GI DTX™

TCM herbal formula for bowel cleansing, chronic constipation, fecal compaction, intestinal polyps, and colon detox — purgative; anti-inflammatory; antiproliferative; cytoprotective; clears toxic heat from the Intestines; strengthens and tonifies Spleen and Stomach

⚠️ Short-term use only — 7 days per course, no more than once every other month. Contraindicated during pregnancy, nursing, and menstruation. Contraindicated in individuals with weak body constitutions, children, and geriatric individuals. Large dosage or prolonged use is contraindicated. Contains Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) — do not use in patients with pre-existing or risk factors of liver disease. California Prop 65 warning: "This product contains Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei). Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because Da Huang may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition."

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Bowel cleansing formula — promotes intestinal health, especially for those with poor dietary habits resulting in accumulation of toxins in the colon

* Abdominal distension and rigidity due to fecal compaction and constipation

* Polyps or inflammation in the colon due to toxic build-up

* Short-term intestinal detoxification

Background: Constipation and fecal compaction are among the most common intestinal problems in developed countries. The most common and preventable cause is diet — refined sugar, white flour, chemical food additives, and preservatives lead to intestinal upset and constipation. When waste materials stay in the colon for extended periods, they become toxic through putrefaction and fermentation, and are absorbed into the blood and body. Slow intestinal peristalsis can allow the large intestine to retain 15 pounds or more of waste. Constipation leads to indigestion, skin problems, unexplained fatigue, and aches and pains. A healthy colon should produce 1–2 bowel movements per day. With colon cancer on the rise, maintaining colon health is an increasingly important preventative health measure.

TCM differentiation: Constipation and fecal impaction are characterized by toxic heat accumulation in the Intestines. GI DTX simultaneously purges toxic accumulation, reduces inflammation, prevents polyp formation, and rebuilds the intestines after cleansing — achieving the delicate balance of cleansing the intestines while protecting the digestive tract.

Clinical notes:

— One round of cleansing = 7 days. May be repeated every 6 months if necessary; no more than once every other month in severe cases.

— In the first 3 days, patients may notice passage of more than normal stool that may be foul-smelling. After day 3, passage should normalize with little smell.

— After completing the 7-day course, incorporate probiotics to replenish intestinal flora.

— Designed as short-term intestinal detoxification for long-term constipation and fecal compaction. For long-term benefit, dietary and lifestyle changes are essential to prevent recurrence.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei / Rhubarb Root): strong purgative and laxative — contains sennoside A, aloe-emodin, and rhein, which directly stimulate the large intestine to increase contraction and peristalsis; anti-inflammatory — inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); antiproliferative — broad spectrum antiproliferative, cytotoxicity, and anticancer effects (aloe-emodin: inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma invasion via p38 MAPK-NF-κB; induces apoptosis in hepatoma cells; inhibits gastric cancer cell growth; emodin: inhibits hepatoma cell growth); cytoprotective — protects human intestinal epithelial cells from damage by inhibiting cell apoptosis and necrosis; significant protective effect in artificially-induced ulcerative colitis; qi invigorating — increases peristalsis and enhances detoxifying effect; drains damp — helps eliminate toxins through urination; see Prop 65 warning above

— Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis / Schisandra / Five-Flavor Berry): anti-inflammatory — schisandrin inhibits NO production, PGE(2) release, COX-2, and iNOS expression; antiproliferative — benzocyclooctadiene lignans exert antiproliferative activity against human colorectal cancer cells; liver protection — prevents Da Huang from injuring yin; sour taste provides check and balance to prevent Da Huang from injuring qi

— Bai Jiang Cao (Herba cum Radice Patriniae / Patrinia / Dahurian Patrinia): remarkable anti-inflammatory activity especially at colorectal sites — therapeutic value for ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); enters Large Intestine channel to enhance detoxifying effect of Da Huang; drains pus and abscesses to treat intestinal polyps

— Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis / Hedyotis / Oldenlandia): strong antiproliferative — inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of abnormal cells; enters Large Intestine channel to enhance detoxifying effect; drains pus and abscesses to treat intestinal polyps

— Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris / Pteris Herb / Brake Fern): effectively reduces inflammation in the colon; enters Large Intestine channel to enhance detoxifying effect

— Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae / Chinese Yam / Dioscorea): moistens bowels to soften dry stools; stimulates intestinal peristalsis to facilitate stool passage; anti-inflammatory — antioxidant activities, phenolic compounds inhibit COX-2; tonifies Spleen and Stomach; prevents harsh heat-clearing herbs from injuring the digestive system

— Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata / Prepared Fo-Ti): moistens bowels; stimulates intestinal peristalsis; nourishes yin; tonifies blood; prepared form only — safe and well-tolerated (Maillard reaction processing with Hei Dou eliminates adverse reactions of unprepared root); do not use in patients with liver disease risk

