Herbs for Natural Detox

The concepts behind herbal detox include the beliefs that certain herbs help the organs remove toxins from the body and may help prevent cancer. In her book "Natural Detoxification, The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Body of Toxins" Dr. Jacqueline Krohn says, "Cleansing toxins from the body can dramatically increase the quality of life." Consumers can buy herbal supplements in many forms: as fresh or dried products; liquid or solid extracts; teas or infusions; and tablets, capsules and powders.

Alfalfa Through Cranberry

Alfalfa: a natural diuretic and laxative. It is a source of fiber and provides natural chlorophyll, which has deodorizing properties.
Aloe vera: supports your digestive system, and contains laxative compounds. It also kills parasites, yeast, viruses and bacteria.
Black walnut hull: an antifungal agent that helps the body eliminate parasites from the bowels.
Burdock root: a blood purifier that stimulates the flow of bile from the liver and facilitates digestion. It also helps treat nausea, loss of appetite and inflammation.
Capsicum (cayenne pepper): an antioxidant, antiseptic and circulatory stimulant. Rich in vitamin C, capsicum helps improve metabolism, thus contributing to weight loss.
Cascara sagrada bark: a fast-acting laxative. Cascara stimulates the secretions of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas.
Cranberry: a natural diuretic that prevents and treats urinary tract infections. It also treats H. pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers. Cranberry works to prevent dental plaque, and has antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Dandelion Through Licorice Root

Dandelion: a well-known diuretic. It has a pronounced effect on edema, and will reduce fluid retention rapidly. The root of the plant is an antioxidant and rich in vitamin A. Dandelion most commonly treats liver diseases, kidney diseases, problems with the spleen and minor digestive problems.
Flaxseed: high in soluble fiber, flaxseed makes an effective laxative for a natural detox program. It also treats high cholesterol levels and heart disease due to its linolenic acid content.
Garlic: an antiseptic and laxative. It detoxifies the gut and helps the bowels function properly.
Gentian root: an antiseptic agent. One of the bitter herbs, gentian helps the body produce digestive secretions. Gentian assists the breakdown of protein and fats, which improves the assimilation of nutrients including iron and vitamin B12. It has a cooling effect upon the body, helping to reduce inflammation and infection.
Ginger: a demulcent, which reduces irritation and sensitivity in the bowel, and treats stomachaches, nausea and diarrhea.
Hibiscus flower: a mild antibacterial with soothing properties. Hibiscus is also mildly diuretic and antiparasitic.

Horsetail: an antifungal agent and diuretic. It is extremely rich in trace minerals and improves the healing of bones, flesh and cartilage.
Licorice root: a gentle laxative and nutritive. It soothes irritated mucus membranes and nourishes the adrenal glands. People with high blood pressure should not use this herb.

Marshmallow Root Through Pumpkin Seed

Marshmallow root: a demulcent, diuretic and mild laxative. Its high mucilaginous content soothes irritated digestive tracts and provides moisture to dry tissues.
Milk thistle: a natural antioxidant. It protects the liver cells from free radicals and by altering cell membranes, making it more difficult for toxins to break into the organ. It stimulates the flow of bile, increases cell regeneration and improves liver function.
Psyllium seed: a lubricating mucilaginous fiber and gentle bulking laxative agent. The mucilage of the seed expands to eight to 14 times the size of the original seed, which stimulates the intestines to remove toxins and cleanse the colon.
Pumpkin seed: helps the body expel parasites. Pumpkin seeds are nutritive, containing beneficial linolenic acid.

Red Clover Through Yucca Root

Red clover: a blood purifier and antiseptic with antibiotic properties. Red clover helps rid the body of toxins thorough the excretion of urine.
Slippery elm bark: an anti-inflammatory agent and laxative. Slippery elm bark promotes tissue healing, soothing irritated tissues of the gastrointestinal tract.
Turmeric: a demulcent, which aids digestion, improves liver function, relieves symptoms associated with arthritis and regulates menstruation. It treats conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers and gallstones. Turmeric reduces inflammation.
Witch hazel bark, twigs and leaves: high in flavonoids that help heal damaged blood vessels. Witch hazel offers anti-inflammatory properties.
Yucca root: a laxative agent. It helps break down organic waste in the body.

Conclusion

Herbal supplementation not only helps naturally detoxify your body, but will improve your overall health, increase your energy and help you build a stronger immune system. Before you add herbs to your daily health regime, the Mayo Clinic urges consulting a qualified practitioner.