Cleansing Your Blood

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Although widely misunderstood, cleansing the blood is probably one of the most
important weapons in the alternative health arsenal for achieving optimum
wellness and defeating cancer. To be sure, by some measures, we seem to be
doing better when it comes to cancer. The medical community touts the fact that
both the incidence of--and deaths from--cancer have finally started trending
down. But this actually represents a bit of illusory back slapping. The biggest
declines are in lung cancer and breast cancer.1 But the decline in lung cancer
has virtually nothing to do with advances in diagnosis and treatment but, rather,
is the result of decreased cigarette smoking in the U.S. Unfortunately, tobacco
use is growing worldwide and has even started trending back up among young
people in the United States, as we now add about one million new young
American smokers every year. As for breast cancer, once again, that has less to
do with medical advancements than with a decline in the use of hormone
replacement therapy drugsa primary factor in the onset of breast cancer. In
effect, doctors are patting themselves on the back for no longer killing people.
Have there been improvements in diagnosis and treatment? Absolutelyfor
some cancers. Colon cancer, for example. But overall, the simple truth is that in
2014, there will be an estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed and
585,720 deaths from cancer in the US alone. Cancer remains the second most
common cause of death in the U.S., accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths.
Someday, advances in genetic therapy and scientific research will make a real
difference, but until that day, youre largely on your own, and you would be wise
to take advantages of the defenses that nature offers such as blood cleansing.
There are actually several ways to cleanse your blood. One of the most effective
is to use systemic proteolytic enzymes between meals or before bed. When
taken without food, the enzymes enter the bloodstream within a matter of
minutes and begin cleaning protein-based detritus, such as antigens and
circulating immune complexes out of the blood, which would otherwise
compromise the immune system. This can make a significant improvement in
your overall health rather quickly.
What we're talking about now, though, is something quite different -- using herbal
blood cleansers to eliminate systemic pathogens, remove toxic residues from the
blood, stimulate the lymph system (which is essential for keeping your blood
clean), and break down rogue cells to assist your immune system in minimizing
the chances of malignant growths taking root in your body. The great blood
cleansing herbs--in no particular order--are: red clover, burdock root, chaparral,

poke root, and sheep sorrel. These are the herbs you will find in the famous
blood cleansing formulas such as the Hoxsey formula, Essiac Tea, the Dr.
Christopher and Dr. Schulze formulas, and in my own version of the formula.
These formulas can literally "drive" bad things out of your body -- or prevent them
from entering in the first place. With that in mind, let's look at the "perfect" blood
cleansing formula.
What exactly is a blood cleanser?
First of all, the very name "blood cleanser" is really a euphemism. In fact, this
formula and almost every herb in it is considered by herbalists to be anticancer
(though not acknowledged as such by governmental agencies). Variations of this
formula have been used for hundreds of years by Native American tribes. More
recently, commercial versions have been available, as I mentioned earlier, such
as the Hoxsey formula, Essiac Tea, and Jason Winters Tea, etc. The very fact
that we can't talk openly about the anticancer property of herbs and herbal
formulas except as a theoretical construct is probably the most political topic in
alternative health today.
Not surprisingly, as we go through the individual herbs in my recommended
blood cleansing formula-Chaparral, Red clover, Burdock root, Poke root, Yellow dock root, Goldenseal
root, Oregon grape root, Bloodroot, Mistletoe, Sheep sorrel, Cat's claw, and
Cayenne.
--you will find that many of them are on the FDA cautionary list, and virtually all of
them are on the Canadian list. You will also find numbers of these herbs on the
warning lists of European countries such as Switzerland and Germany, and even
Australia for that matter. On the other hand, you will also find that a number of
studies--most of them fairly recent--actually support what herbalists have been
saying for decades about these herbs' anticancer properties.
What's going on here? Why is it that the very same herbs that the great
herbalists single out as being most beneficial for combating cancer are banned
by government authorities as useless -- even toxic? How does this happen -again and again?
Of course, these same authorities might have more credibility if the alternatives
they pushed -- surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation -- had a better track record.
But as we all know, they don't. Perhaps even more interesting is that many of the
studies that support the anticancer properties of the herbs in question are being
conducted with synthetic variations of the isolated key biochemicals in those
herbs, not the herbs themselves.
Why?

The stated reason is that the synthetic variants are "safer" and "more effective."
But we've been down this road countless times before. They are not safer. They
are not more effective. In fact, they usually have much more dangerous side
effects and are frequently less effective than the complete plant extract itself.
What they are, though, is patentable. But that's a topic for another time.
In any case, since we can't talk about the cancer preventive properties of specific
formulas, let's just talk theoretically about the herbs found in my "ideal" formula
and why they are effective. Note, most of these herbs are extremely bitter and
taste really horrible, but they work!
Chaparral
Native Americans have used chaparral for centuries as an anticancer remedy. In
fact, it is the cornerstone of most anticancer herbal formulas. Exactly how it
works is open to debate, but some of its main actions are:
Chaparral is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in nature. The primary
biochemical responsible for this is NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid). NDGA is
so effective that it is often used as a food preservative.
It is anti-pathogenic. In other words, it kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Chaparral has even shown much promise with herpes.
Chaparral cleanses the lymph system.
It cleanses the blood.
It cleanses the liver.
It cleanses the urinary tract.
It's a natural chelator that clears heavy metals from the blood.
Studies show that chaparral may also inhibit uncontrolled cell proliferation as
well as damage to DNA.
And a number of university studies have indicated that chaparral can destroy
and dissolve many types of tumors.
So how could such a beneficial herb be on every government's blacklist?
According to the FDA, citing a 1997 study published in the Archives of Internal
Medicine, "Chaparral: sold as teas and pills to fight cancer and "purify blood," has
been linked to serious liver damage. FDA has recorded two deaths and 10 cases
of hepatitis or other liver abnormalities in users."2
The reality, though, is that the evidence for chaparral liver toxicity is anecdotal.
It's not the result of any double blind studies or clinical trials. For example, one of
the cases the FDA likes to cite can be found in a 1995 issue of the Journal of the
American Medical Association.3 The details of the case concern a 60-year-old
woman who developed jaundice and liver failure while taking one to two capsules
of chaparral each day with a pinch of garlic in a tea made from nettle and
chickweed. The authors of the JAMA article concluded it must have been the
chaparral that caused the liver problems. What is fascinating is that the patient in
question was also consuming atenolol, aspirin, using a nitro patch, and

