"It does nothing but give me gas and diarrhea..."
Indeed, this was my experience exactly. In fact, its effect on my system is almost identical to Epsom Salts; i.e. intestinal rumbling followed by "butt-pee" and occasional bowel explosions. I far prefer Dr. John R. Christopher's herbal bowel formula; this encourages natural bowel movements by mildly irritating the bowel wall (thus dislodging accumulated waste) rather than liquefying the bowel contents. Some do enjoy the feeling of being "clean" inside, and I agree that this is how we should feel at all times; but I am in now way convinced that oxy-powder removes accumulated waste, and there is simply no way of proving that it does so...and I believe that if you are in doubt, seek something greater.
As to the benefits of oxygen and germanium, I would suggest that deep-breathing will provide far more oxygen than any pill, and if it is germanium you seek, then all-natural, mineral-rich maca has this in abundance...
"Advocates of any particular product/method seem to come in waves."
Indeed! The wonderful world of self-health trends! Whatever next...
I genuinely believe that we, as unique individuals, are suited to different methods of cleansing, and perhaps some are more suited to herbal protocols rather than oxygen/laxative methods. I have tried both, and for me there is simply no contest:
"Is Dr. John R. Christopher's herbal bowel formula a product? If you've done B&P shakes, how does it compare?"
Dr. John R. Christopher's bowel formula is generally labelled Fen-LB. It is by far the most effective bowel cleanser I have experimented with, although I am afraid I cannot compare it with B&P shakes as I do not believe in chugging down huge amounts of clay and fibre! I now have at least one bowel movement per meal, thanks to Fen-LB and correct eating, and I feel as light as a feather at all times (ethereally so). My faith is in Gaia/Mother Earth/Nature and I firmly believe that herbs work "miracles" while all else pales in comparison.
Just my .02 cents! (Ah, the wonders of American grammar...!)
“The best bowel cleanse, should give proper shape & consistency to bowels.”
I believe this to be the case, also. The most effective bowel cleanse must eliminate frequently and wholly; i.e. naturally. Diarrhoea is the body’s attempt at eliminating poisons as quickly as it possibly can, and anything that promotes diarrhoea is surely being classed as a “poison” by the body. Epsom Salts, for example, may be essential for dilating the bile ducts, but I believe it is also poison (toxic) to the body. Oxy-powder and Epsom Salts are not natural, in my view, while herbs most certainly are.
Concerning my bowel movements, I experience one per meal at least -- natural and odourless. There is never any gas or blockages, or offensive stenches and liquid stools, such as I have experienced with other colon cleansers. Dr. Richard Schulze also offers an herbal bowel formula (two in fact), although I have yet to experiment with these -- Unyquity is the one to speak with in regards IF1 and IF2.
“I hate enemas/colonics etc. I want to clean my intestines. Any suggestions are welcome. I eat home-made healthy foods.”
Well, I can only speak from my own experience, but I would recommend you eat nothing but fresh fruit for two or three weeks and, if you can, take two Fen-LB capsules three times daily. This protocol cleaned me out to a greater extent than fasting, and I stand by it as the perfect bowel tonic. Perhaps, after a few weeks of fruit, you could then eat only raw vegetables for a period -- the “intestinal broom” that Arnold Ehret venerated so.
(And I am sorry to read of your horrible flushing experience. My first Epsom Salt dose is in ten minutes, and I am hoping not to follow your lead…!)