Cleansing doesn’t have to mean an uncomfortable whole body purging. While it is an option to go through an extensive cleanse process, there are also supplement helpers that aid the body’s tissue in the natural elimination and excretion of toxins. This blog aims to give an overview of some herbs that can assist the body’s natural elimination of toxins so that you can more easily incorporate them into your lifestyle as well as a brief summary of whole body cleansing.
Let’s start by looking at some popular ‘detox’ teas, their intended use, and their ingredients. You’ll see that there are repeat offenders, but also some differences.
Tea Products
Yogi Tea, Detox
A combination of known cleansing herbs that have withstood test of time. Supports digestion and circulation, with rich flavor and warming spices
Indian Sarsaparilla Root, Licorice root, Dandelion root, Clove Bud, Juniper Berry extract, Red Clover, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger root, Burdock root, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Yellow Dock root
Traditional Medicinals, Everyday Detox Dandelion
This detox tea stimulates the liver and supports healthy kidney function.
Dandelion herb with root, Fennel fruit, Peppermint leaf, Licorice root
Traditional Medicinals, Everyday Detox Schisandra
Supports healthy liver function.
Hibiscus flower, Stinging Nettle leaf, Licorice root, Schisandra fruit, Lycium fruit
Gaia Herbs, Clean & Detox
Supports the liver to maintain the body’s cleansing process, contains purifying rooibos, burdock root and licorice root.
Orthosiphon Leaf, Rooibos Leaf, Burdock root, Licorice root, Fennel fruit, Star Anise fruit, Artichoke leaf, Aloe Very leaf gel, Lemon peel essential oil, Peppermint essential oil
Buddha Teas, Zen Cleanse Blend
Assists with detoxification, supports a healthy urinary system, encourages a calm gastrointestinal tract.
Ginger root, Dandelion root, Spearmint leaf, Hibiscus, Cranberry, Milk Thistle, Burdock root, Senna leaf
Cleansing Herbs
Let’s take a quick look at some of the main herbs. A lot of these tea formulations focus on the Liver – remember, all the compounds and chemicals we consume are processed through the Liver. The liver cleanses the body of toxins. It can be very beneficial to regularly include herbs that are known to support the Liver and Kidneys.
‘Alterative’ is an herb action that is important to know here. An alterative herb balances the systems and organs; and supports the elimination of waste through the kidney, liver, lungs and skin. (3) ‘Alterative’ means the herb improves the quality of circulating fluids.
Dandelion
Dandelion is an important herb to know – it is common and extremely helpful. The leaves and root have been used traditionally to support the liver, as well as to support healthy secretion from the urinary tract, skin health and upset stomach. Dandelion is most often used to support the liver and gall bladder, to promote digestion and support the detoxification process. (1) Dandelion root is a safe and effective liver stimulant that works gently and steadily by keeping waste drainage flowing smoothly. It increases bile flow and hepatocyte activity.