occasional acetaminophen, as well as diltiazem hydrochloride - all drugs with

profound hepatotoxic potential. Amazingly, none of these other substances were
even considered as a possible cause of the liver problems by the authors...or the
FDA. What a surprise!
Nevertheless (and despite the fact that Dr. Norman Farnsworth's extensive
studies on chaparral in the 1970s and 1980s found no hepatotoxic effects for
chaparral whatsoever), in December 1992, FDA Commissioner David Kessler
announced, "The public should not purchase or consume chaparral."
After these allegations of liver toxicity by the FDA, manufacturers voluntarily
restricted sales of chaparral for several years until the reports were investigated.
Following a lengthy review, a panel of medical experts concluded "no clinical
data was found... to indicate chaparral is inherently a hepatic toxin." In late 1994,
this report was submitted to the FDA and chaparral was subsequently given a
clean bill of health by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). After
comparing the quantity of chaparral consumed each year (it is estimated that
over 200 tons, 500 million capsules, were sold in the U.S. in the 1970's and 80's
alone) to the number of product complaints, industry regulators concluded that
chaparral did not pose a significant threat to consumer safety. Dr. Clark Watt and
a group of scientists and doctors concluded that hepatotoxicity was most likely
due to an allergic reaction rather than "inherent liver toxicity."4 And In 2001, a
retrospective clinical study published in The Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicine found no evidence of liver toxicity from the use of low
dose chaparral.5
So is this remarkable herb (the cornerstone of many great formulas) now sold
freely in the marketplace and used to benefit ailing people all over the world?
Hardly!
Search for "chaparral toxicity" on the web and you will see numerous articles still
announcing the dangers of the herb (all citing the same cases from the early
90's.) Or try to buy chaparral in Canada or much of Europe. Right! The problem
is that once an herb is labeled dangerous (even if disproved at a later date), the
stigma remains and is brought up over and over and over again, acquiring truth
through repetition, if not through fact.
Fortunately, despite the bad press, chaparral is at least available (for the time
being) in the United States.
Chaparral studies
According to a report in the May 2010 issue of the Medical Science Monitor,
numerous studies have shown that the main metabolite of chaparral, NDGA, is
likely effective in the treatment of multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular
diseases, neurological disorders, cancers, and in the field of tissue engineering.6
The report went on to explain that several medicinal properties such as NDGA's

antineoplastic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory characteristics have been

supported by in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, as well as historical
reports. Studies have also confirmed that NDGA has extensive pharmacological
effects and specific mechanisms of actions. It is a strong antioxidant; it can
scavenge ROS (reactive oxygen species, AKA free radicals) or inhibit ROS
production, stimulate (nitrous oxide production, increase immune function,
enhance central nervous system function, and prevent cardiovascular or other
diseases. And tissue engineering studies demonstrate that NDGA-crosslinking is
an effective way to improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of
artificial tissues and organs.
Quite simply, when it comes to cancer, there are a number of studies that show
the benefits of chaparral and NDGA--and many of them recent. For example, a
2010 study published in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters found that
several synthetic variations of NDGA act as inhibitors against human liver
cancer.7 The results of this study were reinforced by a study published just last
month in ChemMedChem that found that eight methylated versions of NDGA
were protective against liver cancer.8 Incidentally, I started with two studies on
chaparral's ability to inhibit liver cancer specifically to counter any lingering
concerns over its falsely rumored liver toxicity, but its anticancer benefits are by
no means limited to liver cancer. As a 2012 study published in Breast Cancer
Research and Treatment shows, it's equally protective against breast cancer.9
And a 2008 study published in the journal Prostate shows that it might be just as
effective in dealing with prostate cancer.10 And then, of course, there are the
numerous studies that show that NDGA is more effective than acyclovir when it
comes to treating the viruses HIV, HSV,11 and HPV12--HPV being notable as a
primary factor in the onset of cervical cancer. And for that matter, studies have
shown that NDGA and its derivatives are directly effective against cervical cancer
itself.13
Red Clover
Red Clover is another staple of herbal blood cleansing formulas and has a long
history of use as a medicinal herb. It's an excellent blood purifier that over time
gradually cleanses the bloodstream and corrects deficiencies in the circulatory
system. But among classic herbalists, it is probably best known as one of the
main herbs for treating all varieties of cancer -- anywhere in the body -- and is
found as a central ingredient in many anticancer formulas, again including the
Hoxsey formula, Jason Winters tea, my ideal formula, and Essiac tea.
Not surprisingly, most doctors, the FDA and many "new-school" herbalists have
dismissed red clover as useless in dealing with cancer. However, researchers at
the National Cancer Institute have indeed found anti-tumor properties in red
clover. Genistein, a biochemical in red clover has the ability to prevent tumors
from developing the blood supplies they need to survive -- thus starving them
and killing them.

