Ten Best Herbal Detox Cleanse

These are naturally occurring herbs that are known to remove toxins from the whole body system.

In our effort to support the body in its detoxification effort, we can use some naturally occurring herbs, that have long been used since time immemorial. These are, not in any particular order:

1. Dandelion Leaves (Taraxacum Officinale)

Dandelion leaves have long been used in Chinese Medicine, to support detoxification, as well as joint, liver health and bones. The whole dandelion plant is edible, roots, leaves and stems, although the roots are often used in diuretics (body eliminating urine), therefore good in preventing bloating.

Dandelion leaves are packed with vitamins (A, C, K, E & B1) and minerals, especially zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. Dandelion plants are nutritious and can be eaten raw, or make it up in tea, despite the fact that it is a bitter herb. Dandelion is rich in antioxidants, especially carotenoids which are shown to reduce cell damage.

2. Green Tea Matcha

This is the ground leaves of Camelia Sinensis. Taking this is like taking the whole leaf, with its chlorophyll helps in detoxing the liver, by removing toxins and heavy metals. Green Tea Matcha is also rich in ECGC (Epigallocatechin gallate) which has huge cancer-fighting properties. It also helps in weight loss, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Green Tea Matcha contains up to 137 times the antioxidants of ordinary green tea but can cause headache, insomnia and irritability in people who are sensitive to caffeine.

It is believed that drinking matcha regularly can result in weight loss, especially belly fat. A Harvard University study concluded that drinking matcha tea improves oral health, and may fight oral cancer.

3. Medicinal Mushroom

Mushrooms are fungi. Medicinal Mushroom is shitake, reishi, maitake, turkey tail, chaga, oyster, cordyceps, lion’s mane have long been used for their health and detoxification benefits. They are mostly adaptogenic (known collectively for health benefits), rich in antioxidants beta-glucans, which acts as anti-tumour growth. Mushrooms are a source of fibres, B vitamins, potassium and selenium.

Medicinal mushroom also strengthens the immunity, as it kills some virus and increases gut microbiome, and support the heart.

4. Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum)

Milk Thistle contains compound silymarin, known to flush the toxin by inhibiting binding toxins from the liver cells. Therefore it has a protective effect, preventing liver damage. It is therefore popular in traditional medicines in treating liver problems like cirrhosis.

Milk Thistle promotes skin health, reduces cholesterol, supports bone health, and weight loss, as well as insulin resistance. The leaves and branches are used in salads, while the seeds are roasted and use as a coffee substitute.

5. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric contains the active ingredient, known as curcumin, which is used in treating inflammation. Research indicates that inflammation is caused by the presence of too much reactive protein (CRP) in the body. And another study shows that increased reactive protein in the body is linked to liver dysfunction.

The active ingredient, curcumin also prevent heart disease, Alzheimer and cancer. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It is very commonly used in joint pain.

6. Persimmon Leaves (Diospyros Kaki)

Persimmon Leaves is known to flush fat cells from the body by regulating insulin sensitivity, hence it helps in weight loss. It also helps detox heavy metal from the body. The leaves (both dried and fresh) are made into a tea by just steeping in holt water. In traditional Japanese, Persimmon leaves are used to wrap sushi, which is still on till today.

7. Marshmallow Roots (Althaea Officinalis)

The plant of marshmallow roots contain polysaccharides which is beneficial to the breathing system. It inhibits the growth of E-coli bacteria, preventing mucous formation and cough. A well functional breathing system is another good way to detoxify the body. The plant is found to assist in gut health. A well functional gut prevents intestinal permeability (commonly known as leaky gut which allows pathogens to enter the bloodstream). It is therefore common in herbal medicine for intestinal problems such as ulcer and diarrhoea.

8. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger has been known to stimulate digestion and blood flow because of its spicy benefits. The two ingredients ‘gingerol and shoga’, provide anti-inflammation and liver-protective benefits habits. Ginger can be used as fresh, in tea, powered or juiced, It is high in antioxidants to combat excess radicals in the body. It is usually given to help with the chemo-related type of nausea, and another form of morning sickness because of its spicy property.

9. Ashwagandha Plants (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry or winter cherry is another adaptogen and is very effective in the detox of brain toxins. It is therefore important for reducing brain fog, ADHA, depression, anxiety, stress and other brain-related issues. Ashwagandha is also effective in pharmaceutical toxins. Ashwagandha is known to boost fertility and testosterone in men.

10. Bacopa (Bacopa Monnieri or Waterhyssop)

Bacopa is very popular in Ayurveda medicines, as brain detoxifier. Bacopa improves memory, insomnia, epilepsy, asthma and calm anxiety by replacing inflammatory hormones with healing ones, especially with serotonin.

A word of caution — Any herbal use should be in conjunction with your medical practitioner, especially if you have an ongoing medical issue. This is because some herbs may counter-effect the actions of your medication.

The Takeaways

Although the body is very capable of self-detoxification, modern-day living makes it essential to support the body in detoxification because of toxin overload. Therefore it is important to make detoxification an essential part of our lifestyle.

True detoxification in a real sense is a way of life right from what we eat, to the products we use at home, both in our personal care products and household cleaning ones.

Healthy eating that incorporates fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fat (polyunsaturated), legumes, complex carbohydrates, and reducing alcohol.

The best detoxification system is those that are gentle and ongoing. Those that support the detoxification of your liver, kidney lungs, colon and the entire lymphatic system. These organs can give you better immunity against invading pathogens if they are at their optimum functionality.