Herbal Detox

Herbs are effective means to purify the body of toxins. Herbal detox remedies can be administered in various ways. Different herbs detox different areas of the body. You can administer herbs through a variety of means. Whether you choose herbal baths, teas, or culinary herbal cleansing, detoxing with herbs is a simple process.

Herbs

• Herbs purify different parts of your system. You may choose to set aside a weekend every few months to rid your body of accumulated toxins. In a study guide titled "Enhancing Your Mind, Body, Spirit," the cleansing properties of burdock, dandelion, milk thistle, and cleavers are described. Burdock cleanses with diuretic and sweat-promoting properties. Drink burdock tea as a decoction or as an infusion. Dandelion acts as a diuretic and a mild laxative. Most effective as an infusion, dandelion tea can benefit the urinary tract and may be beneficial for liver ailments. Milk thistle has plant chemicals that make this herb a stimulant for the liver. According to "Enhancing Your Mind, Body, Spirit," milk thistle can help regenerate the liver. Grind milk thistle seeds to eat or use in tea. HolisticOnline.com cautions that milk thistle is a preventative and is not effective for existing liver conditions. Cleaver grows wild along roadsides. Cleavers detoxifies and promotes drainage of the lymphatic system. Take cleavers as a fresh juice or in an infusion.

Applications

• The processes to use herbs for detoxifying purposes are simple to learn. Prepare a decoction by boiling herbs to release flavor, aroma, and detox properties. Pour boiling water onto herbs to infuse them. Allow herbs to steep for several minutes to release their purifying benefits.

  You may want to maintain a cleansing routine by simply drinking a detox tea daily. Many brands and types of detox teas are available on the market. Buy organic and fair trade whenever possible. If you are committed to a purified body, follow through with a simple social commitment. Think of it as a karma detox. "Enhancing Your Mind, Body, Spirit" recommends combining fresh greens and herbs such as borage, basil and marjoram for a detox salad. The chlorophyll in greens absorbs quickly into the blood stream and cleanses the system.

Colds

• HolisticOnline.com recommends many herbs to cleanse the system when attacked by colds or the flu. Onions, garlic, cayenne, and watercress ease cold symptoms with anti-inflammatory and blood purifying actions. Settle a cough with honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and lemon. According to HolisticOnline.com, echinacea and goldenseal promote a healthy immune system. Add both to herbal tea when you have a cold or the flu.