Dandelion leaves are a great spring tonic herb and alterative. The leaf is diuretic and mineral rich. Dandelion leaves support the kidneys. (4)
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Red Clover
Red clover is another gentle helper that is quite common. It is both alterative and nutritive – and is nutritively complex. As an alterative, red clover supports the lymphatic system and helps to improve the quality of the blood. (4) The lymphatic system removes cellular waste. Red Clover also stimulates and nourishes the kidneys. The kidneys modulate mineral content of blood, help glucose regulation and kidney health is important for adrenal health. (4)
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Nettle
Nettle leaves are very nutrient dense – it is high in minerals, vitamins and even protein. The high mineral content is beneficial for the kidneys. (4) It has been used traditionally to modulate inflammatory response and support upper respiratory health. (1) There is some evidence that it may protect the liver against damage. (2)
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Yellow Dock
Yellow dock is an alterative and encourages healthy peristalsis. (1) It is a bitter herb that stimulates production of digestive enzymes, saliva and bile production. The bitterness can help improve liver function as well. (5) Yellow Dock is also used to boost iron and help with nutrient absorption. (1)
Burdock
Burdock is the common 'weed' is responsible for the burrs that cling to clothes and is very beneficial. It is an alterative herb and bitter. So it supports healthy digestion and appetite; and it promotes normal liver function and the body’s detoxification process. (1)
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a very supporting herb. Studies on milk thistle and compounds it contains called silymarins have shown that this herb supports healthy liver function and provides antioxidant protection. It supports healthy cholesterol synthesis by the liver. Milk thistle also helps maintain normal kidney function and promotes optimal immune function. (1)
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Fennel
Fennel is an exceptional herb for supporting normal digestive activity. (1) It also improves liver function. (4)
Licorice
Licorice has a wide array of benefits. It has been found to have immune modulation effects. Traditionally Licorice has been used to aid digestion, support energy, and support the liver and cleansing. (1)
Ginger
Ginger root supports a healthy inflammatory response, promotes healthy circulation, and helps nausea. (1) Ginger is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, meaning it helps tense muscles relax. (4)
Photo by Jenn Simpson on Unsplash
As you can see many of these herbs are quite common. Using supportive herbs or teas can help your body naturally move toxins along. Herbs like Red Clover and Dandelion are gentle and work over the long haul. Utilizing herbs as tea and food is more of a lifestyle approach, rather than going on a timed cleanse mission. Teas are a great way of keeping the body’s elimination systems running efficiently.
If you want to get creative, you can also incorporate fresh dandelion greens, red clover flowers, nettles or burdock into salads and cooking!
Whole body cleansing
If you want to do a stage-by-stage cleansing process, many people say to start with a Colon cleanse to make sure everything is eliminating properly before you begin to detox and move toxins. If you are planning to do targeted detoxing, here is an example of an order:
- Colon
- Parasite
- Kidney
- Liver/Gallbladder
- Blood/Lymph
- Lungs/Skin
- Heavy Metals
Rather than targeting specific organs, many cleanse products are aimed at whole body cleansing, in which case the ordering might be
Colon, Parasite, Whole Body
or simply
Colon, Whole Body
Triphala is a very old Ayurvedic formula of three herbs: Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. It gently support the entire gastrointestinal tract and digestive system. It both nourishes the body and aids healthy elimination. Triphala can be used as a gentle colon cleanse, along with a clean diet. Ayurveda has many cleansing techniques and dishes, you may have heard of neti pots or kitchiri, if you find yourself interested in Ayurvedic tradition.
Number One: Eating a Clean Diet
The basic building block to cleansing the body is eating a clean, natural, whole foods diet and drinking plenty of good water. Trying to cleanse while eating unhealthily is likely quite counterproductive. Often, cleaning up the diet by removing sugar, alcohol, processed foods, caffeine, and/or smoking is cleansing on its own and can trigger detox symptoms.
A Note on Herxheimer
You may have heard of the Herxheimer reaction, which is basically sometimes one will feel worse before feeling better if there is a drastic detoxification. Herxheimer reaction (flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea) can last a few days to a few weeks. However, cleansing doesn’t require you to suffer horribly through symptoms. One can lessen the severity of the reaction lessening or stopping the cleansing process. But withstanding mild discomfort and sticking through a cleansing reaction will usually be quite rewarding in the end!
Remember, prepare yourself by eating a clean diet and paying attention to any detox symptoms that may arise. Always consult with a doctor about taking herbs with any medications.
Sources
- Gaia Herbs. www.gaiaherbs.com
- Raman, Ryan. (2018, Nov 21). 6 Evidence-Based Benefits of Stinging Nettle. Healthline. URL
- Powers, Daniel. (2021, Sep 29). Alterative. Botanical Institute. URL
- Commonwealth Herbs. www.commonwealthherbs.com
- Otteson, Dani. RUMEX CRISPUS: Yellow Dock For Spring Cleaning. Milkweed Herbarium. URL
- Organic India. Triphala Capsules. URL
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.