Today I want to explore ten of the best detox herbs used to cleanse various organs and systems of the body. Most of these herbs have been part of the medicinal lexicon for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and are known across many cultures and borders to help with various ailments and health conditions. Due to their long history, popularity, and reported effectiveness, some of these herbs are also active ingredients in some of our most effective body cleansing products.
1. Organic Gum Acacia
Made from the sap of the acacia tree, this substance has been used for centuries to help relieve symptoms of diarrhea by adding bulk to bowel movements and improving electrolyte absorption. It is also one of several ingredients in Oxy-Powder®. As a hydrocolloid, it is used as an emulsifier to stabilize and facilitate synergy between two ingredients which would not normally mix well together. [1]
2. Dandelion
For centuries, parts of the entire dandelion plant have been used to help with a wide range of maladies. It has laxative and diuretic qualities, and its famous derivative, dandelion tea, has been used to help with rheumatoid arthritis. Dandelion root is used in our liver-cleansing product, Livatrex® because it stimulates bile production, and bile helps transport toxins out of the body. Dandelion is also believed by some to help the body’s immune system. [2]
3. Organic Milk Thistle
This herb has been used to help the gallbladder and liver for over 2,000 years. It has been known to help produce bile, which in turn improves digestive function. Milk thistle is an active ingredient in Livatrex®, which is our most popular liver and gallbladder cleansing product. [3]
4. Black Walnut
Europeans were first introduced to this herb in the 1600’s. Three active agents in black walnut, juglone, tannins, and iodine, make it particularly effective in natural health and wellness practices. Juglone is the black walnut’s natural defense mechanism, which helps fight against harmful organisms like bacteria and fungus. Tannins also help deter bacterial growth and are resistant to inflammation. Iodine, an essential mineral to all life forms, helps reduce the lifespan of harmful bacteria.
5. Wormwood
The subject of much folklore, wormwood’s potent reputation as a component of absinthe lead to it being banned in the United States for many years. Despite the momentary hiccup, wormwood is back and has been used since Egyptian times to fight harmful organisms such as pinworms and roundworms. It has also historically been used to aid with digestion.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro is instrumental in helping the body rid itself of dangerous heavy metals that accumulate in organ tissues. It is also a very popular herb that is talked about on almost every cooking show. Cilantro possesses natural cleansing agents that contain compounds which bind to heavy metals and help pull them out of various tissues. [4]
7. Alfalfa Leaf
Herbalists have used Alfalfa leaf for centuries to help with a variety of infections. Many believed that it also helped the body fight stomach ulcers and also helped stimulate a healthy appetite.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint has a soothing quality that helps with coughing associated with colds and flu. It also helps with sore throats and sinus inflammation. Because it helps also aids the body in fighting off bacteria, it is an active ingredient in lung cleansing products like AllerTrex™. [5]
9. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another herb that helps with lung cleansing. It possesses expectorant properties, helps fight bacteria, and attacks viruses. It can also be used as a topical ointment for chest congestion and a stopped up nose. Aboriginal medicine highly regarded it for its calming, soothing properties.
10. Stinging Nettle
Known for its ability to resist microorganisms, it also possesses antioxidant properties. Stinging nettle is also resistant to inflammation and helps reduce blood pressure. [6]
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM
References:
Teichberg S, Wingertzahn MA, Moyse J, Wapnir RA. Effect of gum arabic in an oral rehydration solution on recovery from diarrhea in rats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10512400
Schütz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum–a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16950583
Saller R, Melzer J, Reichling J, Brignoli R, Meier R. An updated systematic review of the pharmacology of silymarin. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17464157
Aga M, Iwaki K, Ueda Y, Ushio S, Masaki N, Fukuda S, Kimoto T, Ikeda M, Kurimoto M. Preventive effect of Coriandrum sativum (Chinese parsley) on localized lead deposition in
ICR mice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11535365
Shkurupiĭ VA, Kazarinova NV, Ogirenko AP, Nikonov SD, Tkachev AV, Tkachenko KG. [Efficiency of the use of peppermint (Mentha piperita L) essential oil inhalations in the combined multi-drug therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12125251
Testai L, Chericoni S, Calderone V, Nencioni G, Nieri P, Morelli I, Martinotti E. Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) roots extracts: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12020933
Source: Global Healing Center
