Chelation therapy is used to remove heavy metals and excess minerals from the body by consuming herbs or other supplements that bind to the metals. Originally, it was used as a medical treatment for those suffering from lead poisoning. Currently, it is a natural health practice sometimes used in the treatment of heart disease, stroke and autism. However, chelation therapy should be used only under the direction of a trained health care practitioner.
Cilantro
Cilantro, or coriander, is a culinary herb in the parsley family. It is one of the most commonly used herbs for natural chelation therapy. The Autism Treatment Center of America cites one frequently referenced study by Dr. Yoshiaki Omura of the Heart Disease Research Foundation from 1995, where researchers found that the coriander plant accelerates the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminum from the body. Cilantro can be eaten fresh by adding it to salads or other dishes. It can also be found in capsule or liquid extract form. Check with your health care provider for proper use of cilantro as a chelating agent.
Garlic
Garlic is versatile herb used by chefs and herbalists alike for its health benefits. Herbalists use garlic to treat the common cold, flu, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer and intestinal parasites. It is naturally anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral. It may also be combined with cilantro in natural chelation formulas. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic is rich in antioxidants and helps protect the body from free radical damage, environmental toxins and heavy metals. UMMC recommends 2 to 4 g of fresh garlic daily, or 600 to 1,200 mg of garlic extract daily in divided doses.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada, which means sacred bark, is a cathartic herb. It is stimulating to the digestive tract, and is typically used by herbalists to treat chronic constipation. However, the Clayton College of Natural Health herb reference guide notes that it is also a natural chelating agent, and is useful for liver disorders, gallstones, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems. It is generally considered safe for long-term use. Check with your health care practitioner for proper use of cascara sagrada in chelation therapy.
Vitamin C
Herbs such as burdock, chickweed and capsicum that are rich in vitamin C are naturally cleansing and help strengthen the cardiovascular system. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and helps protect against free radical damage from heavy metal toxicity. Large doses of vitamin C, at least 2,000 mg per day, also act as a natural chelating agent. It significantly increases glutathione levels. Glutathione detoxifies heavy metals and chemicals from the body. Unfortunately, supplemental glutathione is not readily absorbed by the body. It works better if the body manufactures the amino acid itself. Consuming plants rich in vitamin C helps both cleanse the body and increase glutathione levels naturally.
Member Comments