Encourages a Healthy Intestinal Environment*
Andrographis has traditionally been used for its bitter action and to support digestion. Oregano essential oil (orally), Phellodendron and Andrographis have been used traditionally to cleanse the lower gastrointestinal tract1 which helps promote colonization of beneficial intestinal microbiota. Phellodendron contains the important constituent, berberine, which supports cleansing of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Supports Immune System Health*
While intestinal health is important for immune function, a healthy immune system also helps the body keep a healthy balance of intestinal flora. Andrographis has been used traditionally to support a healthy immune system.3
Traditionally, Aniseed essential oil is used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve occasional mild gastrointestinal discomfort, due to its carminative actions. Phellodendron is also used traditionally in Chinese medicine to support bowel regularity, with its TCM cooling dry qualities.5,6
The human gastrointestinal tract (mainly the large bowel) is the natural habitat for a large and diverse population of microorganisms known collectively as the intestinal microbiome. Adequate digestive function is required to maintain a healthy microbiome and intestinal environment. Digestive secretions inhibit undesirable microflora and promote an environment that favors the colonization of beneficial microbiota.1,2 In turn, these microbiota benefit the host by supporting digestive function (i.e. metabolizing nutrients for energy), helps in reducing undesirable microflora, and by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other metabolites that help to maintain intestinal health and balance.3
A healthy microbiome also supports immune function via the immune-related tissues of the intestine such as the intestinal lymph tissue. If this balance is disrupted – commonly due to poor diet, gastrointestinal upsets or stress4 – the intestinal environment and subsequent function can become unbalanced. This results in gastrointestinal symptoms such as intestinal bloating, flatulence and discomfort.5 As such, rebalancing the intestinal environment may help to reduce these symptoms, promote a healthy microbiome and restore optimal digestive function.
Gut Flora Complex is a unique supplement that combines herbs and essential oils to support a healthy digestive environment and digestive function.*
The ideal time to take Gut Flora Complex is before food, or as directed by your health care professional.
Patients experiencing stress, digestive upset, or who don’t eat as well as they should, may benefit from Gut Flora Complex.
References:
1. Bensky D, Clavey S, Stoger E. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edn. Eastland Press, Seattle, 2004
2. Force M, Sparks WS, Ronzio RA. Phytother Res 2000; 14(3): 213-214
3. World Health Organization. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol 2. WHO, Geneva, 2001.
4. Kapoor LD. CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1990.
5. European Medicines Agency. Final. Community herbal monograph on Pimpinella anisum L., aetheroleum. 2013.
6. Chen JK & Chen TT. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press, USA, 2012, pp.145-146.
