Every ingredient we use in our living, organic elixirs is chosen specifically to promote wellbeing. Sometimes we use exotic and hard to recognize ingredients, and sometimes we use ingredients you know but you might not know why. This glossary is a breakdown of some of our key active ingredients and what they can do for your body and long-term wellbeing.
Not to be overlooked, however, is the potency and healing power of the abundance of Aussie organic fruit & veggies we use too!
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is extremely porous, making it capable of ‘snagging’ waste in the digestive system and offering a great use in escort toxicity out of the body through the bowel. This is a well researched and widely used practice in hospitals around the world, specifically in the case of accidental poisoning. Capsules of pure organic coconut charcoal are a great cleanse booster for more general digestive issues like bloating and gas [28] making it helpful in escorting toxicity out of the body during your cleanse if you have a sensitive tummy.
Ashwaganda
This herb is also known as Withania and helps the body cope in times of stress. Ever heard of ‘tired but wired’? Ashwaganda is known to you’re your body [31] Studies have found that it boosts immune function via more than one pathway. [32]
Burdock Root
The immune system loves Burdock Root. It is strongly indicated as an immune stimulant [29] and antioxidant [30] so we consider it to be a great support to your body while it cleanses.
Dandelion
Dandelion has been used historically for its abilities in liver [22] and kidney protection. [23] More recently these pathways have been proven in studies that found Dandelion to protect both the liver and kidneys from toxicity [24] as well as limit oxidative stress and inflammation of these organs. [25] This makes it an attractive detox addition and is widely used in Western Herbal Medicine for exactly these reasons.
Matcha Green Tea
Think of this like a super charged green tea. Matcha is a powerful antioxidant [15] that, when consumed, is associated with decreased incidence of cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons and cardiovascular disease [16] because of this antioxidant hit. Want more? Matcha is also useful for weight loss [17] and endurance, [18] so it's great for a nourishing energy boost during your cleanse.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal Mushrooms have been traditionally recognised for their immune modulating abilities [7], they are cabable of boosting immunity when required [8] and also dampening the impact of autoimmune conditions. [9] One of our favourite types - Cordyceps – can deeply oxygenate and detoxify the body [10], is an incredible endurance booster [11] and like many of the other medicinal mushrooms, has powerful antioxidant capabilities. [12]
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is known for its liver protective (also called hepatoprotective) abilities [19]. This makes it a uniquely beneficial addition during times of cleansing. Milk thistle has been proven to not only assist the liver in clearing toxins, but also protect against damage at the same time. [20] Another great detox pathway, the kidneys, is strengthened by taking Milk Thistle too. [21]
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is beautifully calming for the digestive system. Evidence suggests that pain and discomfort from IBS may be alleviated by the addition of peppermint oil to the diet. This is because its antispasmodic abilities soothe an irritated system [26], although Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) may also be improved, as described in a study that found Peppermint to be antimicrobial. [27]
Turmeric
Turmeric has long been used for its curcumin content in Eastern Medical Practice. This compound is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, with and a recent systematic review of current research investigating turmeric it was found that reliable pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects were experienced by people who used Turmeric for arthritis [1]. Also a powerful antioxidant [2], Turmeric is proven to be a very safe dietary inclusion in the diet with fantastic benefits.
RESEARCH REFERENCES
[1] Daily J, Yang M, Park S. 2016.
[2] Chattopadhyay I, et al. 2004.
[3] Zague V. et al. 2011.
[4] Matsumoto H et al. 2006
[6] Kantor I, Donikyan L, Simon R, Wollschlaeger B. 2004.
[7] Wachtel-Galor S, et al. 2011.
[8] Wang S, 1997.
[9] Chen H, et al. 2004.
[10] Zhu J, Halpen G, Jones K. 1998.
[11] Zhu J, Halpen G, Jones K. 1998.
[12] Li S. et al. 2001.
[13] Shao B, et al. 2004
[14] Mao S, Cheng K, Zhou Y. 2004.
[15] Paddock C. 2009.
[16] Holliday A. 2010.
[17] American Academy of Periodontology. 2009.
[18] Murase T. 2004.
[19] Mulrow C. et al. 2000.
[20] Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects: Summary of Evidence Report/Technology Assessment, 2000.
[21] Karakuş A, Değer Y, Yıldırım S. 2016.
[22] Esatbeyoglu T. et al. 2017.
[23] Karakuş A, Değer Y, Yıldırım S. 2016.
[24] Gulfraz M, Ahamd D, Ahmad M et al. 2014.
[25] Park C. et al 2010.
[26] Yamamoto, N et al. 2006
[27] Logan A, Beaulne T. 2003
[28] Giffard C, et al. 2001
[29] Ghafari F et al. 2017
[30] Lee D, Kim C. 2017
[31] Kaushik, M., Kaul, S., Wadhwa, R., Yanagisawa, M., & Urade, Y. (2017). Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction. PLOS ONE, 12(2), e0172508. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172508
[32] Dhuley, J. 1998.
[33] Intermittent fasting & longevity in rats. 1946
[34] Johnson J, Laub D, John S. 2006