Good Herbal Cleanse

A good herbal cleanse focuses on four body systems: the liver and gall bladder, the kidneys and bladder, the colon and the bloodstream. It should contain nutritional supplements in the form of plant-based "superfoods." It should also contain two kinds of herbal colon cleansers: one to stimulate the peristaltic action of the colon and one to absorb toxins in the colon and pass them out of the body. It should contain herbal preparations to support the liver, kidneys and blood, as well as boost the immune system while detoxifying.

Superfoods

• Superfoods such as spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, barley, alfalfa and sea vegetables send a rich supply of vitamins, minerals and protein into your bloodstream. These superfoods are plant-based, so they are easily digested and quickly delivered in order to provide your body with energy and strength. Usually green superfoods have a base of nutritional yeast, which provides the body with lots of protein and B vitamins.

Colon

• A thorough colon cleanse helps the body maintain regular, healthy, daily bowel movements, which is absolutely critical for your body's health. Old toxins, environmental chemicals and fecal material are removed from your colon, giving you more energy while you lost unwanted weight.

  An effective colon cleanse has two parts. First is a herbal formula designed to stimulate the bowel into peristaltic action. These herbs usually include aloe, senna, cascara sagrada, oregon grape root, cayenne, ginger and garlic. Second is a mixture of bentonite clay, activated charcoal and various herbs, which act as a vacuum or magnet to draw old toxins off the colon walls and absorb them. Combined, these two colon cleanse products act to effectively remove old fecal waste from the body.

Liver and Gallbladder

• Flushing and detoxing the liver and gallbladder regularly gets rid of toxins, parasites and microorganisms that are filtered through the liver. The flush removes sediment and helps clean out the blood as it pumps through the liver. A clean, healthy liver helps prevent serious disease.

  Liver teas and tinctures usually feature milk thistle, dandelion, Oregon grape root, wormwood, chaparral, black walnut hull, ginger and garlic.

  In addition to herbs, liver flush drinks are designed to help lubricate the biliary duct and stimulate the bile action of the liver. The usual recipes have a base of 1/2 to 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil added to o1/2 to 1 cup fresh citrus juice and sometimes include 2 tbsp. of fresh ginger root juice. After five days of preparation with liver support teas and tinctures, this liver flush drink is taken the night of the fifth or sixth day. A coffee enema is recommended the morning after a liver flush drink. Gall stones, biliary sludge, sediment and parasites are often expelled with a coffee enema after a week of liver flushing.

Kidneys and Bladder

• Kidney and bladder cleanses flush out the kidneys, dissolve and remove tiny kidney stones and crystals, promote normal blood pressure and help to improve assimilation of nutrients. Herbs traditionally used to support the kidneys and bladder include uva ursi, juniper berry, horsetail, burdock root, corn silk and parsley.

  An easy kidney support drink is simply a mug of hot water with the juice of a lemon, a small amount of pure maple syrup, and cayenne pepper added to taste. You can drink this once or twice a day.

Immune System Booster

• Herbs such as echinacea are often used to help stimulate the immune system. Echinacea actually causes your body to create more immune cells in your bloodstream. It is the best herb for protection against environmental toxins and the stress of everyday living. Echinacea usually comes as a tincture, either as a single herb or blended with garlic and peppers to increase blood circulation and speed of delivery.

Caution

• These statements and advice are for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to cure or treat any disease. Please consult a trusted health care professional before attempting any form of self-healing.