As it turns out, genistein is the same biochemical considered to be the main

beneficial biochemical in soy. But red clover has a significant advantage over
soy. It contains not just genistein, but significant levels (about ten times that
found in soy) of all four beneficial estrogenic isoflavones (a special class of
antioxidants) including daidzein. In addition to isoflavones, red clover contains
another class of anticancer phytoestrogen compounds called coumestans -primarily in the form of biochanin.
Soy consumption, unlike red clover consumption, does not result in any increase
in biochanin in the blood.14 Is that important? Studies have shown that biochanin
may significantly inhibit breast cancer proliferation.15, fn] Wang Y, Man Gho W,
Chan FL, Chen S, Leung LK. "The red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone
biochanin A inhibits aromatase activity and expression." Br J Nutr
2008;99(2):303-310. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17761019 , fn]
Mannella P, Tosi V, Russo E, et al. "Effects of red clover extracts on breast
cancer cell migration and invasion." Gynecol endocrinol. 2012; 28(1):29-33.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21615235 Not unsurprisingly, for similar
reasons, it may be equally protective against prostate cancer.16 And then there
was the Australian study where researchers gave red clover isoflavonoids to 20
men with prostate cancer before they had surgery to remove their prostates. The
men who had received flavonoids appeared to have more cancer cells that were
dying in their surgically removed prostate tissue.17 Yes, it was a very small
study, without a placebo group, and it did not compare survival, quality of life, or
symptoms, but the researchers described the apoptosis in the specimens from
treated patients as "significantly higher" than in control subjects. And it's not the
first time this kind of result has been noted with red clover and prostate cancer.18
Burdock root
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is probably the most famous detoxifying agent in
the herbal arsenal. It cleanses the blood by increasing the effectiveness of all the
body's elimination systems. Its diuretic effect helps the kidneys filter impurities
from the blood. It helps push toxins out through the skin, and it also boosts the
ability of the liver to remove toxins. The bottom line is that by pushing toxins out
through a variety of pathways, burdock can purify the blood with minimal side
effects and with minimal stress to the body. Note: although burdock root has
traditionally been used to treat diabetes, in excessive amounts, it may interfere
with blood sugar medications.
Studies indicate that burdock has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
properties.19, fn] Chan YS, Cheng LN, Wu JH, et al. "A review of the
pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)." Inflammopharmacology.
2011 Oct;19(5):245-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20981575 The
lignans arctiin and arctigenin, which are found in burdock root, are most likely
responsible for its anti-inflammatory abilities, whereas the polyacetylenes and
chlorogenic acid components are most likely responsible for its antibacterial
properties. In addition, burdock root appears to be hepatoprotective,20

antidiabetic,21 and protective against mammary, colon, and pancreatic cancer.22

In fact, studies have shown that it has anticancer activity against a variety of
cancers such as: ovarian cancer,23 lung cancer,24 and breast cancer,25 to
name just a few.
Pokeroot and Yellow dock root
These are both powerful blood cleansers and lymph cleansers, inciting and
increasing the action of lymph glands throughout the entire body. Not
surprisingly, both herbs are staples of many traditional herbal anticancer
formulas.
If used improperly, pokeroot (AKA, pokeweed) can be toxic, but if used properly,
animal studies have shown that it can enhance the immune system and has
anticancer properties. For example, according to one animal study, pokeweed
antiviral protein (PAP), a protein contained in the plant, demonstrated anticancer
effects in rodents.26 Another study found that PAP, when combined with an
immunotherapy drug called TP-3, holds promise as a potential treatment for
advanced osteosarcomas and some soft tissue sarcomas.27 In addition,
laboratory studies have suggested that certain formulations of PAP may turn out
to be useful against cancer cells that depend on hormones for their growth, such
as cells from prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer.28 PAP also acts against
some viruses such as herpes, HIV,29 and lymphocytic choriomeningitis.30
Like pokeroot, yellow dock (Rumex crispus) can compromise red blood cells if
improperly overused. Or in other words, unless used properly, it can have toxic
properties. But also like pokeroot, if used properly, studies have shown that it has
strong anticancer properties. In fact, a 2012 study instigated by the use of yellow
dock in the Essiac formula found that yellow dock displayed "remarkable
cytotoxic activities" on several tested leukemia cell lines.31
Mistletoe
Mistletoe's use for treating cancer is so widespread in central Europe that it
actually is estimated that as many as 60 to 70 percent of cancer patients
incorporate it into their therapy. Back in 2003, I referred to the National Institutes
of Health ongoing study of mistletoe's anticancer properties. According to the
details of the study, "mistletoe lectin may slow the growth of cancer cells and be
an effective treatment for solid tumors." In particular, the study was designed to
look at how effective mistletoe extract (ME) was when injected directly into
pancreatic tumors. Well, the results of that study are now in, and they are
astonishing. "The results of our preclinical investigation demonstrate that
intratumoural injections of a lectin-rich ME [mistletoe extract] can effect complete
remissions in a pancreatic cancer xenograft."32 And since then, further studies
have proven the value of mistletoe in combating cancer. There have been
numerous studies in Europe, especially in Germany, that have reported the
benefits of mistletoe extract in fighting several types of cancer, including
pancreatic and breast cancer. A National Cancer Institute review of more than

