Detoxifying Herbs
DETOXIFYING HERBS
Everyday living in our modern society exposes us to an array of toxins, not only from our environment, but the food we eat, the water we drink, and the products we use on our bodies. If we are not mindful of actively minimising these toxins through practicing a healthy and toxin free lifestyle, then our bodies soon become overloaded, which can then result in different disease states. Signs and symptoms that your body needs to cleanse can include fatigue, frequent infections, poor digestion, mood disorders and hormonal imbalance. Cleansing and detoxifying herbal teas can help to support and encourage your body's natural detoxification processes. Some of our favourites include :
- Dandelion - This herb is well known for its detoxification properties and has a long history of supporting the health of the liver and kidneys. The roots have been shown to detoxify the liver, and the leaves have a diuretic effect, helping the kidneys to flush out excess water from the body, reducing puffiness and other signs of fluid retention such as bloating and swelling.
- Licorice - Glycyrrhizin is the active compound in licorice shown to inhibit liver cell injury caused by toxins and chemicals. Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and heal the digestive tract. It is also great for clearing the throat and lungs of mucus due to its function as an expectorant.
- Nettle - Nettle aids detoxification by its metal chelating action to help remove heavy metals from the body. It is also known as a lymphatic herb as it stimulates the lymphatic system by removing wastes. It's mild diuretic properties help to relieve fluid retention and increase the output of uric acid throughout the kidneys, improving gout and arthritis. This herb is known as a blood cleanser, or depurative, which means it clears toxins from the blood. This can help to heal and improve skin health.
- Calendula - Calendula helps cleanse the lympathic system in a number of different ways, including reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system and relieving infection. Its anti-inflammatory action can be used to reduce inflamed lymph nodes, to support their function in flushing out toxins, and fighting infections. Calendula is also known as a cholagogue, which means that it increases bile flow to help support digestion. Another function of Calendula is as a depurative, which gives it the ability to purify the blood, and help to move lymphatic fluid through sluggish lymph glands.