Herbal Remedies For Detoxing Your Body

Just as you might clear clutter from your garage periodically, holistic health practitioners recommend regularly cleansing your body of accumulated toxins. Certain herbal remedies may help when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Consult with your physician before starting any detox program, though, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or have a chronic disorder, such as liver disease or diabetes.

Milk Thistle

For thousands of years, milk thistle has been used as an herbal remedy to help the liver to eliminate toxins. Milk thistle is also reputed to help the liver repair itself by generating new cells.

The “Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines” lists the active ingredient in milk thistle as silymarin, which is found exclusively in the casings of the seeds. This substance is actually a blanket term that represents several compounds, however, namely silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin and silydianin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies have shown that silymarin protects the liver from the accumulation of certain medications, such as acetaminophen. Other studies suggest that milk thistle may inhibit the division and spread of cancer cells, although most of these studies were performed using cultured tissue samples rather than human subjects. There is also evidence that milk thistle may improve liver function in patients with viral hepatitis or alcohol-induced hepatitis.

While milk thistle is generally regarded as safe for most people, it is known to react with certain medications. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that this herb may interact with some allergy and anti-seizure medications and reduce the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs, blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering medications. Also, milk thistle extracts may cause stomach upset in some people.

Dandelion

Herbalists sometimes recommend dandelion as an alternative to milk thistle if stomach upset occurs. Traditionally, dandelion has been used as a mild diuretic and laxative and as a remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal complaints. The Commission E, which is the European equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has approved the use of dandelion extracts for these purposes.

In Ayurvedic medicine, dandelion is used to detoxify the blood and to treat inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research has shown that dandelion root extracts may improve the flow of bile, as well as balance the ratio of naturally beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Like milk thistle, dandelion is not associated with serious side effects. However, due to its diuretic effects, dandelion may speed the elimination of certain medications from the body. So, check with your doctor about using dandelion preparations if you take other medications, including antacids. In addition, there may be a risk of an allergic reaction if you have a known sensitivity to flowers in the daisy family.

Burdock Root

This herb is traditionally used to detoxify the blood and to increase urination. Studies on the efficacy of this herb are limited, although the "Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines” says that burdock root extract shows antimicrobial activity in cultured cell samples.

This herb may lower blood sugar, so you shouldn’t use it if you take medications to combat diabetes. Burdock root should also be avoided if you take other diuretics.