Our bodies need constant clearing and detoxing due to modern day pollutants that our grandparents didn’t encounter or expect their livers to process. Add to this some festive indulgence and detoxing becomes paramount!
There are many herbs to help detoxify organs and systems, and aid eliminatory channels to work more efficiently. Here are some ways in which you can use them.
DIY
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is often a prime detox choice to help the liver and kidneys in their hard work dealing with modern toxins, eg, from synthetic hormones and pesticides. Get it from your Herbalist or health food store and follow the instructions.
Dandelion
Dandelion is one of the most detoxifying herbs. The root really helps the liver and gallbladder to work better and the leaf makes sure that the kidneys eliminate well. Capsules of Dandelion are available in health shops, just follow their instructions. (Pollutox from herbs-hands-healing.co.uk contains Dandelion and Nettle.)
Nettle
Nettle contains high levels of flavonoids and a high potassium content which makes it a powerful diuretic, able to remove fluids containing toxins. Drink nettle tea, or buy powdered nettle from a Herbalist or health food store and add a teaspoonful to a smoothie.
These can be taken all together or separately.
Consulting a Herbalist
If you want first hand support on which herbs to use, as well as foods and lifestyle choices that will promote detox , then consult a naturopathically- trained Herbal Practitioner. They can tailor a plan which is appropriate to your individual needs, and which takes into account specifics such as pregnancy or being on prescribed medication, which some herbs may interact with.
Detoxing is a complex subject and will range from the removal of deep seated toxins like heavy metals which Burdock, Dandelion, Nettle, Charcoal, Clays and Pectin can help, to lighter, less entrenched toxins. Your Herbalist may recommend a formula which, as well as Milk Thistle and Dandelion or Nettle, includes herbs such as Wild Burdock Root, a prime detoxifier which must always be used alongside Dandelion leaf in a specific ratio to ensure the swift release of the toxins gathered by the Burdock root. It is good at detoxing all and sundry including heavy metals, and can help neutralize substances stirred up during the detox process.
Further Herbs
Wild Artichoke Leaf might also be in the mix, as it can assist Milk Thistle. Its ‘cynarin’ stimulates the liver and ensures disposal of gathered toxins via the urinary system.
Herbs like Wild Rosemary Leaf, Hawthorn, Ginger, Garlic and Chilli are vital to help ensure that the bowel will function well and swiftly at final removal stage, like the kidneys. Aloe vera, Cascara sagrada, Beetroot, Linseed and other foods and herbals can help the bowel, too; whilst Parsley leaf, Dandelion leaf, Juniper berries and Corn silks will help the kidneys.
Always Remember
Herbs alone cannot detox: have plenty of fluid, preferably water to flush out your system; ensure regular bowel movements; keep your kidneys warm so they work at their best; eat unprocessed, organic food; and take moderate regular exercise.
Jill R. Davies, HNH, Phd, FAMH, is a qualified herbalist and naturopath of over 30 years. She is the author of 14 books on herbal medicine. Jill lectures in naturopathy and herbal medicine at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).
