What Herbs Help To Detox Your Body?

Toxins arise in your body from a variety of sources, including food, the environment and internal cellular metabolic processes. Your body has the natural ability to process toxins with the help of your liver, kidneys and skin. When your body's toxin load is particularly high, or a detox organ is compromised, health problems may ensue. Certain herbs may support your detoxification organs and thereby promote the natural detoxification process. Note that herbs can have strong effects on your body and can interact with certain medications. For appropriately personalized advice about herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety, consult with a botanically trained health care provider, such as a naturopathic physician.

Burdock

Burdock, also known as cocklebur and by its Latin name, Arctium lappa, is a member of the daisy family. Burdock is native to Europe and northern Asia and now grows throughout Japan and the United States. The plant has deep roots, heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers. In additional to being cultivated as a vegetable, burdock has historical medicinal use as a diuretic--a substance that increases urine output and sheds excess fluids in the body, as well as for skin ailments, upper respiratory infections, digestive complaints and to clear the bloodstream of toxins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, few scientific studies have examined burdock's effects, but its therapeutic components include carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins and fatty oils. The plant's organic acids are thought to stimulate the immune and detoxifying systems of your body. The root is used to make medicine, and it may be taken as an infusion, tincture, fluid extract or powder. Consult a medical professional before you decide whether to take burdock root.

Red Clover

Red clover, also called trifoil and Trifolium pratense, is a member of the Fabaceae family. Red clover has branched stems and red flowers, and it grows in meadows throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Traditionally, the flowers have been used to treat cancer, respiratory problems including whooping cough, skin inflammation and menopausal symptoms, as well to detoxify the body. Red clover detoxifies your body through diuretic action, and by stimulating your liver and cleansing your blood. Dr. William Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Bastyr," explains that red clover strengthens kidney and liver function, improves lymphatic drainage and enhances blood vessel strength. The result is that your blood better provides nutrients to your tissue while removing metabolic wastes and disease products from your body. Red clover may be taken as a tea, tincture, fluid extract or capsule. Ask your physician if red clover is right for you.

Cleavers

Cleavers is an herb known by the Latin name Galium aparine, as well as by the common names goosegrass, catchweed and bedstraw, and is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Cleavers is a climbing plant with simple leaves and small white or greenish flowers, and it is covered with fine hairs that can adhere to your clothing. The arial parts--the parts above the ground--are used medicinally to treat urinary problems, and as a diuretic. Cleavers also addresses ailments of the lymphatic system--a transportation network for the immune system--which when congested can lead to a wide variety of health problems. According to Dr. Mitchell, Galium contains the therapeutic substances asperuloside, several alkaloids, flavonoids and many minerals. The plant has a pungent, aromatic and pleasant taste. Cleavers may be taken as a tea, tincture, fluid extract or capsule. Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits, or lack thereof, of cleavers for you.