— Fu Ling (Poria): tonifies Spleen and Stomach; restores balance after toxins are purged; prevents harsh herbs from injuring the digestive system

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Purgative / laxative — Da Huang (sennoside A + aloe-emodin + rhein, large intestine contraction↑, peristalsis↑); Shan Yao + Zhi He Shou Wu (bowel moistening, stool softening, peristalsis↑)

* Anti-inflammatory — Da Huang (iNOS↓); Bai Jiang Cao (colorectal sites, ulcerative colitis, IBD); Shan Yao (antioxidant, COX-2↓); Wu Wei Zi (NO↓, PGE2↓, COX-2↓, iNOS↓, schisandrin)

* Antiproliferative / anticancer — Wu Wei Zi (benzocyclooctadiene lignans, colorectal cancer cells↓); Bai Hua She She Cao (growth inhibition, apoptosis induction); Da Huang (aloe-emodin + emodin, broad spectrum: nasopharyngeal, hepatoma, gastric, colorectal)

* Cytoprotective — Da Huang (intestinal epithelial cell protection, apoptosis↓, necrosis↓; ulcerative colitis protection)

* Liver protection — Wu Wei Zi (prevents Da Huang from injuring yin and qi)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Purges toxic accumulation downward; eliminates fecal compaction (Da Huang)

* Drains damp; eliminates toxins through urination (Da Huang)

* Clears toxic heat in the Intestines (Da Huang, Bai Jiang Cao, Bai Hua She She Cao, Feng Wei Cao)

* Drains pus and abscesses; treats intestinal polyps (Bai Jiang Cao, Bai Hua She She Cao)

* Reduces colon inflammation (Feng Wei Cao)

* Moistens bowels; softens dry stools; stimulates peristalsis (Shan Yao, Zhi He Shou Wu)

* Nourishes yin; tonifies blood; prevents Da Huang from injuring yin and qi (Wu Wei Zi, Zhi He Shou Wu)

* Tonifies Spleen and Stomach; restores digestive balance after cleansing (Shan Yao, Fu Ling)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily. May increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily. One course = 7 days. May be repeated every 6 months; no more than once every other month in severe cases. After completing the course, incorporate probiotics to replenish intestinal flora.

Supplementary formulas: Liver detox and support — add Liver DTX. Kidney detox and improved kidney function — add Kidney DTX. Heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins — add Herbal DTX. Underlying qi deficiency — add GI Tonic. Underlying qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiencies — add Imperial Tonic.

Nutrition: Increase fiber intake; avoid fast foods, processed foods, artificial sugars, and carbonated drinks. Allow 2–3 hours between the last meal and bedtime — the digestive system slows during sleep. Always eat breakfast — per the TCM clock, the most optimal time for the digestive system is 8:00–10:00 a.m. Drink warm or hot liquids with meals — cold or iced drinks hinder natural peristaltic movements. Chew food completely — larger pieces lead to incomplete digestion and discomfort. Incorporate fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber whole grains. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. Avoid processed meats (lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages contain nitrites associated with inflammation). Avoid deep-fried or greasy foods.

Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease): Eat bananas, apples, walnuts, figs, spinach, peaches, pears, pine nuts, sesame seeds, mulberries, grapefruit, yams, honey, azuki beans, apricot kernel, milk, yogurt, alfalfa sprouts, beets, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, potato, Chinese cabbage, and salt water. Eat 2 bananas on an empty stomach followed by a glass of water. Drink a glass of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of honey on an empty stomach. Drink blended beets and cabbage on an empty stomach daily. Make beet soup. Eat 5–10 figs on an empty stomach followed by a glass of water. Eat a fresh apple on an empty stomach. Drink mulberry juice. Eat lightly steamed asparagus and cabbage at night before retiring. Drink a glass of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of salt on an empty stomach (last resort only — do not use with edema or hypertension). Avoid spicy foods, fried foods, and meat.

Lifestyle: Eliminate unhealthy substances: alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars, and saturated fats; and potentially toxic products: chemical-based household cleaners and personal hygiene products. Regular use of steam rooms or saunas helps eliminate toxins through sweating. Take a 30-minute walk after meals to stimulate the circulatory and digestive systems. Incorporate cardiovascular exercise. Do not postpone bowel movements — respond to the urge immediately.

Related Reading

Also see: Liver DTX – for liver detox and support | Kidney DTX – for kidney detox and improved kidney function | Herbal DTX – for heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins | GI Tonic – for underlying qi deficiency after cleansing | Imperial Tonic – for qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiencies | GI Care – for acid reflux and gastric ulcer | GI Care II – for GI infection and traveler's diarrhea | GI Harmony – for IBS | Digestive Health & GI Support Collection.