5 Powerful Herbs to Naturally Detox and Cleanse Your Body
This article by Tanya Ellie was originally published on The Chalkboard:
You hear it all the time these days: toxins are lurking everywhere. And while it’s always good to be aware, it can also be really overwhelming. So first, I want you to take a deep breath.
Okay, ready? Let’s reduce the overwhelm.
First of all, let’s define what a toxin is. A toxin is essentially an organic poison. In other words, it’s a naturally occurring substance that can make you sick, especially in excessive amounts. Some common toxins include pesticides, air pollution, alcohol, medications, heavy metals, and mold.
And yes, it’s true that toxins are difficult to avoid completely. In most of the modern cities and towns we live in, we’re constantly being exposed to toxic substances through our food, products, and environment that can deeply affect our health if left unchecked.
That last part is key. You have the power to support your body’s natural ability to detoxify, which is the process by which your body removes toxins and greatly reduces the harm toxins might otherwise have on your body.
This is where herbs can make a big difference.
Herbal detoxification is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to support the body’s natural detox pathways. These are the routes through which your body eliminates toxins, which include your liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, lungs, and gut.
Fast forward a few thousands years and scientific studies are now showing us exactly how these herbs amplify the body’s detox process.
Let’s explore five scientifically-backed herbs known for their detoxifying properties, how they actually work in your body, and practical tips to incorporate them into your daily routine.
1. DANDELION
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is often dismissed as a weed, but it’s so much more than that. In fact, this sweet yellow flower is one of my favorite science-backed herbs to use for detox.
It’s packed with powerful detoxifying properties, particularly when it comes to liver health. Your liver is your body’s primary detox organ – it’s responsible for filtering toxins from your blood and breaking down any harmful substances that creep in. Dandelion aids in this filtration process by increasing bile production, a fluid produced by the liver that helps flush out toxins from your body.
Studies have even shown that dandelion can protect your liver cells from oxidative stress, a type of damage caused by free radicals. This protection helps your liver function better and recover more quickly from the constant exposure to toxins.
Practical ways to add it to your daily routine:
Brew a tea from the dried root – its most potent form
Add dandelion greens to your salad
2. MILK THISTLE
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is another herb with a long history of use for liver detoxification. Think about substances that can cause a lot of strain on your liver: things like alcohol, pollutants, and medications. Milk thistle makes it harder for those toxins to harm your liver.
The secret to milk thistle’s effectiveness…
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And remember that holistic health is different for everyone. Try to identify the natural remedies that work best for your bioindividuality.
A holistic practitioner can help – especially if you’re looking for personalized guidance, have any underlying health conditions, or are taking medications.