70 studies of mistletoe's effect on cancer in humans--although they noted design

flaws in a number of the studies--nevertheless found consistent results across
the board: including tumor shrinkage, higher survival rates, improved blood
counts, and better quality of life for the patients.33 And if nothing else, study after
study found that when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, mistletoe
significantly improves quality of life, as demonstrated yet again in this 2014 study
published in the journal Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative
Medicine.34
And as a side note, a compelling case can be made for careful investigation of
mistletoe's anti-diabetic properties. African mistletoe has long been used to treat
diabetes in Nigeria. In rats with diabetes, mistletoe has been shown to reduce
blood glucose levels.35 And another study demonstrated that mistletoe extract
stimulated insulin secretion from clonal pancreatic cells.36
Sheep sorrel
Sheep sorrel, which actually comes from the same family as yellow dock-Rumex acetosella vs Rumex crispus--shares many of its cancer fighting
properties. And at least when used in combination with other herbs, it possesses
potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to
natural anti-cancer agents.37 It contains an antibacterial agent called rumicin that
has made it a treatment for infections including staphylococcus, E. coli and
salmonella. American and Canadian Indian tribes used sheep sorrel as a
treatment for cancer, which is how it came to be used in the more modern
versions of anticancer formulas. Ren Caisse, who popularized Essiac tea as a
cancer cure, felt sheep sorrel was the most active cancer fighter among all the
herbs present in her formula and made it the primary ingredient in her formula.
That viewpoint was seconded by Dr. Chester Stock at Sloan-Kettering in New
York. Dr. Stock studied sheep sorrel for over three years in the mid-seventies.
His conclusion was that sheep sorrel was found to be responsible for the
destruction of cancer cells in the body, and inhibited metastasis by actually
causing cancer cells to return to the original tumor site. Not surprisingly, this
information was not made available to the public. But even more disturbing, when
the Canadian Ministry of Health & Welfare saw the study, they immediately
banned sheep sorrel from sale and distribution!
Sheep sorrel contains high levels of phytoestrogens with significant estrogen
receptor binding activity, similar to the isoflavone phytoestrogens common to red
clover and soy.
Published studies on sheep sorrel are few and far between, but those that do
exist support Dr. Stock's work. For example, a 2009 study published in
Toxicology in Vitro found that sheep sorrel, along with several other herbs,
induced toxicity on cancerous cell lines.38
Cat's Claw

The Ashaninka tribe of Peru uses cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) for a variety of
purposes, including to support cellular health. Other indigenous tribes use cat's
claw as well. The Cashibo tribe of eastern Peru believes that cat's claw
normalizes the body and have used it since ancient times to cleanse the system.
Other documented indigenous peoples in Peru use cat's claw for blood cleansing
and for irregularity of the menstrual cycle.
Nowadays, the plant is recognized by herbalists mainly due to its antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and diuretic properties. Because of its antiinflammatory properties, cat's claw is frequently found in formulations designed to
treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The plant also has a very beneficial
influence on our immune system, and is used in the treatments of various types
of tumors--specifically, brain tumors, leukemia, cervical carcinoma, melanoma,
medulloblastoma. And it is also used as an herbal supplement for HIV
patients.39
The antitumor activity of Uncaria tomentosa has been verified in a number of
studies, but the exact mechanism of that activity is open to debate, with the
pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids found in its bark given most of the credit. For
example, one 2013 study found that the pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids found in
the bark seemed to be responsible for tomentosa's effectiveness against bladder
cancer cells.40 Whereas a second study published the same year found that
cat's claw exerts its extensive anti-neoplastic effects against the Walker-256
tumor by modulating oxidative stress and not by alkaloid activity.41 Then again, a
2009 study concluded that the alkaloids pteropodine and isopterpodine found in
tomentosa exhibited a significant pro-apoptotic (caused cancer cells to die) effect
on medullary thyroid carcinoma cells, whereas the alkaloid-poor fraction inhibited
cell proliferation but did not show any pro-apoptotic effects.42 The ball bounces
back in the other direction, however, in a 2007 study that concluded that it was
pteropodine and isomitraphylline that were responsible for tomentosa's
antiproliferative activity against leukemia cells.43 Go figure.
The bottom line is that study after study confirms the ability of cat's claw to fight
cancer, even though researchers can reach no agreement as to which
components in the bark are most responsible. Fortunately, not knowing which
part to isolate and patent may be a problem for researchers and pharmaceutical
companies but not for us as long as we use an herbal extract that contains all
components rather than isolates.
Bloodroot
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) has been researched and found to be a
potent cellular support agent, in addition to being a potent anticancer agent.
Outside of the laboratory, it has been used to treat tens of thousands of people
over the last century and a half. Many of these (according to some estimates as
many as 80%, which is probably greatly exaggerated) experienced remission of
malignancy and longer life expectancies than people with similar conditions who

chose different treatments. Nevertheless, research supports the general direction

