Detoxing with herbs is an ancient tradition – but it is not without risks. Many of the herbs for detox plans are very powerful and should never be used without some knowledge and experience to guide you. Obviously, if you are not experienced at detoxing, you will want to get as much information as possible from someone who does know about detoxing with herbs.
Be careful about where you get your information, some self-proclaimed experts have no training, no medical experience, and are simply out to make a buck – or even simply looking to make themselves feel better by feeling like an expert. Be sure to ask about their credentials. How did they come by their expertise? Where did they get their education?
When you choose to use herbs to better your health, you are making a choice to become better informed about how your body works and how herbs can support your detox organs and improve your overall health. Some good sources for information about herbs and their uses can be found at www.botanical.com and at http://www.herbalsafety.utep.edu/.
Some simple herbs are often used for supporting the detox organs. These include cilantro, which is not only delicious, but has been shown to help remove heavy metals from the body. Milk thistle is an herb used for supporting the liver. It is said to help regenerate liver cells. Since the liver is the primary organ that metabolizes toxins, it takes the brunt of the toxins in our environment, our food, and in our water. The liver also detoxifies the medications and other substances we take in – so when our liver gets slowed down, it can really make it tough on our bodies.
Dandelion root tea is another popular detoxification herb. It is a mild diuretic (helps clear fluid from the body by stimulating the kidneys) and it is said to be good for the liver as well.
There are many other herbs that are used for detoxification, so a little research into which herbs are right for you can go a long way towards improving your overall health. Chinese medicine has a long tradition of using detox herbs, as does the Ayurvedic tradition from India.
