"In a well-functioning body, the cells empty their trash ... eating up as many noxious substances as possible along the way. Classic signs of a toxic body include being overweight (or) fatigue (or) inflammation" writes Roni DeLuz, R.N., N.D., in the book "21 pounds in 21 days".
Herbal detox formulas are used to eliminate certain parasites or toxins from the body. Made from herbs and vitamins, herbal detox manufacturers tout their product's ability to reduce fat or water retention or eliminate unhealthy matter from organs.
Herbal detox remedies come in many forms, from teas to pills to shakes or drink preparations. Depending on the desired end result, there are several on the market to choose from.
Although there are many manufacturers of herbal detox remedies, none are recommended or endorsed by the FDA.
Herbal Detox Tea
Several variations of herbal detox teas are available in natural food stores around the country. In this article, the herbal detox tea discussed is made by Yogi Tea.
According to Yogi Tea, the body holds toxins that cause one to feel rundown. DeTox tea includes Indian sarsaparilla root and dandelion and burdock root. Dandelion and burdock are diuretics that push toxins out through urine. Sarsaparilla root is a blood purifier and stimulant that aids in releasing toxins from organs and blood. Other herbs in DeTox tea that help in the elimination of toxins include ginger and licorice.
Herbal Detox Supplement
Detox supplements contain herbs that are purported to remove toxins from the body. On the company website, Enzymatic Therapy claims they have a product for any type of detox or cleanse necessary to clear the buildup of toxins.
Their Whole Body Cleanse is called an internal cleansing system. With three daily tablets containing a formula of herbs and fiber, the Whole Body Cleanse is a two-week system. The herbs aiding in detoxification are burdock and red clover, which are a diuretic and blood stimulator, respectively.
Whole Body Cleanse also contains fiber to promote regular bowel function, and herbs like fennel and ginger to soothe the intestinal tract from increased passage of toxins and increased frequency of bowel movements during a detoxification.
Organ-Specific Herbal Detox
The liver and kidneys filter toxins and keep them from entering the body. After years of toxin filtration, the liver and kidneys become taxed and sluggish. A good detox for these organs comes in tea or recipe form.
According to the Longevity Tea, which makes a tea called Love your liver, herbal detox teas designed for certain organs are great if you want to naturally cleanse impurities from your body. Their liver detox tea contains dandelion and burdock root. Dandelion has cholagogue properties, initiating the flow of stored bile and aiding the body to detoxify writes Heather Boon, BScPhm, author of 55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs. Boon also writes that burdock root is an important herb that aids in restoring body functions to normal. Both dandelion and burdock are diuretics, forcing excess water and toxins out through the urine.
Love your liver tea also includes stimulating and antispasmodic herbs like cinnamon and ginger. Both cinnamon and ginger, according to Linda Skidmore-Roth, author of Mosby's Handbook, stimulate the digestive system and soothe the intestinal tract, which may become irritated with detoxification. Other herbs in Love your liver tea are diuretics as well, and assist dandelion and burdock in eliminating toxins.
While dandelion and other herbs are used in herbal detox teas and formulas, there has not been sufficient scientific study to substantiate these claims.
References
- "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs"; Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD; 2009
- "21 pounds in 21 days"; Roni DeLuz, RN, ND; 2007
- Longevity Corporation Herbal Detox Tea
- Yogi Tea DeTox formula
- "Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements"; Linda Skidmore-Ross, R.N., MSN, NP.; 2010
Member Comments