From Dr. James' Teachings
I began mixing my herbal formulas when my children were still very young, four or five maybe. The family gathered together as we were naming these formulas. I would describe what they were good for and why we took them. Then we'd bounce names around until we'd come up with the right one. When we were naming this particular formula, we eventually came up with Flem Up.
The name that I wanted to use was "Hock 'n' Spit," but my little girls said, "Oh, Daddy, you can't name it that!" Now they're older, I think I ought to change the name, because "Hock 'n' Spit" is exactly what this formula makes you do.
If you have a cough that hurts, and something ought to come out but it won't, then this formula will help. It helps move mucus out of the lungs so that the lungs can function properly. I have used it for hay fever and asthma, and for any number of associated problems. Also, increasing the amount of water you ingest will make a significant difference in taking care of mucus problems, as water will emulsify mucus.
A few years after graduating from herbal college, I was called to the home of a man who was having asthma problems. His lungs were filled with mucus because, when he coughed, you could hear it rumbling in his chest. But the cough would bring nothing up. I made a tea that had been suggested to me by one of my instructors at school. She always told us that using this formula may cause the person to vomit, but that this would be a good sign because what they would vomit up would be mucus from their stomach and lungs.
I determined that this man needed some help immediately, and instituted this particular formula, not really expecting him to throw up. It was quite an eye-opener when he dashed to the bathroom and threw up about a quart of dark, blackish-green stuff. When he asked if this was normal, I patted him on the back and assured him that it was. I never treated him again for asthma.
All the garbage that was in his lungs came up at one time. It never reared its ugly head again. He had previously been treated by traditional medicine for this condition for some twenty years. What an experience!
Flem Up is a formula that has been designed to gently move mucus out of the lungs. If mucus comes out of the body too fast, you must decrease the dosage. The normal dosage for this formula is one capsule, three times a day. It can, however, be taken in much larger doses. Anything over ten capsules a day could result in massive mucus movement. If you must use large doses, you must also give the body a break, and only do this one or two days at a time. Follow it with two or three days of a regular dose, and then you can use a larger one again. Be sensible. This formula works, and works well.
From My Practice
Flem Up is one of those formulas that I use to complement other formulas rather than by itself. Its job is very specific. When someone has an unproductive cough, chest congestion, or that feeling that there is mucus in the lungs that simply will not come up, this is one of the formulas I reach for. The goal is to help move that mucus so the cough becomes productive and the lungs can clear themselves.
Although Flem Up can certainly be taken by itself, I most often recommend it alongside Hay Asz, Fection, or both. Those formulas work very well together, especially during colds, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, or other times when congestion is affecting the lungs.
Most people will use Flem Up as needed while they are congested. However, there is nothing wrong with taking it consistently for a period of time if ongoing mucus congestion is an issue. At the same time, persistent mucus production is often a symptom rather than the problem itself. If you find that you need Flem Up on a regular basis, I encourage you to consider whether there may be an underlying dietary or environmental sensitivity contributing to the congestion. While Flem Up helps support the lungs and encourages the movement of mucus, identifying and addressing the underlying cause can help reduce the body's need to produce excess mucus in the first place.
As with any formula intended to help move mucus, drinking plenty of water is important. Good hydration helps thin mucus and makes it easier for the body to clear it naturally.
Dosage Guide
A personal note for my clients: If we've worked together recently, please follow the recommendations I gave you during your consultation. They were personalized to your individual health needs, goals, and circumstances and may differ from the general dosage suggestions provided here or on the bottle.
Support Needed
Maintenance
Mild
Moderate
Intensive
Common Amount
1 to 2 capsules once daily
1 capsule twice daily
3 capsules once daily
2 capsules twice daily
Don't be afraid to take enough to notice a difference. Some people do well with just a few capsules, while others need considerably more. In my practice, it's not unusual for someone with significant needs to use up to 12 capsules over the course of a day, then gradually reduce the amount as they begin feeling better.
The directions on the bottle provide a general recommendation. In my own practice, I view those amounts as a starting point, not a limit. During times of greater discomfort, I adjust the amount and frequency according to the level of support the body seems to need.
Traditional Use of the Contents
Black Cohosh Root has traditionally been used to help support the body during asthma, coughs, lung congestion, and bronchial spasms.
Slippery Elm Bark has traditionally been used to soothe irritated mucous membranes and help loosen and move mucus from the respiratory tract.
Lobelia Herb has traditionally been used to help relax the lungs, support normal respiratory function, and encourage the movement of mucus.
Lemongrass has traditionally been used as a gentle source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, and to support overall respiratory health.
Diatomaceous earth is naturally rich in silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring compound that provides a source of the trace mineral silicon. This supports healthy connective tissues throughout the body.