The digestive system is perhaps the most mercurial and volatile of our bodily functions. It is at once friend and foe, depending on what we ingest. Inherent in the act of digestion is a violence that can manifest in some of our most dreaded maladies. Constipation is chief among them; every one of us has experienced the helplessness of being backed up and unable to obtain relief.
We tend to equate the workings of digestion to a plumbing system – indeed, the shape and function of the digestive tract does lend itself to a strong parallel. Perhaps that is why many treat constipation the way we treat plumbing issues, with harsh medicine that can verge on overkill or cause side effects.
An alternative solution exists in Fen-Cho, a naturally derived blend of ingredients proven to help the digestion process. Taken individually, each one of the components of Fen-Cho possess qualities that maintain and enhance digestive health. Combined, they are a uniquely versatile digestion aid and an effective remedy for constipation.
Below, we will break down each of the various ingredients that are used to make Fen-Cho and the nature of their efficacy.
Collinsonia canadensis is a perennial herb in the mint family that is common in the forests of eastern North America. Its medicinal value was discovered by European settlers who observed its use among Native Americans.
The root of the plant is dark-brown or black and is extremely tough and difficult to extract, to the point where it has been known in the past to break grinding machines. As it turns out, the Collinsonia root possesses latent qualities that make its arduous extraction process worthwhile; it’s ability to relax the bowel’s mucous membranes make it a powerful aid against congestion and constipation.
Originating from the Indian subcontinent, Fenugreek has a long history of use in traditional medicine and cuisine and has been known to reduce inflammation, heartburn, and cholesterol levels. Its seeds can be ground into paste or sprouted, and its leaves can be consumed in salads or brewed into tea. It is perhaps most popularly consumed in the western world as a galactagogue for nursing mothers looking to increase their production of breast milk.
The value of fenugreek in fighting constipation can be traced to its high fiber content. Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber and are considered a “bulk-forming” laxative in reference to the way they expand in water, increasing the volume within the bowel to trigger a reflexive contraction and ensuing bowel movement. Consumption of fenugreek has also been linked to a lessening of the effects of diverticulitis, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Bile Salts may be off-putting in name but are actually critical not only to cows’ digestive systems but also our own. Bile – produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder – is the all-important fluid that breaks down fat and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine, with bile salt comprising the active ingredient in the process.
Insufficient production of bile salt in the body is a direct cause of indigestion; without the effects of bile, fats cannot be emulsified properly, increasing the likelihood of digestive problems in the large intestine.
Recent studies have shown that bile salts play an important role in controlling the growth of intestinal microbiota and thus maintaining a balance within our microbiomes that is necessary for healthy digestion.
Also known as “lady-fingers,” okra is commonly consumed as a stand-alone food that can be cooked, picked, or eaten raw. When cooked over heat okra will produce a slimy substance often considered undesirable to taste. In fact, the “slime” is the mucilage of the okra plant, which is the source of its soluble fiber.
The fiber within okra is a demulcent that soothes and protects the intestinal lining. It is also uniquely effective, when compared to other fiber-rich foods, in binding itself to bile acids, promoting the excretion of cholesterol and toxic metabolites. This binding action is critical in preventing the reabsorption of toxins.
Traditional approaches to medicine often differ from modern scientific practice in that they emphasize the sanctity of foods in whole form, rather than the isolation of active chemicals or compounds. Fen-Cho was created in the spirit of holistic wellness, with the intent of bringing the synergistic benefit of natural elements, undisturbed from their original state.