Best Herbal Remedies for Detoxification

In one of my current classes we are studying Herbal Remedies for Detoxification. There are so many different gimmicks and quick detox solutions out there including fasting. Figuring out which ones really work is the hardest part.

Fasting can actually have a negative effect on detoxification, also adequate water intake is essential for detoxification. According to one Scientific journal currently, no scientific studies have investigated the effectiveness of commercial detox diets for losing weight.

What Is “Detoxification”?

Detoxification are biochemical processes in which the human body removes toxins and primarily occurs in the liver. In general terms the processes converts’ non-water soluble toxic compounds to soluble compounds. Urine, sweat, bile or feces are pathways for toxins removal from the body.

GENETICS, the environment, diet as well as lifestyle all effect the Detoxification proccess.  While the liver plays a major role in detoxification, the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, skin and lungs all play a role. 

What are “Toxins” to the Human Body?

Toxins or toxic substances include chemicals or mixtures from our environment that can result in injury or health risks. These toxins can either be foreign to the body or by products of chemical reactions within the body including nitrogen, carbon dioxide, bile, urea and stool. 

There are 5 categories of potentially toxic chemicals:

1. Toxic elements- some required for human health and only toxic in excess i.e., copper, iron zinc while others have no role in the human body i.e., lead, cadmium, aluminum, mercury, arsenic
2. Petrochemicals- come from petroleum or other hydrocarbons and include crude oil, diesel and natural gas. Detergents, plastics, fertilizers and particularly pesticides all contain petrochemicals.
3. Synthetic chemicals- are man-made and used in industrial and households. Common examples are PCBs, flame retardants, herbicides, anti-wrinkle nonstick compounds, fragrances as well as food additives and preservatives in processed foods. 
4. Chemical Byproducts-these result from anything from decomposition, to manufacturing, processing or combustion of various compounds i.e., burning wood, coal or tobacco, frying, baking or roasting carbohydrate rich foods at high temperatures, as well as paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, copiers, glues, permanent markers etc. 
5. Biological Toxins- come from living organisms such as bacteria, fungus, mold, viruses, yeast and parasites. 

There are approximately 80,000 chemicals currently in use in the U.S.

Both foods and consumer products are introduced to approximately 2000 new chemicals each year in the U.S. The majority of which still have not been tested for adverse health effects. 

Potential Harmful Effects of Toxins

Cancers, reproductive issues, metabolic issues, neurological and mental health issues, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, just to name a few.

The chemical makeup of most toxins is responsible for them to directly enter into the urine to be excreted from the body. This also attracts them to cell membranes and allowing them to be easily transported inside the cells to cause damage. 

The elimination of toxins in the body can also be due to the deficiency of nutrients required for the hepatic process. 

Methods of Detoxification

Detox methods widely vary with different levels of efficacy, safety and especially scientific back evidence that it works. These methods include: Ayurvedic cleansing and purification processes, traditional Chinese medicine procedures for jie du (toxin removal), “cleansing” foods, vitamin/mineral supplementation, organic foods, elimination diets, juicing, suanas, fasting, colonics, exercise and diuretics.

There are not enough scientific backing for the majority of these. The methods with the most scientific support are exercise, prebiotics and probiotics, sauna therapy, and selected herbal supplements. 

Herbal Remedies for Detoxification

I am going to discuss 5 different herbal remedies that aid in detox. 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric root has been used in both Indian and Chinese culture for thousands of years. It helps to promote bile flow, protect the liver, as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. There are several was to prepare Turmeric for consumption including but not limited to: dried root steeped in water for 15 min, liquid extract, tablets, caspules, oils or dried root used externally. But be careful with cooking with it. Roughly 85% of curcumin (the main medical component of turmeric) is destroyed in the first 15-30 minutes of boiling turmeric. Side effects include upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea usage dates back over 5000 years ago in China. Specifically, Green tea is made from unfermented leaves that results in the highest concentration of antioxidants. Green Tea helps treat liver diseases, hepatitis, including detoxification enzymes in the liver and protects from bacterial toxins in the intestines. It also promotes intestinal microflora and pH in the gut and healthy bowel function. Caffeine definitely assists in detox. We consumeGreen Tea as a tea made from the leaves or as supplements in capsule form. 

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle, for over 2000 years, mainly treats liver and gallbladder disorders. Its major role in detoxification is to protect the liver from toxins. Milk thistle also acts and antioxidant, and assists in cellular regeneration, improves glucose and lipid metabolism, and reduces tumor promoter activity. We consume Milk thistle when the dried seed is boiled in water for 15 minutes and drank, as a liquid extract, tablet or capsule. Side effects include allergic skin rash, appetite loss, and joint pain. 

Artichoke Extract (Cynara scolymus)

Artichoke extract protects the liver and is an antioxidant and reduces toxins. 

Coriander

Coriander eliminates metals from the body. Specifically cadmium and lead. 

Other herbs with potential benefits in the detoxification processes are:

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Burdock Root
• Dandelion root
• Licorice root
• Sarsaparilla root
• Cardamom seed
• Cinnamon bark
• Caraway
• Dill oil
• Pycnogenol

 As always please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting any new herbal remedies. Always pay attention to safety when using herbs. Play close attention to recommended dosage as well as potential allergies and interactions. More research work has to be done on the entire detox process.

I hope this helps you find a more natural approach to detox than other solutions. Don't forget to check out other articles on health and nutrition here! And check out all our social media for more information.