There are many herbs in traditional medicine that may be recognized and recommended by herbalists and advocates of alternative treatment modalities to cleanse the body. These herbs act to stimulate the elimination of waste products and toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and other systems of the body. According to Puristat and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center websites, buckthorn bark, cascara sagrada bark and dandelion are some herbs used to cleanse the body.
Buckthorn Bark
Alder Buckthorn trees, native to Europe and parts of western Asia, are the source of Buckthorn bark. Buckthorn bark is collected from the tree branches in the summer, and dried for at least one year; it may also be dried in an oven to speed up the process. The dry bark is powdered and made available as a liquid extract, a tablet or in capsule forms. The active ingredients in buckthorn bark are anthraquinone compounds, which help to stimulate the spontaneous movement of the colon. This increases the ability of the colon to eliminate waste products and toxins from the body. Buckthorn bark makes an effective colon cleanser, according to the Puristat website. Buckthorn bark may also be used to cleanse the colon in preparation for gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures, to relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada bark is another herbal cleanser. It is derived from the bark of the cascara plant and is called the "Secret Bark" by the American Indians because of its beneficial effects. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the active ingredients in cascara sagrada bark are cascarosides which causes a laxative effect on the large intestines and stimulates the proper elimination and cleansing of the intestinal tract. Cascara sagrada bark also stimulates and increases the secretions of the stomach, liver and pancreas.
It's important to note, that cascara sagrada bark is not recommended for long-term use because it may cause diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance and hepatitis, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ruled that cascara is not safe as a stimulant laxative.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a laxative, a diuretic (promotes kidney function) and an anti-rheumatic herb, that stimulates the appetite. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote lactation and to reduce abscesses of the breast and intestines. The roots and leaves of dandelion are rich sources of enzymes, bitters and Vitamin C as well as potassium and beta-carotene. Dandelion helps in the proper digestion of fats, cancer treatment and gastrointestinal disorders. It also has hypoglycemic (reduces blood sugar levels) properties, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
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