Natural Detox Using Herbs
There are many detoxification methods being advertised these days, but one of the safest and least expensive is the natural detox. This method makes use of herbs to naturally cleanse our organs, tissues, and cells of various harmful substances that have accumulated in our bodies over time.
Natural detox has been practiced in ancient times and some of the recipes have been lost. But the Chinese, particularly, are still great believers in traditional medicine and they have shared some of the secrets of natural detox with the rest of the world.
The most popular form of natural detox is drinking infusions of herbs. Various parts of herbs – either the root, stem, leaves, or seeds or a combination of them – are mashed and infused with boiling water. After the solids have been strained, the liquid is sipped as natural detox tea.
Dandelion
We know it as a brightly colored flower, but very few people know of its medicinal benefits. Dandelion root, for instance, is principally sold in Canada as a diuretic. A diuretic is great for natural detox as it induces urination and the elimination of toxins and heavy metals in the urinary system.
A decoction of the leaves of this natural detox plant is used to purify the blood and treat jaundice and anemia. Dandelion also boosts the leukocytes, protecting us from infections. Many have sworn this herb does wonders to the body’s immune system.
Garlic
Another miracle plant is garlic. Garlic is an effective natural detox plant in the sense that it makes bowel movement regular, preventing constipation. Regular elimination of waste matter is key in any detoxification process. It also helps lose weight. Garlic also cleanses your intestines and helps lower blood pressure.
Liquorice root
This is often ignored because of its strange taste. People either love it or hate it! Liquorice is a natural detox plant and has been used for ages for the treatment of illnesses such as catarrh and cough.
This natural detox herb, though, should be avoided by people with hypertension as it tends to further increase blood pressure.
Psyllium
Also known as ispaghula, it has long been tapped for the production of mucilage. Mucilage is an ingredient in frozen dessert products such as ice cream and serves as a thickener. However, it has gained popularity recently when it was found to be rich in fiber. It is now widely used as an ingredient in high-fiber breakfast cereals. This natural detox plant is also sought after for its blood cholesterol-reducing properties.
Other plants known with natural detox properties are cascara sagrada or sacred bark, which has laxative properties; black walnut hulls, traditionally used by Asians to expel intestinal worms; and goldenseal (orange root), known to have a plethora of medicinal benefits such as the treatment of minor wounds and fungal skin infections and of minor respiratory ailments.
Native Americans made use of goldenseal to treat digestive and liver problems, eye irritations, and skin disorders. The downside to this herb is that it contains an ingredient (berberine) which has been known to give rise to uterine contractions and to stimulate bilirubin production, so it is not safe for pregnant women and hypertensive people, respectively.