Herbal detoxification may increase vitality, prevent and treat illnesses and promote better overall health, according to Elson M. Haas and Buck Levin, authors of “Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine.” But, you don’t need expensive potions; everyday herbs can help to expel toxins more quickly. However, according to Harvard Medical School, detoxification isn’t necessary if you’re in good health and lead a healthy lifestyle, and it may lead to side effects such as dehydration and nutrient loss. Talk to your doctor before using an herbal regimen to get rid of toxins.
Dandelion
For some people, dandelion is a pesky weed to be eradicated. But, this colorful weed has found favor with the alternative health community for its detoxification benefits. According to the Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, dandelion is a superb blood cleanser and diuretic. It’s also a tonic for the liver—the primary detoxification organ in the body—which means it helps to restore or rejuvenate this organ’s function. You should not take dandelion if you have gall bladder problems or blocked bile ducts, warns the Harvard Medical School.
Milk Thistle
This herb, also called holy thistle or Mary thistle, acts as both a protector and tonic for the liver, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It’s been used to treat people suffering from liver cirrhosis and hepatitis—two conditions that prevent the liver from functioning properly and inhibit the removal of toxins in the body. Milk thistle causes very few side effects. Some people may experience bloating, diarrhea or upset stomach. If you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family such as ragweed and chrysanthemums, you may be allergic to milk thistle. Talk to your doctor before you use milk thistle to detox your body.
Fiber
According to Haas and Levin, fiber cleanses the small intestines, creates bulk in the colon and draws toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. They recommend mixing pysllium fiber with a tablespoon of olive oil to bind and remove toxins and fats more effectively. However, psyllium may reduce the effectiveness of some medications, and may cause bloating or gas. Also, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises not taking psyllium if you have trouble swallowing.
Green Tea
In conditions caused by obesity, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, fat deposits build up and cause scarring in the liver. When this occurs, the liver cannot function properly to remove toxins. In a mouse-model study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that green tea extract can protect the liver from fatty buildup in NAFLD and injury.
Green tea or green tea extract may interact with medications such as antibiotics, anti-depressants, beta blockers, and hypertension, cancer and heart drugs. Get advice from your doctor about taking green tea for detoxification if you’re on any medications.
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