Body Detox with Herbal Detox

Herbs are powerful aids to detoxification, and it is important to know that they can facilitate deeper cleansing. However, for optimal health, it is imperative to cultivate beneficial, nontoxic health habits. Herbal cleansing can be used periodically (at least twice a year) but not every day. Healthy, nontoxic habits, however, are for every day. If you daily habits aren’t supportive of the body’s natural detox processes, your success with herbal cleansing is going to be limited.

These non-toxic habits mentioned include removing the obvious toxins from your environment and diet to the best of your ability; drinking plenty of water; eating a diet rich in whole organic foods with adequate fiber; consuming essential fatty acids daily; including plant-based digestive enzymes with any meal that has been cooked/processed; and taking probiotics (beneficial bacteria) daily.

The use of herbs for medicine is nothing new. 80% of the world’s population use herbs as their primary medicine, and a significant proportion of the use it for cleansing. Herbs used for cleansing have properties that enhance digestions; stimulate bowel movements; increase perspiration and urination; improve circulation; destroy unwanted bacteria,

viruses, fungi and parasites; and clear mucus from the intestinal tract and lungs.

It’s important to use herbal products made with organically grown ingredients. Not only will they be free from toxic pesticides, these herbs are grown in better soil and have more of the health-promoting properties you’re seeking. Some herbs – such as basil or thyme – are used for culinary purposes, others – including chamomile or peppermint – make a great tea. You may notice that some of the herbs can also be used for culinary purposes or ingested in tea form.

The first place to start with herbal cleansing is with the colon. Why are we starting with the large intestine? The intestinal tract is a prime target for toxins that have not been properly eliminated. These toxins gradually accumulate in the colon. Many are the result of inefficient digestion. Many people think their colons are clean until they actually attempt to cleanse. It is generally suggested to do an herbal colon cleanse for one to three weeks before introducing herbs which are more specific for the cleansing of the liver.

Most people would be able to incorporate herbal cleansing without any difficulty. When there are reactions, they are usually minor. The possible reactions include tongue coat, bad breath, nausea, brain fog, chilliness, headache, bodyache, weight loss, rashes, diarrhea, constipation, night sweats, fatigue.

Most of these reactions happen because the body is cleansing quickly and the toxins are not being expelled (through the bowel movements, urine, sweat etc.) efficiently. Symptoms can be reduced by increasing water, decreasing emotional stress, and insuring that the bowels are moving easily. In other words, “cleansing reactions” occur because of dehydration, sluggish bowel movements, and/or a too rapid release of toxins. Another reason may be a history of chronic illness.

If you experience something severe (which is extremely rare), stop immediately and consult a health practitioner who has experience in detoxification. If you are cleansing without professional supervision, it is wise not to overdo it. It is easy to get overly enthusiastic about cleansing.

Those with chronic health conditions should seek the advice of a health care professional who is familiar with the use of herbs for detoxification.