Trees, herbs and even shrubs are part of the formulas in approximately 25 percent of the pharmaceutical drugs sold. Herbal remedies have been used to aid the body's own inner healing systems in the removal of toxins and other debris throughout human history. Herbs favored for detoxification purposes are dandelions, red raspberry leaf, goldenseal root and the cascara sagrada bark. Any part of a plant containing medicinal capabilities is classified as an herb, including the stem, seeds, fruit, leaves, flowers or bark.
Dandelion
The cleansing properties of the dandelion plant are found in its roots. Alternative medicine providers use dandelion root to prompt detoxification of the liver. According to Mark Hyman, MD, and author of "The Detox Box," dandelion and other bitter greens are rich in phytochemicals that boost the liver's capacity to eliminate toxins. Individuals who are allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or iodine should avoid dandelion, according to an article published by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Otherwise, dandelion is generally considered a safe and edible herb.
Red Raspberry
A member of the rose family, this bright, berry producing plant has more to offer than its popular and tasty fruit. Hidden in the raspberry plant leaves are anti-inflammatory properties. Decreasing inflammation is an important part of detoxification in the human body. Boiling the leaves and making a drinkable tea is a common method of ingesting this herb. The berries contain ellagic acid, a phytonutrient with anti-oxidant powers for additional cleansing action.
Goldenseal
Made into a tea by Native Americans for the purpose of reducing various types of inflammation, the root of the goldenseal plant is also used to purify the blood. According to clinically trained herbalist Douglas Schar, by the year 1905, the benefits of goldenseal were widely known, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recommend that farmers grow goldenseal instead of traditional crops. As a result, 300,000 pounds of this humble little herb were shipped overseas that year.
Casgara Sagrada
The bark from a small, berry producing tree in the buckthorn family is aged for a minimum of one year, before becoming the usable herb, cascara sagrada. Best known for its effectiveness as a laxative, this herb should be taken in the capsule form due to the bitterness of the bark. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in-vitro studies of cascara sagrada show possibilities for use as a cancer-fighting agent, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. More studies are needed with human subjects before these effects can be confirmed.
Member Comments