Artichoke leaf

The various chemical constituents of artichoke work in synergy to enable it to have both a choleretic and amphocholeretic effect (it encourages the secretion of bile and is also able to regulate this secretion). Cynarine is its most potent active ingredient.

This plant’s leaves also have the capability to protect the liver from damage and to regenerate liver cells. Some practitioners believe that increased secretion of bile acid can improve intestinal motility and fat digestion. Artichoke’s effect upon the gallbladder means that it can be used against non-ulcer dyspepsia, hepato-biliary disorders and to treat constipation caused by liver failure.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel is a large perennial native to the Mediterranean basin region. Its essential oil aids digestion in the stomach and expels gas from the stomach and intestine (acts as a carminative).

Furthermore, anethole has spasmolytic and antispasmodic properties – it helps relieve spasms and stomach pains and cramps.
Fennel is recommended for use in treating minor gastro-intestinal problems and convulsions.
Flatulence and bloatedness. This may stem from gastritus, colitis or dyspepsia.
Fennel is used to treat the symptoms of digestive problems like: epigastric bloating, slow digestion, belching and flatulence. It can be used as an add-on therapy to relieve the pain associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
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Spanish Black radish (Raphanus niger)

Spanish Black radish promotes the production of bile and stimulates moderate gallbladder contraction, which helps eliminate waste and toxins by helping the liver to work more effectively.

The Spanish Black radish is cholagogue (stimulates the flow of bile into the duodenum).

It is an excellent aid to liver drainage, recommended for people experiencing slow digestion, a heavy feeling in the stomach after meals, epigastric bloating, biliary colic and for those who have over-indulged on festive occasions.

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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

This is an aromatic shrub of the Lamiaceae family which grows wild all around the Mediterranean region. Phenol-acids like rosmarinic acid are choleretic, cholagogue and anti-inflammatory. Flavonoids contained in the plant lends it a diuretic effect and it can help relieve smooth muscle spasms.

Rosemary essential oil is carminative and stomachic.
Rosemary is effective against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and the abdominal pains this causes, by calming gastro-intestinal spasms through its spasmolytic effect on the intestine and stomach. Rosemary is recommended for dyspepsia, digestive disorders, bloating, flatulence and for treating mild spasms of the gastro-intestinal tract and bile duct.
It sharpens the appetite and stimulates the secretion of gastric juices. It’s used to treat the symptoms of digestive problems such as epigastric bloating, slow digestion, belching and flatulence. It can also assist the body in eliminating wastes through the digestive and urinary systems. Lastly, it is a choleretic and a cholagogue.

THE FRENCH LAB LAB has created a formula

to promote better intestinal health and bowel movements by blending a number of plants that are well-known for their positive impact upon digestive and bowel health.

Find out more