Signature Formula Herb-Lax Laxative for Occasional Irregularity

“Herb-Lax is one of SHAKLEE’s most popular products. Why? Because it gives gentle relief in those who are troubled by constipation and gastric distress. It’s not only gentle; it’s safe, too, cleansing the entire system of toxins without being toxic or harmful itself. The nine herbs in SHAKLEE Signature Formula Herb-Lax Laxative are effective, yet do not damage the sensitive cilia (constantly moving hair-like structures lining the intestinal tract) as chemical laxatives can.

“Constipation and irregularity are a curse of our modern diets. Both contribute significantly to toxic buildup in the blood and lymphatic system. When irregularity or constipation occur, it’s time for Herb-Lax.

“Herb-Lax contains the herb senna leaf (Cassia angustifolia), which has been used as an herbal laxative for more than 3,500 years. Senna has two actions. It triggers the secretion of fluids into the colon, which causes stools to be softer and easier to eliminate. It also stimulates contraction of muscles within the colon to promote elimination.

“Herb-Lax specifically targets irregularity and constipation due to travel, illness, medications you may be taking, or a change in diet. Herb-Lax can be used when beginning a detoxification or colon cleansing program. Herb-Lax was originally formulated by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee, Sr. Herb-Lax encourages a mild cleansing action to aid the body’s natural processes.” FROM THE FIELD

The label says that 4 tablets may be taken once or twice a day for occasional irregularity.

1. Did you know that diarrhea is just another form of constipation? Therefore, you can use Herb-Lax to help when you have diarrhea, too, though that seems counter-intuitive. Nedra Sahr, nutritionist, points out: the circular muscles around the large intestines are supposed to contract rhythmically to push the feces along the length of the colon to the rectum… If the contractions are too strong and working too fast, the result is diarrhea. Lots of valuable nutrients are lost because there' s not enough time for them to get absorbed. If the contractions are too slow, minerals have time to bind with fats, and create hard stool that leads to constipation.

2 Current research says FIBER is the “daily laxative”. We ought to be getting in 25-30 grams of fiber from all sources every day to give bulk enough that contractions are stimulated. “Normal” is 2-3 bowel movements daily. Did you know that most of us get in only about 13 grams of fiber daily? That’s not surprising when you realize that a slice of WHOLE wheat bread is only 1.60 grams, and an apple 1.06 grams. If we eat a lot of meat (no fiber), cooked veggies (weakened fiber), processed foods (no fiber), dairy (no fiber), sugar and white flour (no fiber)…then we’re a long way from colon health. No wonder colon cancer is on the rise; too many toxins stay in, putrefy, and get reabsorbed. Adding one of SHAKLEE’s easy-to-take fiber supplements may literally save your life.

3. Many SHAKLEE people have increased their daily dietary fiber, but still safely take 1-2 Herb-Lax every night. They feel since it’s Dr. Shaklee’s formula, it’s good for more than its laxative properties. They know the other 8 herbs heal and tone the colon, Carol Robins Dalton, NP, says, Herb-Lax cleanses and purifies the blood, too. Herb-Lax users report clear skin, vigor, regularity, and great health.

4. But Nedra Sahr also cautions that there are so many people who have inflamed bowels these days that not everyone can use it as a 10-day cleanser before they start a nutrition program, nor as a daily-use product. She says YOU DON'T WANT TO EXERCISE INFLAMED TISSUE on a daily basis. Instead, she says that the place to start is with OPTIFLORA, fiber, and water instead of Herb-Lax, as you work to heal the inflammation. (Those with inflammation might need it for occasional constipation, as the gentlest and most effective laxative product on the market, and that’s fine.)

NOTE ABOUT SHAKLEE HERBAL MEDICINES OTC (over the counter) medicines provide safe and effective self-medication, and should be used only as directed.