Types of Herbal Detox
By admin on 2015-01-07

Herbal detox programs use teas and herbal supplements to promote improve health and well-being. While herbal detox programs are not the only way to detoxify your body, they are popular for the many health benefits herbs provide. Chinese medicine has used many of the same herbs for centuries to cure ailments now used in herbal detoxes.

Purpose of Detox

A detox is designed to help your body release toxins stored in fat cells that were not previously metabolized, improve liver function and increase absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. By flushing toxins out, you can improve your health and reduce illness frequency. Energy improves and nutrient absorption increases. As a result your mental acuity and emotional stability improve. Different herbs help cleanse different body functions.

Why Herbs

One of the primary reasons to use herbs in a detox is they are organic compounds easily digested and absorbed by the body. Additionally, different herbs hold different healing properties and can target specific body areas, which can help improve digestive function, waste processing and mineral absorption. Organically grown herbs reduce pesticide consumption. You can purchase herbal teas and supplements or make your own.

Herbal Teas

Chamomile is effective at soothing your digestive system, aiding in absorption. Ginger and rosemary help with circulation. Goldenseal, milk thistle and green tea are excellent hepatic herbs that promote liver function and the secretion of bile. Diuretic teas help kidney function, the most common being licorice, sandalwood, parsley and cinnamon.

You can add cayenne to teas to help increase circulation and remove mucus from your body. This quickens the time to eliminate toxins that are absorbed in the mucus when released.

When making your own teas, use unprocessed honey if you need a sweetener. Make sure the herbs are well dried, and steep them for 3 minutes.

Herbal Supplements

You can find herbal supplements through a Chinese herbalist, online or via health food stores. Most supplements come in a capsule form. Since there are no FDA regulations on herbal supplements, make sure that the herbs are grown and processed free from pesticides and chemicals. Chinese herbalists often create a supplement that is specific to your needs.

Supplemental Herbs Used in Detoxing

Coriander, cumin, and turmeric have been historically used to aid in digestive health. Flax seed, senna and psyllium are known laxatives and can help eliminate toxins if the detox is creating irregular bowel movements. You might prefer to take them as a supplement rather than tea or just using the herbs for seasoning.

Expectations from a Detox

Don't think of your detox as a one-time fix. If you are seeking to remove toxins from your body and weight loss is a by-product, then you will be very happy with the results of a detox. If you are looking for a quick way to lose weight, you should reconsider. Yes, you will most likely shed some excess pounds, but doing a detox in lieu of lifestyle changes is a bad choice. Talk to your doctor about a program that best suits your long-term goals.