Herbs for Detoxification

Cleansing the body is a goal for many health-conscious people. Herbs have traditionally been used to cleanse assorted systems of the body in addition to the full general cleansing of toxins. Toxins can build up in several parts of the body, including the blood, the intestines and the kidneys.

Colon cleansing is often done to keep the colon from absorbing too much waste build up. The modern Western diet of white flour, various meats and heavy doses of refined sugar can lead to waste products that build up in the intestines. This excess waste buildup can make the intestines work more slowly and force the body to carry extra weight. It can also lead to added health problems as the waste may be reabsorbed into the body in its decaying state~It can also lead to added unhealthinesses as the waste may be reabsorbed into the body in its decaying state}.

For those who want to cleanse their bowels, a healthy diet can be affixed with herb supplements that are high in fiber. Among the most effective herbal supplements for colon cleansing contains psyllium husks or psyllium seeds. Other effective solutions are slippery elm, flax seeds and Cascara Sagrada supplements. Using bowel-cleansing herbs long term may also prevent some types of cancer. Preliminary research demonstrates that a diet with high fiber content could help prevent colon cancer.

To cleanse the kidneys, herbs that provide a diuretic effect are best. The most commonly used diuretic herbs are dandelion root, uva ursi, bearberry, marshmallow root, horsetail and oatstraw. All of these are natural alternatives to diuretic medications. And, many diuretic pills actually use components of these herbs as an active ingredient in their medications. The use of diuretics is a fast way to flush toxins out of the kidneys and relieve bloating discomfort.

A few of the impurities in the body can be cleansed by the use of herbs that incorporate antioxidants. These herbs contain vitamins that eliminate substances in the body called free radicals. These substances cause far-flung harm on a cellular level. By eliminating them, some of the effects of aging can be prevented. Many household herbs contain high levels of antioxidants, such as oregano, cloves, peppermint, cinnamon, sage, allspice and rosemary. These herbs can be used to cook with to provide an antioxidant boost, or they can be taken in an herbal supplement. Antioxidants not only cleanse the body of toxins, they are also essential nutrients that prevent a host of diseases. By using antioxidant herbs and herbal supplements to cleanse the colon and kidneys, the body can avoid some illnesses and work more efficiently.