As expected in the new year, many of us reflect and vow to make some changes to improve health, outlook, and meet personal goals. We look to right the ship if we may have drifted off course a bit. I know this applies to me, with my diet, sleep schedule, and too much time sitting in front of electronic screens in the past few months. Hopefully we can all stick to our resolutions this year and end up better than when we started.
In the spirit of change, I want to switch up the format here a little bit to give you more expert information about the products used here in the clinic. Since it is timely and relevant, I wanted to feature a very popular Chinese herb liver support formula, Health Concerns Ecliptex. I asked our clinic director, Warren Cargal, a few questions about the formula and how he uses it at the clinic ...
[su_heading]Interview with Warren Cargal, Clinic Director, Acupuncture Atlanta, January, 2019[/su_heading]
Ecliptex is for liver support. From a TCM perspective, how does this formula work?
From a Chinese medicine point of view Ecliptex contains herbs that vitalize the Qi and the blood as well as a combination of herbs that protect liver function and address liver damage. As the liver is the primary organ for detoxifying the blood this formula would be supportive for the liver.
The liver is considered especially important in TCM practice. Why is it so important to our health?
As I have mentioned the liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood from all the internal and environmental toxins. For example, if you take an aspirin or any medication, it will need to be filter out of the blood by the liver. Another example is the liver takes the cholesterol in your body and make the steroid hormones such as estrogen or testosterone, and if you are taking exogenous hormones they will need to be cleared by the liver.
What types of issues do you use this for in the clinic?
In the clinic this formula is used to help the liver heal from exposure to chemicals, drugs or excessive alcohol consumption. It can also be used to reduce viral loads in the liver as some of the herbs in the formula have anti-viral effects.
There are many TCM formulas that address the liver in some way. How is this formula different?
This formula is specific for the effects of damage to the liver from chemicals, drugs or virus. Unlike many classic formulas that have been used for centuries, Ecliptex is a modern formula that, alongside common Chinese herbs like bupleurum, uses milk thistle, a popular and effective western herb for liver protection.
How long would someone take this formula, and is it safe for daily, long-term use?
This formula is safe for daily use; however, it would not be considered a long-term formula (no more than 2-3 months daily use).
What are some typical lifestyle recommendations you would make alongside Ecliptex for liver health?
Clearly, if there has been excessive use of recreational drugs or alcohol, the first consideration would be in reducing their use. If damage to the liver has occurred due to medication use it is important to consult with your doctor for alternative medications and for using the Ecliptex to help nourish and repair the liver.
