Natural Remedies A-Z
Effective herbs for detoxification |
It seems that detoxification has become somewhat of a fashion accessory these days. But, the practice of regular detoxification of the body has been a central part of naturopathic treatment since the year dot! We all agree that the body is more than capable of healing itself when it is given the correct conditions. This is one of the reasons that the practice of detoxification is vital. To minimise the level of toxic material in the body, allows greater freedom for healing. Dealing with toxins costs the body a great deal of energy. Energy which could, and by all means should, be used for maintenance, healing, and repair. The presence of certain toxins can cause inflammatory responses, which damage tissues and can easily instigate serious diseases and conditions.
There are certain rules that must be followed when applying herbs or any other agents for detoxifying purposes. Often we see people taking some herbs to cleanse the liver etc and have no other types of herbs in their regime. This is the wrong approach. ALL routes of detoxification must be supported at once. If one uses a herb that stimulates various detoxification pathways in the liver, they then put far greater strain on ather organs of detoxification, such as the kidneys. These organs then have extra work to do in order to process and eliminate the toxins released from the liver.
Here are some of the most common, and most useful herbs for detoxification purposes.
Galium aperine (cleavers, goosegrass)
This is most likely the single best herb for the cleansing of the lymphatic system, and a wonderful general tonic for this system also. The lymphatic system removes and houses all the toxins and gunk that has been expelled by cells and from the bloodstream, which are then transported to either the liver or kidneys for excretion. This herb contains a chemical group called coumarins. These are the same chemicals that give the wonderful aroma when grass has been freshly cut. The coumarins are belived to be responsible for the cleansing action upon the lymphatic system. This herb has proved to be beneficial in the treatment of skin conditions, where detoxification is favourable.
Taraxacum officinalis folia (Dandelion leaf)
This herb is a powerful diuretic, and is favourable for stimulating the kidneys to increase their output. This will aid to carry water soluble toxins from the body. All toxins are dealt with by the liver. The liver puts all toxins through a variety of chemical pathways. If it can only turn them into a chemical that is not water soluble, it will excrete them through bile, via the bowel. If these products can be converted into something water soluble, they are sent to the kidney for excretion via the urine. Stimulating the kidneys will help to remove such toxins. Dandelion leaf has proved to be a diuretic of equivilant potency to thiazide diuretics.
Taraxacum officinalis radix (Dandelion root)
The root of this versatile medicinal plant is a very very effective agent in liver cleansing. As is described above, any toxic material that cannot be excreted via the urine, must be excreted via the bowel through the bile produced by the liver. This herb helps to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. It does this through nervous stimulation. Dandelion root is quite bitter tasting. Bitter flavours are detected by taste buds at the back of the tongue. When these taste buds are stimulated, they then in turn stimulate the vagus nerve which will cause an increase in bile secretion.
Arctium lappa (Burdock root)
This herb is again a useful agent for the stimulation of bile flow from the liver. It does seem to have a real affinity for individuals with skin complaints, and this is its most common application.
Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort)
This herb has never really been considered for use in a detoxification programme. It is commonly known as an antidepressant agent. However, this herb has a notable effect upon the liver. It increases the cytochrome P450 enzyme pathway. This is a chemical pathway that transforms potentially harmful substances into much less harmful ones that can be easily excreted. This is the reason why st johns wort can effect the effectiveness of some medications - because it speeds up the livers ability to remove them from the body.
The above herbs are just some useful tools for detoxification. If you are planning to begin a detox regime please seek the advice of a trained practitioner. This will ensure your safety and help you to devise the most effective strategy possible.