DETOXING HERBS
As we shift from one season to another, it is an excellent time to take a few days to simplify, clear and pave the way to receive the bounty of the new a new season. This can mean making space for creativity, resetting intentions, or cultivating healthy habits that support the body and mind. Symbolically, it is no surprise people gravitate towards “cleansing” and “detoxifying” during this time of year.
While “detoxing” may appear to be a modern-day answer to what seems like an increasingly toxic world, our ancestors have long incorporated bitter, nutritive herbs and roots into their diets. Modern science has revealed that many of these herbs – such as dandelion, burdock, nettle, and red clover, have a special affinity to support the natural function of our inherent detoxification systems.* Honoring this age-old wisdom, herbalists continue to utilize these herbs to support and nurture these processes rather than encouraging harsh detoxes that can be depleting.
Our skin, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and lymphatic system all have important parts to play in maintaining a balanced input and output flow. Incredibly, nature has provided us with a natural apothecary of plants that are unique enough from one another to support these various organs. From skin health to liver support, there’s an herb that’s right for you.*
Here are a few of the detoxing herbs that I like to use.Tea blends great for detoxing are the Liver Support & Detox #1
Milk Thistle: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has a long use in traditional Western herbal medicine for liver and gallbladder concerns and is also acknowledged for its ability to benefit the kidneys.
Yellow Dock: The root of yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is another traditional spring cleansing herb, with primary actions including digestive function and ensuring healthy gut motility.
Red Clover: Nourishing and restorative, red clover is a perennial within the pea family, which farmers often use as cover crops to fix nitrogen in the soil. Its action on the body is known for its ability to support healthy skin, making it an excellent choice for a gentle daily detox routine.*
Dandelion: Our favorite wild and bitter weed, dandelion’s properties gently stimulate the liver and help your body’s natural detoxification process. The bitter compounds found in dandelion stimulate taste buds, setting off a chain reaction of flowing juices from saliva to bile and setting the digestive tract in motion. This helps the breakdown of fats during digestion and flushes waste away, making it one of the most valuable general tonics used in Western herbalism.*
Burdock: This root has long been praised for its alternative action, which supports channels of elimination in the body and supports healthy nutrient assimilation. Rich with insulin and prebiotic starches, burdock root is used to help support healthy kidneys and beautiful, glowing skin.*
Nettle: A refreshing wild spring green, nettle is considered the mother of all spring tonics. Traditionally used for skin support, nettle is known for its ability to support the whole body as well as joint health. This is a fantastic herb to support your body when it feels stagnated, particularly after the holiday season or a long winter.*
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a doctor or medical expert, this is just from my own research and based on my own option. Please always consult with your doctor, a holistic practitioner and do your own research. There is so much information out there to help you better your health and wellness, but first please do your own due diligence.