of the anecdotal evidence. Peer reviewed studies indicate that, like cat's claw, it
is the alkaloids in bloodroot--particularly, sanguinarine--that are most likely
responsible for its cancer protective benefits. In fact, laboratory studies have
shown that it can help with prostate,44 breast,45 and pancreatic cancer,46 as
well as many other types of cancer, by causing cancer cell apoptosis.47 In other
words, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Oregon grape root and Goldenseal
Oregon grape root is frequently used by herbalists as a blood cleanser and, as its
extremely bitter taste would suggest, to stimulate the liver and gallbladder. It
purifies the blood and cleanses the liver by helping to stimulate bile flow and
releasing toxins and helping purge the spleen. It also helps the liver metabolize
wastes and toxins and, because of its anti-pathogenic properties used by natural
healers in the treatment of chronic hepatitis-B.
The primary active biochemical in Oregon grape root is berberine. And when it
comes to cancer, there have been a large number of studies that have
highlighted berberine's ability to suppress the growth of a wide variety of tumor
cells, including breast cancer, 48 leukemia,49 melanoma,50 pancreatic
cancer,51 oral and tongue cancers,52 and prostate cancer.53, 54, 55
Goldenseal root is a multipurpose type of herb that provides immune system
support and cleanses vital organs. It works both in the intestinal tract and
systemically. It promotes the functioning capacity of the heart, the lymphatic and
respiratory system, the liver, the spleen, the pancreas, and the colon. The
primary biochemical in goldenseal is berberine, which appears to have
antimicrobial actions that can kill different types of yeast, parasites, bacteria, and
even MRSA. 56 It is useful as part of a blood cleansing formula because of its
ability to remove pathogens from the bloodstream. And since one of its primary
components is berberine, all of the studies we saw for Oregon grape root apply
to goldenseal as well.
Cayenne
The hot fruit of the cayenne plant has been used as medicine for centuries. It is
extremely beneficial for the circulatory system, helping to improve the elasticity of
the walls of both the arterial and venous systems, maintain normal blood platelet
function, and to help maintain normal blood pressure if already within a normal
range throughout the body. Cayenne is also used in many herbal formulas, such
as this one, as a "driver" -- to "push" the other herbs in the formula into the
bloodstream more quickly. As a side note, there are some studies that indicate
that capsaicin, the "hot," active component in cayenne, may have the ability to
induce apoptosis in some cancer cells all on its own.57
Conclusion
These are the herbs found in my "ideal" blood cleansing formula. The roots (no

pun intended) of this formula go back decades, long before there was any
research to support it. As we have seen, though, in the last decade, research has
begun to catch up with it, and most of the herbs used in the formula have now
been identified in multiple studies (test tube, animal, and human) as having
strong anticancer properties.
Although most people use this formula as part of their biannual liver and
gallbladder flush, it should be considered in its own right as an important formula
to be used in maintaining optimal health. When used regularly, it will work to
purify and optimize your blood, cleanse your liver, kill viruses, destroy cancer,
and much more. Note: this is a very powerful formula that is strongly therapeutic
in nature, which means that it should only be used for detoxing or on an as
needed basis. One bottle every six months is adequate for detoxing and basic
maintenance. Taking one or two bottles to clean out the blood when sick is also
reasonable. And one bottle a week for up to three weeks is acceptable in special
circumstances. (Then take a couple of weeks off before repeating.) But this is not
a nutritional support formula. You do not want to take this formula on a daily
basis for weeks on end like a multivitamin. In this case, more is not necessarily
better. Remember, some of these herbs are extremely potent and can actually
break down red blood cells if used in excess. If overused, it could be
counterproductive and could have a negative health impact. In other words,
follow directions; don't adlib. But when used properly, this is one of the most
powerful formulas in the alternative health arsenal.
So, will this formula prevent or reverse cancer? Sorry, it doesn't work like that.
Quite simply, there is no magic bullet cure for cancer--traditional or medical--that
works on all types of cancer and for every individualat least not yet. But that
said, this formula is a primary anticancer tool. It is not insignificant that the
foundations of this formula were established years before there was any scientific
data to back it up--just thousands of anecdotal stories. And now, as we see, in
the last decade alone, study after study now supports the anticancer bona fides
of 12 of the 12 herbs in this formula--even cayenne, which was actually used as
a driver for the formula, not as an anticancer herb. This is an important formula!
Note: To get past the taste (very bitter, very hot), I recommend adding it to 2 oz
of thin, sweet undiluted juice such as apple or pear, downing it in one gulp like a
shot of liquor, and then swishing some plain juice in your mouth to clear the
taste. (By the way, although normally not a fan of bottled juices, this is one place
where they actually work because they are so convenient and because you drink
so little at a time.) Thick juices such as peach or orange, on the other hand, tend
to coat the mouth, which makes the taste linger -- not good. And diluting it simply
means you have to drink more, rather than getting it all down in one quick gulp,
Bottom line: a minimum of two bottles a year--one every six months--should be
considered a core part of your personal health program.

