The Best 5 Herbs for Detox
Chemicals are used to manufacture many products that we consume and use every day. Many of these chemicals are toxic and are persistent in the environment. As a result, these toxins build up in our body and result in health problems such as fatigue and low energy, digestive disorders, skin problems, headaches, weight gain, and more. The process of eliminating toxins and other unwanted substances from the body has been practiced for centuries in many cultures. The process, which is known as detoxification, is all about cleansing the body while nourishing it at the same time. While many herbs have been identified to help our body eliminate toxins, some of the best five herbs for detox include dandelion root, nettle leaf, white pine needle, milk thistle and turmeric.
What is Detoxification and How Does it Work?
Detoxification is a method used to help rid toxins from the body. Our body is made up of several organ systems that naturally combat and eliminate toxic chemicals on a daily basis, including the lungs, skin, digestive tract, liver, and kidneys. Different systems detoxify in varying ways:
- The lungs can detoxify by removing gases, such as carbon dioxide and other waste gases your body doesn’t need.
- The skin is made up of an emulsion of water and lipids (fats) that act as a barrier against toxic substances.
- The digestive system can detoxify by eliminating toxic foods, by either vomiting or excrement.
- The liver detoxifies by filtering the blood to remove toxins, synthesizing and secreting bile to promote healthy digestion, and using enzymes to break down harmful and unwanted chemicals.
- The kidneys detoxify by secreting toxins or filtering toxins out of the blood and into urine.
While these systems do an incredible job of ridding our body of toxins, we are overwhelmed with toxic substances on a daily basis, causing toxin overload. That said, it can be very beneficial to utilize supplements that support or strengthen these organs and aid in the removal of toxins. The benefits of using herbal supplements to aid in detoxing include an increase in energy levels, improved mental clarity, a strong immune system, healthy and clear skin, improved weight management and digestion, and hormonal balance.
The Best Herbs for Detox
While there are many herbs that have been identified as effective supplements for detox, some of the most well-researched and popular herbs for detoxing include dandelion root, nettle leaf, white pine needle, milk thistle, and turmeric.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is mildly diuretic (increases urine output), which allows for the removal of excess liquid and toxins from the body. Further, the root contains several key compounds that make it an effective supplement for natural detox. It is an excellent source of potassium, which may help the kidneys filter toxins more effectively and improve blood flow. The root also contains a high concentration of kynurenic acid, an amino acid that assists the liver in bile production, ultimately improving digestion and aiding in the removal of toxic substances. Anytime digestion is improved, the absorption of nutrients and the removal of wastes and toxins from the body improves as well. Many clinical studies showcase the power of dandelion root and its ability to combat toxic substances and stress in the body. In one study, researchers concluded that dandelion root was an effective treatment to reduce free radical damage and toxicity levels in mice that had been administered Acetaminophen, a popular pain reliever. Another study concluded that dandelion root can protect against alcohol-induced oxidative stress and carbon tetrachloride—a compound found in building materials and cleaning agents at home—induced liver damage.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf, also known as stinging nettle, is a nourishing tonic that supports detoxification and overall health. Like dandelion root, nettle leaf is also a gentle diuretic, helping the body process and flush away toxins in the urinary tract. It has been discovered that nettle leaf is especially helpful for toxicity that manifests as rheumatic conditions—autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause your immune system to attack your joints, muscles, bones and organs—by helping to eliminate uric acid in the body. It can also aid in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis that can be aggravated by poor liver function and enhanced levels of toxicity. Other potential benefits of nettle leaf include managing blood sugar levels in those with diabetes, improving respiratory health, and promoting prostate health.
White Pine
White pine needles contain many vitamins and nutrients that support overall health. It is extremely rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which can help strengthen the immune system, improve vision, prevent respiratory infections, stimulate circulation, inhibit chronic disease, and increase cognitive function, among other potential benefits. White pine also contains a high concentration of compound called suramin, a drug that has been used for hundreds of years to treat African sleeping sickness and river blindness. Suramin is considered to be anti-infective, meaning it is capable of acting against infection by inhibiting the spread of an infectious agent or by killing the infectious agent outright. Not only has suramin been shown to be effective in inhibiting the replication of a wide range of viruses, but it has also been identified as a potential remedy to the pathogenic transmission of the spike protein form mRNA injections.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains a high concentration of a compound known as silymarin; a group of three flavonoids called silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin that strengthen the outer membranes of liver cells and reduce the number of toxins entering the cells. This compound is also known to have powerful antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, making milk thistle an effective herb to combat oxidative stress, free radical damage, and inflammation, while also restoring damaged liver tissues. Subsequentially, milk thistle has traditionally been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, prevent and treat cancer, and protect the liver from various toxins including snake bites, alcohol, and other environmental poisons. Today, it is used as a complementary therapy by people who have liver damage due to conditions including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and liver cancer. If you are planning a wild night out with friends, taking milk thistle before and after consuming alcohol has been known to reduce the severity of the subsequent hangover.
Turmeric
Turmeric is very well-known for its detoxification properties and its ability to support liver function. Curcumin, the most predominant compound found in turmeric, contains strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has a significant potential to prevent and treat several chronic conditions. For this reason, researchers believe that turmeric may also be able to prevent liver disease and dispel toxins from the body. One study tested turmeric’s efficacy on detoxification in a group of rats that were exposed to mercury. The study concluded that curcumin was effective in reversing serum biochemical changes, which are the markers of kidney and liver damage. Researchers also noted that rats that were given curcumin had significant reduction in mercury concentration in tissues, indicating that turmeric’s antioxidant properties potentially enhanced liver filtration.
How to Use Herbs to Detox
There are various ways you can incorporate herbal supplements into your life and reap their naturally detoxifying benefits. While the duration of herbal detoxes vary, most are short term, lasting anywhere between 3-14 days. Still, some herbal detoxes are recommended as daily use to promote healthy digestion as well as support the liver, kidneys and other organs that aid in the removal of toxins. Herbal detoxes are usually done by making a tea of one or more of the herbs listed above, and/or various other herbs that have been researched to aid in the removal of toxins.
Vera Herbals has many of these herbs available if you want to create your own detox tincture for your brand.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR OWN SUPPLEMENT LINE
Vera Herbals specializes in spagyric extraction, a process that uses alchemical practices to boost the bio-availability of the product and truly utilizes the full essence of the plant—creating an extremely potent and powerful plant medicine.
Final Thoughts
Whether you know it or not, your everyday life includes exposure to chemicals that aren’t good for your health. While you can limit some exposure to toxins, it is impossible to remove your exposure altogether. That’s why it is important to undergo detoxes or add herbal supplements that can help eliminate the amount of toxic build-up in the body. Otherwise, other ways to get rid of toxins in the body include exercising, getting a good amount of sleep, drinking more water, and eating healthy. Not only will your body thank you, but you’ll wake up feeling more vibrant, alive, joyful, and full of energy!
