Digestion and detoxification

 

CASE STUDY: Digestion and detoxification

SUBMITTED BY: Sharlene Bennett, Naturopath and Medical Herbalist (BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb)

PATIENT: Female, 26 years old

INITIAL PRESENTATION:

Female with a history of PCOS and eczema. She is seeking relief from PCOS symptoms, such as elevated blood sugar levels, bloating and menstrual pain, alongside help for chronic eczema on her legs and buttocks. She is also experiencing stomach discomfort and bloating around meal times.

She is using omega-3 supplementation to help with inflammation, alongside topical Kiwiherb Calendula Healing Balm and a liquorice-based cream for her eczema. She is using Inositol and a magnesium powder daily.

HERBAL TREATMENT (200mL):

Hormone Herbal Blend

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) 1:2 60mL    

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) 1:4 60mL

Paeony (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2  40mL

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 35mL

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1:2 5mL

Daily Dosage

7.5mL twice daily, before lunch and dinner.
 

Liver Tonic Blend (200mL)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) 1:1 60mL

Dandelion whole plant (Taraxacum officinale) 1:2 50mL

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) 1:2 50mL

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) 1:2  40mL

Daily Dosage

7.5mL twice daily, before lunch and dinner.
 

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended dietary support includes increased daily protein intake and omega-3, for satiety, blood sugar management and modulating glucose release.

Additional support for the liver includes a need for increased antioxidants and more variety in vegetable and fruit intake, with a focus on organic or spray-free/locally sourced foods where possible. Antibiotic-free meat and lean white meats are recommended, including fish and eggs.

A typical Mediterranean diet that is high in plants and protein is encouraged. Add in greens, lettuce, endive, spinach and broccoli, with nuts and seeds over salad and meals or snacks. Fresh foods, lean meats and fish with higher omega-3, such as sardines, salmon, or snapper.

Include detoxification herbs every day before meal times and digestive enzymes to help with stomach bloating and liver function.

FOLLOW-UP:

2-week check-in:

• Experiencing a reduction in menstrual discomfort and pain, rating pain 5/10 on a scale. She is feeling less bloated around meal times and using the digestive enzymes at each meal. The herbs are helping with hormone support and she has noted less discomfort, and better sleep and mood. She is feeling less feeling full after meals.  Her eczema is only slightly less in appearance but is starting to be less itchy.
   

4-week check-in:

• The client is noticing relief and easing symptoms. Pain around the menstrual cycle is much less, rating it 3/10 on a daily basis. She has less bloating and an increased appetite with her new diet and is now enjoying more protein. Her blood sugar levels are more manageable and she is feeling more balanced in between meal times. Mood swings have also reduced. Her eczema is improving with the new diet and she feels that the detox herbs are helping here too. She is happy to continue at the same dosage and will visit again after one more month of utilising the herb and supplement regime. She will also check her blood glucose via blood tests in the next few weeks.