Herbs That Cleanse the Body

Body cleansing and chelation are popular components of alternative health care. Proponents believe that regular detoxification can help to prevent cancer, depression, digestive problems, obesity, liver disease and kidney failure. Many body-cleansing programs actually do more harm than good---strong laxatives and diuretics can cause dehydration, malnutrition and low blood sugar. Most successful body-cleansing programs use high-antioxidant herbs and plants. These can support the health of the kidneys, liver, colon, bloodstream and lymphatic system with a relatively low risk of side effects or medical interaction.

Milk Thistle

• Milk thistle is one of the most popular herbal supplements on the market. Its primary chemical constituent, silymarin, is a potent liver-support agent. Silymarin has been documented to remove many different toxins from the liver, including mushroom-sourced poisons and alcohol. Many herbalists also recommend milk thistle in the treatment of liver diseases like cirrhosis, viral hepatitis and liver cancer. While evidence is somewhat scant, some experts also believe that milk thistle can prevent the formation of gallstone. Because of its ability to cleanse toxins from the hepatic system, milk thistle is a powerful component of herbal body-cleansing programs.

Psyllium Husk

• Powerful herbal laxatives like senna and cascara sagrada are very common in colon-cleansing programs. However, there are few benefits associated with the routine use of laxatives for colon cleansing. Psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber source, is a much safer, more effective way to eliminate toxins and solid matter from the colon. The seeds of psyllium expand to form a colorless, odorless, jelly-like substance when they interact with gastric juices. This helps to soften stools and provide bulk mass for easing bowel movements. While psyllilum husk does not have a true laxative effect, it can help to cleanse the colon nonetheless.

Dandelion

• A common weed throughout the U.S. and Europe, dandelion may be the single most useful herb in body cleansing. The leaves, stem, flowers and root of dandelion plants are known to be powerful diuretics---a trait that has earned the plant a reputation for causing bedwetting. Some herbalists may recommend the occasional use of diuretics to flush excess fluid through the kidneys and (theoretically) decrease the risk of some forms of kidney disease. Additionally, like milk thistle, dandelion contains compounds that can support the health of the liver. Dandelion greens are also excellent sources of fiber; they can help the body to expel solid waste through the colon.

Pepper

• Extracts of both black pepper and red pepper (capsicum) are effective herbs for cleansing the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Capsicum and black pepper improve circulation throughout the body and may help to improve energy levels and metabolism. The potent volatile oils in pepper can also destroy parasites in the colon without any serious side effects for the user. Some herbalists may recommend capsicum and black pepper for the health of the heart, blood and lymph---however, there are still few scientific studies demonstrating these effects. Other herbs traditionally used for blood purification include red clover, burdock and cleavers.

Cleansing Fruits

• Many body-cleansing programs unnecessarily involve the use of strong diuretics like juniper and guarana. In theory, these herbs should cleanse unwanted toxins from the urinary tract; however, their fluid-flushing effects cause more harm than good. High-antioxidant medicinal fruits like cranberry and blueberry are associated with no serious side effects, and they have both been clinically proven to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque in the urinary tract. Additionally, black cherry juice can eliminate uric acid and purines from the blood, which are responsible fo gouty arthritis and many other troublesome conditions.