Herbs, Colonics, Fasts:
Are They Beneficial?

By Betty Albert, N.D.

Herbs

Almost universally, alternative practitioners classify herbs as food. Herbs are plants. Although they have classifications as first, second, and third degree herbs and, therefore, if abused might make you very sick, for the most part, they have little if any "side effects". They work within the body systems to help the body to activate and build defenses aimed at healing what needs to be healed. Far different from prescriptive medications, which mask the symptoms but carry little healing power to the cause of the problem.

In addition to single herbs, such as the well known Alfalfa, Chamomile, Garlic, Ginger, Parsley and Kelp, there are combinations that work synergistically to bring healing from different aspects. For example, one formula combines Elderberry with Echinacea, Royal Jelly and Olive Leaf to increase its efficacy. Elderberry has long been used to ward off colds, flu and sore throat, expel bronchial mucus and relieve respiratory inflammation. It promotes perspiration to bring down temperatures and is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which strengthen immunity. Research has uncovered two active ingredients in elderberry that actually prevent the flu virus from taking hold (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1995). Add the natural antibiotic properties in Royal Jelly and Olive Leaf, and the result is a stronger immune builder against not only virus, but fungal, mold, yeast, bacterial, and parasitic infection. The synergistic qualities of these herbs work energetically to literally "find the body's need and fill it."

What about safety? As with all ingested substances, moderation and caution must prevail. "If a little bit is good, a lot must be better" is not always accurate or wise. Following label directions or the recommendation of your practitioner is always advised. Herbs carry their own set of contraindications, such as not using ephedra with caffeine, or not using ephedra at all if you have high blood pressure. Combining herbs with prescriptions is never a good idea, and some are outright dangerous. Pregnancy and lactating mothers need to be especially cautious. Always discuss your medical condition and anything you plan to take for it with your doctor.

There are hundreds of herbs with hundreds of actions on the body. Their properties might be astringent, anti-inflammatory, laxative, diuretic, bitter tonic, specific to the liver, kidney or other organs or glands; they might be antiseptic, anti-tumor or specific to a body system such as respiratory, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, etc. Herbs are 5,000 years old and were used in Chinese and Ayuervedic medicine long before Western traditions began to adopt their use. They were in high fashion before the Industrial Age but dropped out of favor when large grants from corporate foundations began to support pharmacological endeavors and allopathic schools of medicine. You might say that herbs are part of prescription medicine. But that is not exactly true. When an isolated ingredient within the plant structure is removed and synthetically manipulated into a prescription drug, the energetics of the herb are lost and the body is left to consider a now foreign and threatening substance, which, at the simplest level makes the body unbalanced by its acidic nature.

Colonics

Colon hydrotherapy, when combined with other detoxifying programs such as juice fasting, herbal cleanses and/or raw foods can restore the body's natural balance. I have witnessed many cases in which, when all else fell short of the client's goals, colonics made the difference in managing weight, stress, and mental clarity.

But as with herbal programs, there is no one quick fix. A blend of programs involving lifestyle and diet changes is most desirable. This includes resolving any stressful situations that wear down our ability to react effectively; exercise, and long term dietary discretion.

I've heard of people who undergo a program of study to better organize their lives and life's work and find themselves at the colon hydrotherapists office as part of their "homework" to "unclutter their lives." This is powerful medicine and sorely needed in our age of toxicity. Our body is continuously trying to rid itself of toxins through the lungs, skin, liver, lymph system, kidneys, and colon. These organs of elimination can become so clogged that degenerative diseases develop. "Autointoxication" occurs when a distressed digestive system prevents proper assimilation, when oxygen to the blood, organs and glands is diminished, and when excess "free radicals" build up in the body due to stress, cellular toxins, and environmental poisons. Toxic colons are often the result of dietary indiscretion and lack of exercise. If the colon is toxic, the digestive tract, liver, and kidneys cannot function optimally passing toxins off into the blood stream to be recirculated back into already stressed organs.

