the medical traditions of Asia, the Hoffmann gives the lead herb in our formula Middle East and Europe, plus literally a lavish endorsement, asserting that, dozens of scientific studies. Licorice “Meadowsweet is one of the best digestive contains several anti-ulcer compounds…”7 remedies available. As such, it will be Also, licorice root is added to many indicated in many conditions, if they are traditional Chinese herbal formulations approached holistically. The herb protects because of its ability to harmonize a and soothes the mucous membranes of the formula; in TCM terms, licorice is used to digestive tract, reducing excess acidity and moderate drug actions, and to reduce the easing nausea. It is used in the treatment of toxic or drastic actions of other drugs. Asteraceae/Compositae/Daisy family; if you Ginger – Ginger, a gastrointestinal tonic, is are sensitive to salicylates. standard as an aid for the digestion in most traditional systems of medicine, including 1 David Hoffmann, Medical Herbalism, the Ayurvedic and the Chinese. Dr. Duke Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 2003, p. 550. 2 notes that, “ginger contains 11 compounds Steven Foster. Herbal Renaissance. Salt Lake that have demonstrated anti-ulcer effects.”8 City, UT: Gibbs·Smith Publisher; 1993, p. 66. 3 Rudolf Fritz Weiss, Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers, Combination rationale: This synergistic 1988, p. 22. combination is built around calendula and 4 James A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy, meadowsweet as the principal ingredients. Emmaus,PA: Rodale, 1997, p. 239. Their antacid, anti-inflammatory action sets 5 Ibid., p. 439. the therapeutic tone for Acidux. Meanwhile, 6 Hoffmann, Op.cit., p. 439. chamomile, licorice, and ginger provide a 7 James Duke, Op.cit., p. 436. 8 strong stomach-settling dimension. This is Ibid., p. 436. founded on their credentials as anti-ulcer agents. For its part, marshmallow is a soothing demulcent that eases inflammation.
Combinations to consider: Consider
combining Acidux with Canadian Bitters™ for the stronger digestion- tonifying properties of the latter combo. Also, add Strest™ if emotional factors contribute to the condition. The traditional Ayurvedic rasayana, Triphala, also acts as a tonic to the entire gastrointestinal system. Recommended Dose: Adults: Take 2 ml (60 drops) 3 times daily, in a little water, on an empty stomach. Take a few hours before or after taking other medications.
Duration of Use: Consult a health care
practitioner for use beyond 4-6 weeks.
Cautions and Warnings: Consult a health
care practitioner before use: if you are breastfeeding; if you have a liver disorder; if you are on blood thinners. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen or persist.
Contraindications: Do not take: if you are
pregnant; if you are taking thiazide diuretics, cardiac glycosides, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives or other medications that may aggravate electrolyte imbalance; if you have hypokalemia, high blood pressure, or a kidney or cardiovascular disorder; if you are allergic to plants of the