The Detox and Mental Health Connection

 

CASE STUDY: Detox

SUBMITTED BY: Phil Rasmussen

PATIENT: Male, 46 years old

INITIAL PRESENTATION:

Presented case study, requested herbal support to help with lower energy levels, stress, and concerns with the health of his liver, after recent LFTs (liver function tests) showed an elevated GGT (101U/L, vs normal 5-40). Had been drinking quite heavily, including every day after work; usually 2/3^rds to a full bottle of wine but sometimes also spirits. Previously had drunk alcohol 4-5 nights per week, but this had increased since splitting up with his partner 6 months ago.

He had ceased drinking a few days after receiving these results and consulted his GP. Was finding this difficult, particularly as he was under a lot of pressure through his fast-paced and demanding workload, and some workplace issues.

He was also sleeping lightly, often waking very early in the morning, and finding it difficult to go back to sleep. He’d begun taking melatonin most nights but hadn’t noticed much improvement.

While his diet had generally been good throughout his life, and his previous partner was an excellent cook, he had become increasingly reliant on takeaways, and the psoriasis of his scalp had again been troublesome, for the first time in years. He was aware he’d been eating far too many processed foods, energy drinks and sometimes lollies throughout the day, and was concerned also about putting on excess weight.

He reported having frequent feelings of anxiety, and some bouts of feeling down, including a period of depression in the months following the relationship breakup.

Fitness and exercise were important to him, and he tried to get to the gym 2-3 times a week, usually before work. He also played social football most weekends.

He had decided to ‘detox’, and had just completed a supervised four day fast, during which he drunk water only. He was feeling much better, both physically and mentally, and was resolved to look after himself better, and keep off the alcohol for the foreseeable future. However, he was about to return to work, and wanted herbal support to help him with both stress and to continue to support his body’s own liver detoxification processes. He also accepted an offer to provide separate herbal medication for sleep.

Rx:

Main Mix: (300mL)

Withania (Withania somnifera) 1:1 std 33

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 3:2 std 25

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 1:2 15

Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) 1:2 12

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) whole plant, 1:2 10

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), 1:2 5

400mL.

8mL bd

 

Valerian 1:2 (200mL)

Dosage:

5-15mL at night if needed, with water or juice. Shake well before dispensing.

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

We discussed his diet, and while he seemed on track with a better eating programme because of his recent fast and the resources provided through this, I reiterated the benefits of avoiding processed foods, lollies, and energy drinks, and having plenty of fruit and vegetables.

We also talked through some tools to help him stay away from alcohol, or at least none during the week, taking the time to prepare a healthy meal, and considering some gym sessions after instead of before work, being part of this.

He was open also to drinking herbal teas, and I advised him to try making a rosemary infusion from the bush in his garden, and drinking this daily, as both a good liver tonifying herb, and one with numerous other benefits on his mental health and desire to continue detoxing.

FOLLOW-UP

3-weeks later:

While it had been hard at times, he had succeeded in not drinking apart from one evening, and his overall mood and energy levels had remained good. The psoriasis had also improved markedly. His diet was still not great at times, but he was trying to cook more and eat additional fruit and veges.

He had tried the rosemary tea, and enjoyed it, but found it difficult to make regularly, and I dispensed a 200gram bag of dried leaf, for him to make tea from daily.

He planned to get further LFTs done in another 1-2 weeks’ time. He had started a probiotic supplement and seemed well on track with his detoxification process, but ongoing stress management was now more of a concern.

Main Mix: (300mL)

Withania (Withania somnifera) 1:1 std 38

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 3:2 std 25

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 1:2 10

Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) 1:2 12

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) whole plant, 1:2 10

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), 1:2 5

400mL.

8mL bd

He continued to take this mix for the next 18 months, as well as regular lots of Valerian, which continued to work well at a 15mL dose, for the insomnia. He also managed to keep his alcohol intake under control, and his LFTs were normal at 6 weeks after his first visit. Overall, he noticed a marked improvement in his mental health and skin and had no recurrence of the elevated LFTs.