Herbal cleansing diets may eliminate toxins from the body. Some herbalists and other holistic practitioners also advocate a period of fasting to facilitate the removal of toxins. Of course, this may not be advisable for you if you have a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes. In addition, some detoxifying herbs can produce side effects. Consult with your health care practitioner before starting an herbal cleansing diet, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking medications.
Purpose
The objective of an herbal cleansing diet aims to help the body remove environmental pollutants and other toxins produced as a normal part of metabolism. According to Linda Berry, certified clinical nutritionist and doctor of chiropractic the accumulation of toxins occurs when digestion and elimination is impaired, leading to a state of "autointoxication." Signs indicating that you may want to consider an herbal cleansing diet include frequent headaches, constipation, flatulence, loss of energy, chronic congestion, skin irritations and a feeling of general sluggishness.
Cleansing Herbs
Some of the most common botanicals employed in herbal cleansing diets include dandelion, milk thistle and schisandra berry. All of these herbs are traditionally used to stimulate the elimination of toxins from the liver. Dandelion, according to Berry, also increases output from the kidneys and bile production from the gall bladder. Berry describes schisandra berry as an adaptogen, which means it restores balance to the body's various systems. In addition to exerting a protective effect on the liver, schisandra berry enhances adrenal and kidney function and normalizes the pH of stomach acid to improve digestion.
Dietary Modifications
Some cleansing herbs such as dandelion can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Usually, though, an herbal cleansing diet consists of drinking teas that contain a combination of herbs. For example, a morning cup of tea containing dandelion and slippery elm stimulates the kidneys and bowels. Throughout the day, teas made from mild, soothing herbs are typically consumed, such as chamomile, parsley and ginger.
Raw vegetables, clear soups and fresh fruits are encouraged while on an herbal cleansing diet. However, meats, fatty foods, dairy, processed foods and refined sugars should be avoided.
Complementary Strategies
Some complementary therapies commonly used in conjunction with herbal cleansing diets include meditation and moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga or gentle stretching. In addition, you might enjoy a warm bath in the evening, which is not only relaxing but also helps to promote the elimination of waste materials through the skin. A steam sauna or massage can also produce this effect.
Safety Considerations
An herbal cleansing diet should not be followed for more than three days because prolonged use of diuretics increases the risk of dehydration initially, followed by the retention of fluids as the body attempts to compensate for the loss of electrolytes. Berry cautions that pregnant and lactating women should not embark on an herbal cleansing diet because toxins can pass from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus or infant through the placenta or breast milk. If you have a medical condition, or are taking medications, check with your doctor before going on an herbal cleansing diet. Milk thistle, for instance, can lower blood sugar and may be harmful to people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar.
References
- "Internal Cleansing;" Linda Berry; 2001
- NCCAM: Milk Thistle
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