Herbs That Tone & Cleanse the Body

Herbs have a variety of uses. They flavor our foods, but they can also help detoxify and cleanse the body. Our blood, organs and even our skin can benefit from certain herbs. However, it is important to remember that herbs have medicinal properties. As such, they should be treated like medicines, meaning that before beginning an herbal cleanse, you should consult with your doctor to make certain that the herbs you intend to take will not react with any of your medications.

Herbs that Cleanse

• Many herbal cleansing products are available. Herbal ingredients can be used alone or in conjunction with others. Barberry root aids in removing morbid matter from the stomach and gut and promotes the production of bile. If you are cleansing to get rid of parasites or worms, consider black walnut hulls. Black walnut hulls are also used to get rid of fungal infections. Buckthorn bark is used as a laxative, and although it has laxative properties, it is not dehydrating as many laxatives can be.

  For a blood purifier, try burdock root. Chickweed combats blood toxicity and inflammation by dissolving plaque in the blood. Dandelion root acts as a diuretic and stimulates the liver. Mullein leaf helps cleanse the body by loosening mucus. For a general cleanse, consider peach leaves. They act as a laxative, an expectorant and a diuretic. Psyllium husk has long been used as a colon cleanser, but it may cause gas. Yarrow flower, yellow dock root and yucca are all used as blood purifiers.

Herbs that Tone the Skin

• Skin toners promote circulation and help restore the skin's normal acidity. Toned skin is healthier skin. Many herbs can be used as facial toners or drunk as a tea to promote healthier skin. Chamomile both soothes and moisturizes, and comfrey both soothes and firms. For fair skin, use chervil. Elder and eyebright are both good astringents. For oily skin or blemishes, try lavender. Parsley helps reduce large pores. Sage is a good overall toner for all skin types. And yarrow is another good cleansing astringent.

  Steep the appropriate herbs in warm vinegar (for added astringency) and then dilute them with distilled water. Keep this refrigerated. After washing your face, simply spritz on a little or dab it on with a cotton ball.

  A tea can be made from burdock root, cinnamon. Siberian ginseng, ginger root, Chinese or Korean ginseng, licorice root, orange peel, sarsaparilla root and wild yam root. Let it simmer in cold water for 30 minutes before drinking.