Detoxification of the body is a cleansing process promoted by alternative medical practices such as homeopathy, naturopathy and Ayurvedic medicine. Thought to rid the body of toxic chemicals acquired from the environment or food, detoxification can involve the use of herbs that cleanse the liver, kidneys, intestinal tract and lungs. The accumulation of toxins in the body is not supported by scientific evidence; therefore, it is difficult to discern if detoxification methods are necessary.
Dandelion
Alternative medical practitioners prescribe dandelion root to cleanse the liver. The liver extracts chemicals such as food additives, medications and environmental pollutants and shuttles the toxic substances to the intestine for excretion through the feces. Dandelion root capsules may promote liver function, dandelion leaf tea may cleanse the kidneys. The kidneys filter the blood of chemicals as well, in addition to urea, a toxic cellular waste product. Dandelion leaf tea is a diuretic; therefore, it promotes the excretion of urine from the kidneys and body. Consult a physician before taking dandelion root.
Licorice
Licorice plants contain thick woody roots that are ground and used as an herbal remedy to cleanse the kidneys, liver and lungs. Licorice is an expectorant; it can loosen phlegm from the lungs and promote coughing to expel the phlegm. Like dandelion, licorice promotes kidney and liver function, thus helping the body to cleanse itself of toxic chemicals and cellular waste products. Consult a physician before taking licorice root, doses greater than 20 g per day can cause serious side effects such as high blood pressure, heart problems and headaches. If you suffer from kidney or heart disease avoid taking more than 5 g of licorice root per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herbal remedy with a long history. It is used to cleanse the liver and treat liver disease. The active ingredient of milk thistle is silymarin, a substance that blocks the entrance of toxins into the liver cells and promotes toxin excretion from the liver cells. Toxic materials are transported from the liver through the bile, a greenish liquid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile transports toxins from the liver to the intestine where they are excreted from the body through the feces. Overall, milk thistle protects liver cells from toxic substances and thus protects liver function. For that reason, milk thistle is recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy because it can protect liver cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs.
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