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A Tea to Detoxify the Body of Synthetic Hormones

Sep 6, 2011 | By Tracey Roizman, D.C.
A Tea to Detoxify the Body of Synthetic Hormones
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Synthetic hormones, present in pesticides, plastics and other manmade chemicals, cause a health hazard when they mimic estrogen in your body. Known as xenoestrogens, these chemicals are pervasive throughout the environment and are found in people and places where there is no history of their use. Synthetic hormone exposure can lead to endocrine imbalance. A variety of herbal teas can help your body process and dispose of synthetic hormones

Liver Herbs

You liver is your primary hormone-detoxifying organ. In a two-phase process, your liver first dismantles and then prepares synthetic hormones, toxins and other waste products for safe export from your body. Certain herbs are known for their ability to assist the stages of liver detoxification. Milk thistle, gotu kola and panax ginseng are used in Ayurvedic medicine for assisting with liver detoxification; they can all be taken in tea or supplement form. Beetroot is also particularly helpful for detoxifying and replenishing from the nutritionally depleting effects of oral contraceptive hormones, according to Dr. Datis Kharrazian, author of the book "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism." Always consult a health care professional before taking any of these herbs.

Gallbladder Herbs

Herbs that cleanse the gallbladder are especially helpful for detoxifying excess hormones in your body. Since hormones are composed of fats and the gallbladder's function is to help break down fats, an efficiently functioning gallbladder can decrease stress on your liver as it attempts to process these chemicals. Bitter herbs, such as turmeric, which can be added to a clear broth, can increase bile flow by 100 percent, according to Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, author of "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: The Most Complete Guide to Natural Healing and Health with Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism." Dandelion root increases bile flow in two ways: it promotes bile production in the liver, and it also causes the gallbladder to contract and release stored bile. Always consult a health care professional before taking these herbs.

Artichoke Leaf

Artichoke leaf is a powerful liver detoxifying herb that helps prevent oxidative stress on the liver, according to a study published in the September 2008 issue of the journal "Experimental and Toxicological Pathology." In the laboratory animal study, artichoke leaf extract supplemented for two weeks prevented liver damage, maintained levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and increased levels of vitamin E. Artichoke leaf also prevented damage to liver cells, as seen on microscope analysis. Levels of oxidized lipids in the liver were also decreased by artichoke extract. Artichoke extract did not preserve liver levels of vitamin C or the antioxidants glutathione peroxidase or glutathione transferase, in the study. Consult a health care professional before taking artichoke leaf for medicinal purposes.

Green Tea

Green tea protects your liver and supports its hormone-detoxifying activities by decreasing inflammation and improving fat metabolism, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal "Hepatology International." In the laboratory animal study, green tea consumption for five weeks decreased oxidative damage to liver cells and reduced levels of cyclooxygenase-2, a proinflammatory enzyme.

References

Article reviewed by Holland Hammond Last updated on: Sep 6, 2011

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