What is Gracilis Tincture?
Gracilis Tincture is the first product in the Gracilis Health range to be released. A tincture is when herbs are steeped in alcohol, in this case brandy and diluted with water to be taken as drops either under the tongue or in water.
How was the formula developed?
This formula was developed by Heiko Lade in response to his patients requesting that it should be made available to the general public.
Does the Gracilis Tincture manage weight loss?
As the Gracilis Tincture is not classified as a medicine, legally we are unable to definitively state that it can be used for weight loss. However, we are able to claim that our product may assist in weight management.
Will I see results quickly?
Restoring balance to one’s health naturally takes time. Most people with chronic health complaints including difficulties with weight management have found that it has been a gradual process and occurred over a period of time. Factors such as age, constitution, underlying health conditions and emotional well-being needs to be taken into account when approaching weight management and their accompanying exercise regime.
How long do you recommend a course of treatment to be?
A course of three months is recommended, which is approximately 3 bottles if taken at recommended dose.
Does Gracilis Health recommend a maintenance dose once equilibrium has been established?
Some people have found that they are happy to cut back and have the drops just once a day and others opt to take it for a month and then stop for a month.
I seem to be going down in belt size but not losing weight on the scales, why is this?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen controls the flesh. The flesh is regarded as the muscles according to traditional Chinese medicine and it is known in modern medicine that muscle weighs more than fat. Muscle is denser and more compact than fat therefore taking up less space. Hence clothes are looser on the body, yet the scales have not changed.
Who developed the Gracilis formula?
It was developed by Heiko Lade who has a Master’s degree in Health Science from the University of Technology, Sydney who has over thirty-five years clinical experience.
How does the formula work according to modern science?
It has been hypothesized that the formula enhances metabolism. One of the herbal ingredients contains berberine which has been suggested that it reduces obesity-induced inflammation.
How does the formula work according to traditional Chinese medicine principles?
Traditional Chinese medicine theory has a saying: “skinny people have fire and fat people have phlegm.” There is another traditional concept in traditional Chinese medicine that says if the spleen energy is deficient, it will generate damp. Damp is like water building in a swamp which then keeps attracting more damp. This dampness makes the body heavy and sluggish. Another system in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the Triple Burner (San Jiao) which manifests as the waterways in the body. Wikipedia says “San Jiao is also said to be a metabolism mechanism similar to an old-fashioned water wheel that is turned by incoming water and creates energy for accomplishing a task, such as grinding grain in the case of the water wheel, or for metabolising and digesting food in the case of the San Jiao.” Chinese medicine also talks about the Qi mechanism which is like the basic energy regulation mechanism of the body which then works to stabilise blood flow regulation. The modern-day concept of stress often coincides with what in Chinese medicine is called liver Qi stagnation. When the liver function is sluggish it effects the spleens ability to transform damp. The Gracilis tincture formulation is focused to address all these issues according to traditional Chinese medicine principles.
What is in Gracilis Tincture?
20ml of a 5 % tincture each of Plantago Major, Metrosideros Fulgens, Plantago Asiatica and Coptis Chinesis in 27% alcohol base with 30 ml spring water.
How are herbs selected, prepared and put together in formulations? Why is an herb formula better than an individual herb?
The way herbs have been used, grown, prepared and combined with other herbs to treat specific ailments has developed and documented over thousands of years.
Traditional European herbalism has also evolved over many centuries but tended to be more focused on being prescribed as an individual herb. The continued development of traditional based diagnostic theories is now being further enhanced with modern scientific evaluation. A more detailed blog post by Heiko Lade can be accessed on the Gracilis Health Blog on how the herbs are selected in creating formulations.
Where do the herbs for Gracilis Tincture come from?
They have been sourced from spray free areas in the North Island of New Zealand.
When is the best time to take Gracilis Tincture?
It can be taken at any time with meals or away from food. Some people have reported they prefer to take it away from food.
Can Gracilis Tincture be taken if you are also taking vitamins or supplements?
Yes.
Can Gracilis Tincture be taken if you are on medications?
The possibility of an herb/medication interaction is always a possibility with any herbal product, and it is suggested to monitor this with your registered health professional if you are on prescription medications and have concerns.
Can Gracilis Tincture be taken if you suffer from allergies?
People can be allergic to many things ranging from asparagus to zucchinis. From clinical experience, to date, there have been NO known serious allergic responses such as asthma or anaphylactic shock from taking Gracilis Tincture. If allergy prone individuals have concerns, they should seek professional advice from a registered health professional.
Are there any times when it is suggested NOT to take the formula?
It is not suitable for pregnant women or children fifteen years old or younger. Being a tincture and hence containing alcohol, even though at the recommended dose there would minimal alcohol, it would be advised to exercise caution for alcohol sensitive individuals. It is also recommended to seek professional advice if there are liver issues. During an acute phase of an illness such cold, flu or diarrhea and during the menstrual cycle it also suggested to halt taking Gracilis Tincture.
What is the recommended dose and if I take more will it work faster?
7 drops 3 times per day should be sufficient in most circumstances. There is no harm in taking it more frequently, but it is still suggested to keep to the recommended 7 drops each time.
Why is the tincture in drop form? Can it be obtained in pill or capsule form?
It is in an alcohol-based tincture form, so it is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. It is not available in pills or capsules.
Do I need to exercise when taking Gracilis Tincture?
Exercise is always recommended in any weight management program.
Heiko Lade has a written a blog post “Which exercises are best for weight loss?” You can read the post here on the Gracilis Health blog.
Is there any special Gracilis diet?
There are basic guidelines suggested to enhance and improve digestion and help the body stay at optimum weight. Read here for more information.
Will there be withdrawal symptoms when I stop taking Gracilis Tincture?
No.
Does Heiko Lade or anyone at Gracilis Health do any phone, Skype, Zoom or email consultations to discuss and diagnose any individual health or weight management problems?
No. Heiko Lade only see clients face to face in his Hawkes Bay clinic. If you live in other areas, it is recommended you personally consult face to face with a registered or licensed healthcare practitioner.
Where can I buy Gracilis Tincture?
Gracilis Tincture for Weight Management is available for purchase here.