Herbs used in Detoxification
Dandelion
Dandelion is held in high regard as a detoxifier. According to Jacqueline Krohn in Natural Detoxification(Hartley & Marks Publishers, Inc., 1996, Dandelion stimulates the elimination of toxins from every cell in the body. It is often used in comprehensive treatments for the liver. Dandelion also increases bile production and stimulates its flow to the gallbladder. The polysaccharide insulin found in dandelion is said to have white blood cell and immune-boosting properties.Licorice Root
Licorice Root is regarded as an important herb for treating kidney ailments and is also recommended for the liver and respiratory tract. According to the Townsend Letter for Doctors (December 1994), Licorice Root's antioxidant, antiviral, and antibody-stimulating properties make it a liver protectant and detoxifier.Planta Medica notes that it may help the liver detoxify powerful chemical poisons. Planta Medica (50; 1984)Cascara Sagrada
Cascara Sagrada supports healthy bowel function by acting as a mild laxative. This herb can also be helpful in the treatment of gallstones and liver ailments. It also increases secretions of the stomach, liver and pancreas and is a potent cleansing herb.Black Walnut Hulls
Black Walnut Hulls are known to help remove parasites from the intestinal tract and facilitate the removal of toxic buildup and fatty materials.Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is best known as a liver tonic. The active ingredient is silymarin, which is reputed to repair liver damage due to alcohol, drugs (over-the-counter, prescription, and illicit), hepatitis, and exposure to toxins. In Germany, physicians are so impressed with the liver-protecting effects of milk thistle that they routinely prescribe this herb to patients with liver disorders. Milk thistle also strengthens and protects the liver in otherwise healthy people.Herb Groups
Many herbalists divide herbs into groups, depending on what they do. One group of herbs has detoxifying properties. This group is more specifically divided according to how the herbs interact with the body and what organs they affect. Following are some of the detoxifying categories set out in Humbart Santillo's Natural Healing with Herbs , their definitions, and some of the herbs that fall into each category.
| Group | Herb(s) | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Alterative | alfalfa, dandelion, licorice root, marshmallow | Alters (purifies) the blood |
| Antihelmintic | black walnut hulls, cascara sagrada, garlic | Destroys intestinal worms and parasites |
| Anticatarrhals | comfrey, garlic, Irish moss, marshmallow | Eliminates mucous conditions |
| Cathartic | aloe, cascara sagrada | Promotes evacuation from upper intestines and bowels |
| Cholagogue | beets, cascara sagrada, dandelion | Promotes bile flow |
| Deobstruent | bayberry, goldenseal | Removes obstructions |
| Expectorant | comfrey, garlic, licorice root, mullein | Facilitates excretion of mucus from throat and lungs |
| Laxative | cascara sagrada, licorice root, psyllium | Promotes bowel action |
| Lithotriptic | cascara sagrada, dandelion, marshmallow, parsley, shavegrass | Dissolves and discharges urinary and gallbladder stones |
| Lymphatic | dandelion, echinacea, garlic | Stimulates the lymphatic system |
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Detoxification | The Liver | Psyllium | Spring Cleaning
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