Your body absorbs toxins from pollution in the environment and some of the food you eat. In order to stay healthy, you need to cleanse certain organs and systems of the body. Using herbs that will promote urination will help to cleanse the kidneys. Laxative herbs are used to cleanse the colon and alterative herbs cleanse the blood. By eliminating toxins from the body, you strengthen your immune system and reduce your chances of contracting a virus infection. Always consult your primary doctor if you are under any medical treatment before taking herbal remedies.
Cleansing the Blood
Red clover, also known botanically as Trifolium pratense, is considered an alterative herb, which, according to Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," alters the metabolic process in the body, helping tissues to eliminate toxins and nourish the blood, gaining the term "blood-cleanser."
Nutritional counselor Phyllis Balch, in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, the A-to-Z Guide to Supplements," considers red clover a blood-purifying herb that is good for fighting bacterial infections as well as skin disorders, and is thought to be helpful in treating AIDS. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, as well as the vitamins B-3, C and E.
Herbalist Susun Weed in her article "Healthy Menopausal Years
The Wise Woman Way," published on her website in 2002, (See Reference 3) recommends making a red clover infusion by adding one cup of dry red clover to a quart jar of boiling water and letting the herb steep overnight. Strain out the plant material in the morning and drink your infusion throughout the day. It is a safe herb that can be taken for an extended period of time.
Cleansing the Kidneys
Dandelion, also known botanically as Taraxacum officinale, is a strong diuretic herb, which means it promotes the flow of urine, making it useful for cleansing the kidneys. Cleansing out the kidneys is important in reducing your chances of mineral build-ups that may lead to kidney stones. According to herbalist Richo Cech in his book "Making Plant Medicine," dandelion is a unique herb because unlike other diuretics that deplete the body of potassium, dandelion is high in potassium and does not cause this depletion.
Take dandelion root tincture diluted in filtered water three times per day for a period of three days. You can also take it as a decoction by letting the root simmer in boiling water for a minimum of 20 minutes and drinking it thrice daily.
Cleansing the Colon
Psyllium is the seeds of plantain, also known botanically as Plantago majore. They are a strong laxative. According to the book "Family Herbal -- A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality" by Rosemary Gladstar, they are rich in the complex carbohydrate mucilage, which becomes slimy and slippery when moistened and helps to sooth the mucus membranes of the digestive tract as it helps the colon eliminate waste.
References
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Perscription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis Balch; 2002
- Susun Weed: Healthy Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Wa
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
Member Comments