Top 5 Detoxifying Herbs to Cleanse Your Body

Detoxing is an ancient health practice that has been around long before celebrities and the media caught onto it. Detoxifying our bodies can benefit everything from gut health and digestion to increasing energy levels and clearing our skin. 

Milk Thistle

Herbs are a great ally that can be used alone or alongside other detoxing routines. Did you know that herbs are among some of the most effective home remedies when it comes to boosting digestion or detoxifying the body? Herbs are loaded with essential nutrients that benefit the body in numerous ways. They are also very powerful sources of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties! 

Here is more about how herbs can help cleanse our bodies from the inside out and the top five you should consider trying. 

What is a detox, and how do herbs help? 

Our bodies are always detoxing themselves. Our kidneys, liver, lymphatic system, colon, and skin are the organs most actively involved in detoxification. The process essentially consists of removing waste and toxins like urea, uric acid, creatinine, dead skin cells, excess sebum, and industrial toxins out of our body to keep it functioning at full power. Our bodies let us know when it’s time to detox with signs like sleeping poorly, fatigue, lethargy, infrequent bowel movements, and skin issues. 

The right foods, physical activity, and herbs can help our bodies with this cleansing process and make it more effective. Be aware that some harsh detox practices that have gained popularity generally do more harm than good, depleting our bodies instead of rejuvenating them. 

This is where herbs and natural remedies come to play. They work with our bodies rather than forcing a specific outcome, and they are still very effective. Nature has given us a natural apothecary of herbs and plants that are unique enough to support various parts of our organs and body. Most herbs and spices have an affinity with a particular part of the detox system. If we know which part of our body needs extra love and support, we can choose a corresponding herb. There is also the option to use a mixture of herbs to assist the whole body. 

The 5 best herbs for natural cleansing 

Dandelion 

Dandelion is one of the best overall herbs for detoxification. It is specifically helpful for gently stimulating the liver and gallbladder. The bitter compounds found in the dandelion herb stimulate the taste buds, which set off a chain reaction of flowing juices from salvia to bile. This sets the digestive tract in motion. Dandelion helps to break down fats during digestion and removes and flushes toxins and waste from our blood. Dandelion also has exceptional nutritional value. It is full of vitamins A, B6, C, D, and K, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and it has higher levels of beta carotene than carrots. The whole plant can be used. The dandelion root has the strongest action on our liver and is usually used in detoxing. Dandelion leaves are mildly diuretic and can help our kidneys with flushing waste. Dandelion leaves and flowers can be added to a salad, and the root can be used to brew a detox tea. As for the dandelion floofies, they can still be used for making wishes!  

Milk Thistle 

Milk thistle is another powerful herb for liver detoxification. It is full of antioxidants that help in nourishing and rejuvenating dead cells. Milk thistle is commonly known as silymarin because of a certain compound found in the plant. Silymarin boosts the production of other antioxidants in our body, specifically glutathione and superoxide dismutase. These antioxidants help to rebuild liver cells and remove unwanted toxins. Milk thistle also has anti-inflammatory properties. Our body does not easily absorb silymarin, so it is recommended to take milk thistle capsules to reap the benefits of this herb. 

Red Clover 

Red clover is nourishing and restorative and has long been harvested for its use in various preparations, including tinctures, teas, topical products, and capsules. Red clover is known for its ability to support healthy skin, making it a great choice for a gentle daily detox routine. The blossoms support liver function by stimulating the production of bile and flushing excess waste fluids. Red clover is rich in isoflavones which are water-soluble compounds that have an estrogen-like effect and improve heart health, circulation, and menopause symptoms. This herb is also full of nutrients, including chromium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, potassium, vitamin C, and thiamine. The red clover blossoms can be used to make tea or be taken in capsule form. 

Turmeric 

Turmeric has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, but it also supports liver health and detoxification. Curcumin is the powerful component that gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color. Curcumin is responsible for stimulating bile production in the gallbladder, leading to the elimination of toxins in the liver and rejuvenating the cells that work hard to break down any harmful compounds. Curcumin has significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that help eliminate free radicals in the body. This herb is being studied to determine its effectiveness in preventing and treating cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. Cooking with turmeric is a great way to incorporate its earthy taste into food. However, to truly reap its benefits when detoxing, it is recommended to take a turmeric supplement. 

Cilantro 

Cilantro is a common herb that contains antibacterial, detoxifying, and immune-enhancing essential oils. Our bodies are constantly exposed to heavy metals through water, food, pharmaceuticals, manufactured products, and pollution. When heavy metals accumulate in the body, they can reach toxic levels, leading to an array of conditions and symptoms. The chemical compounds in cilantro are effective cleansing agents that bind to the toxic metals and loosen them for easier transport out of our body. Cilantro is also great for digestion and stomach cramps. It balances our blood sugar and can fight nausea. It can be incorporated into all kinds of food or combined with fresh juices in a detox drink. 

Making the most of your herbs 

These herbs are easily available in your local supermarket and can be used regularly to clean and detox your body. You can incorporate these beneficial herbs into your busy life through capsule supplements or brewing detox teas. Some herbs also taste great in food and when mixed with fresh juices or smoothies! 

While it is generally safe to use herbs for detoxing, certain herbs may trigger side effects and interact with each other or other supplements and medications. For this reason, you should always consult with a healthcare professional before using a new herb or supplement.