Colon hydrotherapy, or colonics, is similar to a deep enema. While enemas release water six to twelve inches into the lower part of the colon, the water in the colonic reaches the entire length of the colon, providing thorough cleansing. Warm and cool purified water gently flows through a small, two-way tube inserted into the rectum. The colon hydrotherapist gently massages the abdomen to encourage smooth muscle contractions of the bowel, and old debris and its toxins are washed out via the exit tube. Probiotics can be taken after the procedure to help replace good flora in the large intestine.

Colonics can improve immunity and the quantity and quality of bowel eliminations. It also aids in digestion and assimilation and assists in the detoxification process that is necessary to better overall health.

Fasts

Bible references to fasts without bread and water may have people believing this is a good thing. However, few practitioners would agree that the body can do well without water for even a day. To fast for one day a week might be a good thing if the body is well hydrated and not health-compromised. But too many people go on a fast on a whim. Without preparation, the body is thrown into a detoxification mode it often cannot handle. Headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue often bring on the "health crisis" we've been cautioned to avoid. Fasts are not recommended for anyone on medication or with a health condition. Be sure to discuss your fasting plans with your doctor.

In preparing for a detoxifying fast, it is important to realize that your body is possibly full of toxins. Thus, to dump them all at once may make you quite ill. Two weeks before you plan a fast, begin to eat more cooked vegetables and fruits. Gradually eliminate all animal protein, milk and dairy products, sugar, and processed flour and foods from your diet. One week before the fast, increase your intake of raw fruits and vegetables. Three days before the fast eat only raw vegetables and gradually reduce the portions of the meals and serving sizes so that your appetite is diminished. Plan your fast when you have time to relax, de-stress, and avoid the usual hectic lifestyle of America. Strenuous exercise or work should be avoided.

JUICE FASTING RECOMMENDED - There are many juice fasts available in detox books around the country. One favorite is lemon juice. Into a quart of pure, room temperature, steam-distilled water, place the juice from one-half of a fresh squeezed lemon, a pinch of cayenne and a tablespoon of Grade B organic maple syrup. Drink 4-5 ounces every half hour so that you consume 80 or more ounces. per day. Continue on this for one week to 10 days. Expect a coated tongue, bad breath, headaches, and other symptoms of detoxification. Read, meditate, take long, slow walks, and use the time for contemplation to keep your mind off your missed meals. As your symptoms dissipate, you will experience clarity of mind and renewed energy that signifies the end of your fast is near.

Break the fast with diluted organic vegetable juices, then raw foods, and a few days later, cooked vegetables (very few proteins at first), then resume a natural foods diet high in complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and brown rice, and low in fats, sugars, animal proteins, and processed foods. Always keep your water intake above the 8-10 glasses recommended. Half your body weight in ounces per day is recommended, not to exceed 90 ounces. Add a fiber supplement "cocktail" if necessary so that your bowels eliminate 2-3 times a day.

Juice fasting allows the body's organs, glands, and digestive tract a vacation, a chance to cleanse themselves. Instead of working as hard as usual to digest and assimilate, scavenge free radicals, eliminate toxins, and cleanse the blood, they are free to simply eliminate. Acids can be freed from muscles and joints, toxic residue in the intestines can be brushed out, hormones can rebalance themselves, and the blood can be re-oxygenated.

In summary, herbs, colonics, and fasting are beneficial if kept within the healthy perspective that there is no one quick fix and that all beneficial health programs work best in conjunction with others so they can support each other. Good health is a process and a choice. It does not happen overnight, and often one program won't fix everything that may need to be fixed. The most important decision is not to go on herbs, or have a colonic, or do a fast, but to gradually change your lifestyle to support a healthy assortment of programs that result in more optimal health.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Send your comments, questions, concerns, and requests for more info to healthnaturally@earthlink.net or call (925) 964-1958. Please e-mail me if you have requests or ideas for an article.

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Betty Albert, N.D., is a naturopathic practitioner, workshop leader and Danville business owner of Natural Health Center.