Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi

Brief description:

A Traditional African Medicine used to “Clean-The-Blood”.

Composition:

Cape Aloes (Aloe ferox) bitter concentrate 0.4% v/v
Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) 4.0% m/v.

What is Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi?

Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi is an African medicinal bitter tonic drink. It is made from the bitter fraction of the Cape Aloe plant and the mineral magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts). It is available in 1 Litre bottles (1 month’s supply). Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi does not require refrigeration.

What is Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi used for?

Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi is a detox tonic and colon cleansing laxative drink. It historically has been used to “Clean The Blood”, a reference to Cape Aloe’s detoxifying effects.

It is traditionally used for constipation, to reduce stress and high blood pressure, clear skin conditions (such as pimples and eczema), boost energy and vitality, and help prevent arthritis. The laxative effects of Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi are usually noticed within 8-10 hours. The other detox health benefits become apparent after a few weeks.

Is Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi SAFE?

Yes, Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi contains only natural plant and mineral ingredients. The ingredients in Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi have been proven to be safe in clinical trials.

Does Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi contain the cancer-causing laxative ingredient, Phenolphthalein?

No! There is no phenolphthalein in Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi. Phenolphthalein is a laxative that can cause cancer and skin damage. The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) and the Department of Health (DOH) have recommended that all phenolphthalein containing laxatives be removed from South African shelves (Government Gazette #23343/2002 and PSSA newsletter #19/2002).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA has banned phenolphthalein-containing products in 1997.

The ingredients in Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi were tested by Department of Medicine, University of Erlangen, Germany and proven not to cause cancer. These results were published in the British Medical Journal in 2000.

What is the dosage of Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi?

Adults and children over 12 years should drink half a cup (125ml) once or twice a week.

Children over 6 years can drink a quarter of a cup once or twice a week.

Children under 6 years of age should not drink Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi.

Are there any side-effects?

Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi can result in diarrhoea. Occasionally it can cause abdominal pain and cramps. Abuse of Cape Aloes (very high doses for prolonged periods) can result in kidney inflammation, potassium depletion, muscle weakness, weight loss and irregular heartbeat due to electrolyte loss.

Are there any special precautions or warnings?:

• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi should not be used by anyone with an intestinal blockage or inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or appendicitis, since aloe can irritate an inflamed gut.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi should not be given to children under 6 years nor should it be used by breastfeeding mothers, since the aloe ingredient can enter breast milk.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi should not be used during pregnancy as aloe can stimulate uterine contractions.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi should not be used more than twice a week as this may lead to lazy-gut dependency and fluid loss. Extensive fluid loss may lead to depletion of important electrolytes in the body such as potassium.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi should be used with caution in patients with kidney disorders.

Are there any interactions with other medicines or dietary supplements?

• ANTIARRHYTHMIC HEART MEDICINES: Overuse of aloe (contained in Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi) can increase the risk of toxicity of antiarrhythmic heart medicines.
• CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES (Digoxin): Theoretically, overuse of aloe increases the risk of adverse effects from the cardiac glycoside medicines. Overuse of aloe along with medicines that contain cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin (Lanoxin), can increase the risk of toxicity from increased cardiac glycoside effects.
• CORTICOSTEROIDS (Cortisone): Overuse of aloe can compound potassium loss.
• DIURETICS: Overuse of aloe can compound potassium loss.
  

What is the difference between Aloe bitters, Aloe gel, Aloe ferox and Aloe vera?

Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi contains the bitter fraction of the Aloe ferox plant. There are two parts of the Aloe plant that are used medicinally. The bitter fraction (a brown sticky resin) runs in veins just beneath the surface of the leaf. Only this bitter fraction contains the beneficial (and very bitter) Aloin. The center fleshy part of the leaf contains no aloin and is clear. This center is not bitter and is used in cosmetics and is found in some other aloe drinks.

Both the Aloe vera and Aloe ferox species have both bitter and non-bitter parts (fractions). The only difference is that the Aloe ferox part is uniquely indigenous to South Africa, whereas the Aloe vera plant grows in the USA.

How is Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi unique?

• Imbiza is the only non-alcoholic (less than 0.5% alcohol, as prescribed by law) Cape Aloe bitters health drink.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi is safe and contains no phenolphthalein.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi is cost effective and retails at less than R20 (incl VAT) for 1 months supply.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi does not require refrigeration.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi contains a standardised extract of Aloe ferox. This means that the active ingredient concentration is uniform between batches. The 18-24% Aloin extract used in Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi is the purest available.
• Imbiza Yokuhlambigazi is a traditional laxative that has additional detoxifying and energising health benefits.

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