1. "Cancer Facts and Figures 2014." American Cancer Society. (Accessed 5

June 2014.)
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@research/documents/webcontent/acs
pc-042151.pdf
2. Sheikh, N. M.; Philen, R. M.; Love, L. A. "Chaparral-associated
hepatotoxicity." Arch Intern Med, 157(8), 913-919.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/Plantox/Detail.CFM?ID=28
3. Dafna W. Gordon, Gayle Rosenthal, John Hart, et al. "Chaparral Ingestion,
the Broadening Spectrum of Liver Injury Caused by Herbal Medications." JAMA.
1995;273(6):489-490.
4. Watts, C. Final Report to the American Herbal Products Association.
Special Counsel, Ford and Ferraro, LLP, Austin, TX. 6 Sept 1994. Unfortunately,
there do not appear to be any internet accessible copies available at this time.
5. SILENA HERON, N.D., and ERIC YARNELL, N.D. "The Safety of Low-Dose
Larrea tridentata (DC) Coville (Creosote Bush or Chaparral): A Retrospective
Clinical Study. THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY
MEDICINE. Volume 7, Number 2, 2001, pp. 175185
http://larrearx.com/images/JournalofAlternativeMedSafetyofLarrea.pdf
6. L JM, Nurko J, Weakley SM, Jiang J, et al. "Molecular mechanisms and
clinical applications of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and its derivatives: an
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Comments
Submitted by AM on
August 22, 2011 - 4:44pm
I'm looking for something to help with high colesterol
reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
August 22, 2011 - 5:28pm
Wow, this is a big topic! I would got to our heart health section and review all
the articles on this website about the topic. Click here:
http://www.jonbarron.org/heart-health/topic-special-report-cardiovascular
reply
Submitted by raheela on
September 10, 2014 - 1:33pm
I NEED TO Know HOW I CAN CLEAN MY BLOOD
reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
September 15, 2014 - 6:24pm

Looks like you came to the right place. Did you read this article?
reply
Submitted by Guest Muhammed on
October 14, 2011 - 4:07pm
need some help on blood cleansers for myoscitis .
reply
Submitted by lino c salazar jrGuest on
March 26, 2012 - 3:38am
very nice and educational
reply
Submitted by Guest on
April 18, 2012 - 8:22pm
My husbund has hep c and liver cirrhios what is a good detox for his body and
blood stream
reply
Submitted by Guest on
May 25, 2012 - 5:00pm
Did you read the article lady?!? Geeezz!!
reply
Submitted by Guest on
June 18, 2012 - 9:43am
He does not need detox. Simply keep him out of the pub.
reply
Submitted by Guest on
May 11, 2012 - 2:35pm
People have to stop behaving like sheep, I have just ordered Chaparral based
on this info, I gave my own mind and take responsibility for my own health. I was
diagnosed with breast cancer last year, a month before this I watched a program
called 'forbidden cures for cancer' and i transcribed it for my blog as the cures
were fascinated and of course banned by the medical profession and the cancer
research groups!! then a month later BAM a check up of some lumps that I had
turned out to be just hormonal but they found another lump elsewhere and it was
cancerous. I had surgery and I refused radiotherapy and hormone treatment

because the effects of both and they tried to talk me into removing all lymph
nodes which I refused the surgeon permission. All of this to the Surgeons and the
consultants utter amazement. I took all natural products after surgery including
essiac tea. After 3 months they were amazed that I was doing fine and they told
me to come back in 6 months for a check up, had a blood test everything was
fine, had a little scare on the mammogram in that they thought I had a lump on
my other breast but was a false alarm, and told me to come back in a year. I still
take essiac. But I have psoriasis and there are good people who have linked
psoriasis with cancer - a fungus type disease. I aslo found that candida was
found in all patients who had passed from cancer this was a study which was
carried out and still ignored by the medical profession.
No one ever asked me about my life style or diet in any consultation that I
attended and I think this would reveal some amazing results. I try to stay away
from fungus foods and commercial bread as it is high in yeast and I stay away
from things that have yeast in it. Knowledge is most definitely power and we as a
human race should stop being brainwashed into believing mainstream hype and
do our own research. lets prove Einstein wrong and use all of our brain.
Light and Love
[]
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reply
Submitted by Vanessa Brewer on
May 27, 2014 - 4:47pm
Thank you for your beautiful post. It was very uplifting.
reply
Submitted by Debra on
June 9, 2014 - 3:47am
Excellent comment, thanks! Also glad you are so much better! xxx
reply
Submitted by Guest on
May 29, 2012 - 3:49am
Good article, now I'm confused. How does 'redbush tea' rate as a detoxer and
blood cleanser?
reply
Submitted by S. Williams on
July 8, 2012 - 3:50pm
Mr. Barron, I am an allopathic med student in the States. I'd like to take this

article more seriously, however (regarding the section on chaparral, which is the
only one I read).... 1) Where is this article by Dr. Clark Watt et al? Can't find it
anywhere. Why do you not cite it directly? 2) You cite ONE JAMA article, that is
inaccessible to the public in its entirety, so I cannot verify that the 60yo patient in
question was also taking the other potentially hepatotoxic medications (until I go
to school and look it up). Why don't you quote the relevant parts in your article?
3) Where are the publications from the 70's and 80's studies that found no
association between chaparral use and hepatotoxicity? I did find these articles
from the 2000's; I can't access them in their entirety either, but the abstracts
alone make a pretty strong case: http://archsurg.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?
articleid=395286
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00365520410007926 Of course
they cite the articles from the 90's; all publications cite relevant past articles as
references. The second article seems quite specific about how it was chaparral in
particular that seemed to cause the problem (in that it apparently resolved after
ceasing to ingest specifically chaparral...). I'm not a big fan of the FDA or Big
Pharma, but I'm also not a fan of shoddy science and manipulating facts to sell
products to people with no scientific background (who are thus less able to
objectively analyze various claims). The ability to adeptly interpret scientific data
is a learned skill that requires a sufficient base of knowledge. It sucks, but that's
the way it is. Too much of anything is bad; even oxygen. At the right dose, it can
be beneficial. Thus I don't totally write off your claims; but it seems to me you
may be doing a bit of twisting facts to suit your own agenda. I hope you will prove
me incorrect. I challenge you to step up your game, sir.
[]
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reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
July 17, 2012 - 6:05pm
We forwarded your question to Jon Barron, and were able to catch him while
participating in a series of meetings on the other side of the country. He
responded as follows:
Dear S. Williams:
I understand the intent of your question, but the specifics are confusing. You
claim that the cited studies are inaccessible to the public, but as a medical
student, you would have free access to all such studies in your school library. But
that said, any of these studies are available to anyone from the public willing to
pay on average about $30 per article which is what I do to read them. And of
course, as you would be well aware, I cannot then publish articles in their entirety
to support my quotations from them, as that would be a violation of copyright.
Like everyone else, I am obligated to restrict my references to citations, pointing

