GASTRIC DISTRESS 
Product Profile 
Gastric distress is a soothing demulcent, acting to relieve inflammation and give healing to the mucosal tissues of the digestive tract. It will reduce irritation and generally improve the tone and functional ability of the digestive process.  
 
Active Constituents: 
Peppermint is an herb often used as a relaxant. It relaxes the body to enable the release of digestive gases, and it calms the nerves of the stomach, and improves the flow of bile which the body then uses to digest fat, so is a good tonic for those with a low appetite. 
Peppermint's main active compound is menthol, which is an effective decongestant. Menthol thins mucous, and helps break up phlegm, and provides relief for nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, coughs and colds. 
It is often used in the treatment of headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhoea, menstrual cramps and flatulence, and aids motion sickness. 
 
Licorice is soothing and softens mucus membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines, and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucus membrane that needs immune support. It is often found in cough syrups and throat medications for this reason, and works as an expectorant, by its saponins loosening the phlegm in the respiratory tract. 
Licorice can aid in healing and restoring the adrenal glands, through its steroidal (cortisone-like substance) content. 
Licorice helps regulate sodium retention and water balance, acts as a blood cleanser and detoxifier with benefits to the liver. It may help raise low blood pressure, (often associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), however, if you have high blood pressure, may aid in lowering it. 
Licorice also displays this alterative action in hormonal balancing. If oestrogen levels are too high it will work to lower them, and if they are too low, it will work to raise them. This is thought to be due to its isoflavone content. 
Licorice is also said to increase sexual desire, and be an aid in staying alert. 
Licorice is an important tonic for the musculoskeletal system, and also thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs when added to formulations. 
 
Bladder wrack is a type of kelp which has a high Iodine content, which stimulates the thyroid function and boosts metabolism. 
Bladder wrack assists in the problem of lipid balance associated with obesity associated with thyroid dysfunction, and so may help with weight management. 
It is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, silicon, and iron and has some of the B vitamins. It contains alginic acid, which has fibrous qualities that can aid constipation and diarrhoea, is used for indigestion, and has also been found to lower LDL cholesterol levels. 
Another dietary fibre called fucoidan is found in Bladder wrack. It has been found to lower cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and has anti coagulant, anti- inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. 
Bladder wrack also has a reputation for use in the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, and may be used as an internal anti-inflammatory for joints. 
 
Meadowsweet has a long traditional use in folk medicine as treatment for coughs and colds, and through research, the properties of acting as a demulcent and astringent have been borne out. 
Salicylic acid was first discovered in meadowsweet in 1839, and since then has been widely and popularly used as a main ingredient in aspirin, although this is now synthetically made. Because the plant contains salicylates, it has analgesic and fever-reducing properties 
Useful in treatment of rheumatic pain, arthritis, headaches, low-grade fevers, herbalists recommend meadowsweet for hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, and vomiting. 
 
Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since the times of ancient Greece and Rome, and therapeutic uses were noted by Hippocrates. It was, and still is today, used for sleep disorders, insomnia etc, and for anxiety and most nervous disorders. It is a herb that is said to be a natural 'valium'. In agitated states it works as a sedative and as a stimulant in times of fatigue. 
It is also used for gastrointestinal spasms and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for relieving intestinal gas, and to ease menstrual cramps. 
 
Cransbill, also known as Herb Robert, traditionally used as a styptic to stop bleeding and for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, to relieve piles, as a diuretic and for gum disease, and is often prescribed for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). 
The astringent tannins improve the tone and function of the mucus membranes, and it is the tannins to which the anti-diarrhoea properties are attributed. 
 
Barberry has played a part in medicinal healing since the times of ancient Egypt, when used by the Pharaohs and Queens, in a combination with fennel, to ward off the plague. Herbalists of today use Barberry to treat inflammation of the urinary tract, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. 
Research has been made into a compound of Barberry, called berberine, which has shown to stimulate the immune system, lowers fevers and is an effective inhibiter of bacterial/yeast/protozoa growths:- 
-Wound infections (Staphylococcus and Streptococcus) 
-Diarrhoea (Salmonella and Shigella) 
-Dysentery (Entamoeba histolytica) 
-Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia) 
-Urinary tract infections (E.coli) 
-Vaginal yeast infections (Candida Albicans) 
Another alkaloid in Barberry, called berbaramine, is believed to fight infections by stimulating white blood cells called macrophages, which devour microorganisms. 
Although not well studied, reports indicate it may have the potential to be used in the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and in the prevention of heart arrthymias.  
It is a liver stimulant, increasing liver function, being considered both a hepatic and a cholagogue which in turn helps with digestion, blood cleansing and detoxification. 
 
Indications for Use 
-Indigestive Symptoms incl. gastric reflux, belching, flatulence, colic, gastritis, stomach ulcers 
-General bowel health, through better digestion. 
-Constipation 
-Diarrhoea 
-Digestive aid 
 
Recommended Dosage 
Children under 5yrs 1ml to 2.5ml 
Children 5ml to 10yrs 2.5ml to 5ml 
Adult take 5ml to 10ml 
Take up to 3 times daily before meals. Shake well before use. 
 
Each 5ml contains: 
Peppermint (equiv to dry herb)....................................1000mg 
Licorice (equiv to dry herb)..........................................1000mg 
Bladderwrack (equiv to dry herb)..................................200mg 
Meadowsweet (equiv to dry herb).................................200mg 
Valerian (equiv to dry herb)...........................................150mg 
Cranesbill (equiv to dry herb)........................................100mg 
Barberry (equiv to dry herb)............................................50mg 
Vegetable glycerine and Alcohol 
Note: Due to each client's size, nature and severity of ailment, dosage amounts may vary accordingly. 
 
Cautions: If taking prescription medication or have known ingredient sensitivity, consult with a healthcare provider prior to use. 
Not for use while pregnant or if trying to conceive.  
 
Avoid with people with salicylate hypersensitivity, including related product i.e. Aspirin. 
Licorice has been shown to deplete potassium levels, and lead to sodium retention, which may lead to fluid retention and hypertension. This may occur with very large doses if taken over extended periods of time. Caution for those who have a pre-existing deficiency of potassium. 
 
Caution if on blood thinning medications, and for diabetics as it may enhance negative side effects of insulin. 
For women on oral contraceptives, when combined with licorice some women may develop high blood pressure and low potassium levels. 
Not recommended for use longer than a 2 week period, before a resting period.