in most cases to abstracts. And if nothing else, you are holding my article to a far
higher standard than any article published in any medical journal, as they all rely
on citations that point to abstractsif they point to anything at all.
Incidentally, the Gordon study that you want to see and that refers to the
hepatoxic drugs used by the patient is actually available in its entirety from JAMA
(I have provided a link below.) Its easily found on the JAMA website.
As to the JAMA article you cite below as pretty convincing, you stopped
reading too soon. The link you provided opens the entire article, not just an
abstract. If you check the citations at the bottom used to support the claims
against chaparral, you will find they are all the old studies I mentioned in my
original article, including the Gordon articleah yes, always the Gordon study.
Nothing new here. Just a repetition of the same previously discredited studies.
Incidentally, instead of citing the studies from the 70s and 80s, I referenced
below a more recent study, one subsequent to cited studies in the JAMA article
you referenced and that points out their flaws.
With that said, let me elaborate on the history behind chaparral.
Dietary supplements containing Larrea tridentata, as a raw herbal ingredient,
were the subject of scrutiny for a brief period in the mid-1990s. The cause of this
concern was thoroughly investigated, and no official regulatory action was
initiated. This scrutiny was initiated by the published anecdotal case mentioned
above (Gordon 1995), whereby severe liver toxicity in an elderly patient was
supposedly related to the consumption of raw chaparral herb. Although this case
was published, it has been widely scrutinized as an attack against the herbal
industry since major facts of the case, especially the fact that the patient had
been taking many prescription drugs, including several prescription drugs that
were well known to cause severe liver damage, were buried without note within
the report, and the findings as a whole did not support the cause and effect
conclusion that chaparral was responsible. When the report was subsequently
published by Gordon, the hepatoxic drugs diltiazem hydrochloride, atenolol, and
acetaminophen were in fact listed in the first paragraph although they were
subsequently dismissed as a possible cause of the liver damage because they
didnt fit the clinical and histological features to support such a diagnosis. But
neither did chaparral, and yet it was afforded the singular honor of being blamed
in the report.
During this period of investigation by the FDA, the major herbal products
associations, the National Nutritional Foods Association and the American Herbal
Products Association asked their members to institute a voluntary moratorium on
the sale of chaparral-containing products. The American Herbal Products
Association also cooperated with the FDA in their investigation and
commissioned a panel to perform a medical review of the four initial cases of

hepatotoxicity reported by FDA, allegedly associated with chaparral ingestion

including the case mentioned above. This investigative panel was headed by Dr.
Clark Watts M.D., J.D., of the law firm, Ford and Ferraro (Austin, TX), and
included, Stephen Schenker, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and
Chief, Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The University of Texas
Health Sciences Center at San Antonio; Atilla Ertan, M.D., Professor of Medicine
and Associate Chief, Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Baylor
College of Medicine, Houston; and Boris Yoffe, M.D., Assistant Professor of
Medicine and Molecular Virology, Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Baylor College
of Medicine.
After reviewing the case reports, three physicians concluded that the reported
toxicity was due to idiosyncratic reactions in persons with pre-existing liver
conditions. To quote from the report published in September of 1994, "In
summary, this review did not reveal evidence that Chaparral is inherently
hepatotoxic. Shortly afterwards, AHPA, which had voluntarily withdrawn
chaparral from the U.S. market pending the results of the medical review,
released chaparral for sale, with the provision that chaparral products intended
for internal use carry an informational label statement.
Note: There is still a prevalent misconception that the FDA banned chaparral.
In fact, the FDA has never banned any products containing this herb. Let me
repeat: the FDA has never banned any products containing this herb.

References
The citation for the Watts Report is: <Watts, C. Final Report to the American
Herbal Products Association. Special Counsel, Ford and Ferraro, LLP, Austin,
TX. 6 Sept 1994.>. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be any internet
accessible copies available at this time.
The Gordon study can be found in its entirety in the Journal of the American
Medical Association. <Dafna W. Gordon, MD; Gayle Rosenthal, MD; John Hart,
MD; et al. "Chaparral Ingestion The Broadening Spectrum of Liver Injury Caused
by Herbal Medications." JAMA. 1995;273:489-490.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/data/Journals/JAMA/9346/jama_273_6_038.pdf>
And In 2001, a retrospective clinical study published in The Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine found no evidence of liver toxicity from
the use of low dose chaparral. It is available in its entirety at: <SILENA HERON,
N.D., and ERIC YARNELL, N.D. "The Safety of Low-Dose Larrea tridentata (DC)
Coville (Creosote Bush or Chaparral): A Retrospective Clinical Study. THE
JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE. Volume 7,
Number 2, 2001, pp. 175185

http://larrearx.com/images/JournalofAlternativeMedSafetyofLarrea.pdf>
[]
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reply
Submitted by Paul Gerst on
June 8, 2014 - 4:44pm
Although it is wise to be skeptical, to a point, it is even wiser to recognize when
your beliefs fall in-line with a programmed way of thinking. I was raised in a
western medical family and was heading down that path myself, until I figured out
what I truly wanted to do in regards to healing and chose a path that would really
allow me the freedom to do just that.
I still believe in "right tool for the right job," but after reading your attack on Jon,
not to say he's infallible and unbiased, I found your inability to recognize that the
biggest pile of junk science comes from your very own allopathic medicine! Wake
up and stop drinking the kool-aid, you will be a far bigger service to your Patients
if you stop believing you have all the answers.
[]
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reply
Submitted by Marcus on
August 2, 2012 - 3:16am
And the student who thinks he knows everything has been served. I can only
blame the university system that instills selfish pride in students by abusing them
mentally and overwhelming them with an impossible amount of work. Thanks for
the info doc.
reply
Submitted by nechelle woods on
February 4, 2013 - 12:04pm
how do I get these stuff
reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
February 4, 2013 - 12:42pm
If you check out our "Products" page above, you can see all of Jon Barron's
recommendations and where to buy. Note that most formulas can be found at
http://www.baselinenutritionals.com

reply
Submitted by esther ryan on
April 6, 2013 - 9:43am
I have kidney disease and I am on dialysis. I am on the home treatment. what I
am looking for is a cleanser that will work along with the treatment that I am
already taking. I am going to try the Burdock root. I hope that it works
reply
Submitted by regina on
May 8, 2013 - 9:03am
Is there anything that I can take along with this blood cleanse that will help with
the increase in acne that I usually get when I'm on some kind of detox. I already
have hormonal acne to begin with which subsides throughout my cycle. Which
product would you recommend?
reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
May 8, 2013 - 12:17pm
Have you seen Jons article on acne? http://www.jonbarron.org/article/acnepimples-blackheads-bacteria?
reply
Submitted by Dana Ritchie on
May 15, 2013 - 3:37pm
Hi, Thank you for your article. I treat people with Lyme disease & Morgellons. I
am also looking for a herbal remedy to heal the skin from outside together with
blood cleansing. If you had any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank
you, Dana Ritchie
reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
May 15, 2013 - 4:58pm
Hi Dana,
Just do a seach on Lyme on our site and you can see all the articles that come
up. I would suggest reading this one: http://www.jonbarron.org/article/lymedisease-bacteria-borrelia-burgdorferi
reply
Submitted by Dena on

September 25, 2013 - 9:18pm

I have Hep C and stage 2 cirrhosis and have been taking a lot of herbal
supplements. The past 3 years have been really sick, all the usual symptom's,
bloating in the tummy, along with pain in the tummy, swelling in the feet, legs and
hands, horrible brain fog, and depression. To the point that it took everything I
had to get up and go to work. Naturally the Doctor told me I shouldn't be sick. I
have been taking all the natural herbs that is recommended for this diagnosis
and this year have been feeling much better, to the point that I am actually
cooking, sewing and doing things I enjoy again. I have refused their interferon
medication that is not that much of a chance of a cure. It will be my last resort.
But went to have my blood drawn thinking that all my numbers would be better,
to my shock they were worse. My viral load has doubled in 2 years. I want to
know if I need a blood cleanse. Just this year I have started taking yellow dock
along with burdock, dandelion root, cumin, there are a few more in there. I am
now wondering if I should look into a blood cleanse if that would help a great
deal?
[]
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reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
September 30, 2013 - 9:26pm
For obvious legal reasons, we cannot diagnose or prescribe for specific
medical conditionsmerely provide information. With that in mind, you might find
the following useful. http://www.jonbarron.org/detox/liver-cleanse-Hepatitis-C
reply
Submitted by Dee on
December 21, 2014 - 1:02pm
Do some research on BHT and Hep C. Yeah, the BHT that is a food additive
and has been used successfully as an antiviral for herpes and hepatitis.
It's interesting how smoking gets blamed for lung cancer when other countries
such as Greece have a higher population of smokers yet have lower rates of
cancer. Could it be the added ingredients to the tobacco? Are USA brands
different than European brands? I don't advocate smoking but one has to wonder
about the campaign to get everyone to quit. Is it because the government loves
it's citizens so much?
[]
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reply

Submitted by CeCe White on

April 17, 2014 - 1:50am
Do you have a website that provide information on Diabetes, I understand the
blood cleansers, but I don't like taking Metformin, and Insulin, I want to find a
herb to prevent Kidney and Liver failure, heart disease and I'm having
Neuropathy Nerve problems in my toes and heel. All I AM GETTING FROM MY
DOCTOR IS INCREASED DOSAGE each time I go to see him. Oh yes I'm in my
50's.
Wow I just notice your HEALTH TOPICS AND PROGRAMS
Thank you
CeCe
[]
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reply
Submitted by BaselineFoundation on
April 17, 2014 - 10:44am
Yes, we have a lot of information on these topics, just even do a search on any
topic and have fun with all the detailed articles available. I also highly
recommend Jon Barron's latest version of his book since he has several new
chapters on these problems and gives step by step guidelines on what you can
do naturally.
reply
Submitted by Daniel teo on
June 8, 2014 - 4:51pm
I read with interest n have given some of my farm land f a herbalist to plant
some herbs which are similar to those u listed n may like to order some char
pariah to try, please respond . D teo
reply
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