Detox your body with a liver detox cleanse

Nature can be giving especially when it comes to the various herbs and spices it provides that can help us detoxify the liver and help restore it to a fully functioning organ. These liver helping herbs can even be multipurpose and help the body combat other ailments such as cellulite.

The reason why many of these liver friendly herbs are good at getting rid of cellulite is because they can be both thermogenic and anti- inflammatory. They can help you boost your metabolism allowing you to burn fat and they can reduce inflammation on the cellular level which will in turn affect cellulite in a noticeable manner.

Try using these two liver friendly herbs and spices and find yourself astounded by the results.

Milk Thistle

As far as the liver is concerned, Milk thistle is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread. In fact, it has probably been around a little bit longer than slice bread, being used as a treatment for liver problems for the past two millennia (making sliced bread the best thing since milk thistle).

Pliny of ancient Rome was the first to suggest that milk thistle helps the liver move bile and in 1986 Germany’s Commission E approved of the use of the herb for treatment of alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, liver cirrhosis and liver poisoning. Milk thistle has also been used to help protect the liver from certain medications that might prove toxic to the organ.

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So why is milk thistle all the rage?  Researchers like to point to the presence of Silymarin, a powerful antioxidant with the ability to protect cells and inhibit the growth of tumors. Studies have found that this antioxidant may help promote liver cell regeneration and reduce the damage to liver cells due to chronic prescription drug abuse.

Silymarin has also been found to strengthen the liver’s outer surface which makes it difficult for toxins to enter it. Silymarin also seems to help encourage the reaction between enzymes promoting faster and more proficient regeneration of liver cells allowing for the quicker replacement of the older cells aiding in the detoxification process.

Artichoke extract

The artichoke is said to be milk thistle’s close cousin, and researchers have found that artichoke extract can also help protect your liver and help in the liver cell regeneration process. Much like milk thistle, the artichoke has been around since the time before sliced bread, seeing use as a medicine and form of liver disease prevention since the Middle Ages.

Today, artichoke juice  is a popular liver tonic in France and researchers from Switzerland to Japan have submitted scientific reports about the artichokes ability to break down fat and remove bile.  Remember, the better the bile flows through the liver, the easier it is for the organ to remove waste including fat globules.

Milk thistle and artichoke extract have been proven to help the liver detoxify and well as protect it from damage that toxins may cause it. Toxic substances are sometimes temporarily turned into something even more toxic during the detoxification process. Without the help of herbs like milk thistle and artichoke extract, the liver might find itself damaged a bit more every time it neutralizes a toxin. Also, getting rid of cellulite is all about making sure your liver and lymphatic systems are functioning with maximum efficiency.

Naturopathic medicine has been using detoxification for over 3000 years. Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native Americans, and folk medicine all use herbs and spices for medicinal and detoxification purposes. Herbs and spices are the primary detox supplements used to cleanse the body of toxins. During detoxification herbs and spices aid the bodies natural elimination systems. The bodies natural elimination system includes the liver, urinary system, digestive system, skin and lungs. Herbs and spices can be classified by the organ or system for which it works upon once it enters the body. There are a variety of ways that herbs and spices can be consumed to help cleanse the body of toxins. The difference between herbs and spices is that herbs are the leafy, green part of plants and spices come from the dried seeds, fruit, root, bark and vegetative substance. All spices are herbs however not all herbs are spices. Both herbs and spices can be added to foods, consumed alone, made into a tea or concoction or applied with oil. When used in detoxing the body, herbs and spices have different properties such as nutritive, rejuvenative, alterative, demulcent, antioxidant, antifungal, laxative, diuretic, antiseptic, expectorants, diaphoretic and cholagogue. Here you can find a list of herbs and how they act upon the bodies systems.

Alfalfa: As a natural laxative and diuretic, alfalfa cleanses the bowels. Alfalfa is an excellent source of fiber and contains many trace minerals. It also contains the plant compound chlorophyll, which has a natural deodorizing effect and breaks down carbon dioxide within the body.

Black cohosh: Black cohosh works on many systems within the body. It restores health to the body by loosening and expelling mucous from within the lungs, as well as stimulating secretions from the lymph, liver and kidneys. It protects the mucous membranes by neutralizing poisons within the bloodstream.

Black walnut: Black walnut is an antifungal agent, which expels parasites from the body. It also works within the bowels to remove fatty material, which stores toxins and impurities.

Burdock root: Burdock root has multiple purposes within the body for a powerful detox. It is an excellent blood purifier, stimulates bile secretion in the liver, and facilitates digestive processes. Burdock root decreases the build up of heavy metals especially in cases of treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy, and radiation. In addition burdock has anti tumor and anti mutagen effects.

Capsicum: Capsicum is an alterative, antioxidant, and antiseptic. It increases metabolism, which stimulates circulation. It is rich in vitamin C and contributes to weight loss.

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Cascara sagrada: Cascara sagrada is one of the most common and powerful herbal laxatives. It is a fast acting laxative which to ease constipation. It contains anthroquinoness, which give it its laxative effects. Additionally it stimulates secretions of the liver, gall bladder, stomach and pancreas. This herb should only be used for short term.

Dandelion: Dandelions are one of the best liver herbs. It is a diuretic, which flushes the system and reduces fluid retention. This in turn reduces edema and increases weight loss. While cleansing the body of toxins, dandelions can also stimulate alcohol metabolism in the liver during times of hangover. It is an antioxidant, which is rich in vitamin A. Dandelion should be taken to repair liver damage and keep the liver and gall bladder clean and healthy.

Echinacea: Echinacea restores healthy body function by building up the immune system. It stimulates the immune response by boosting the production of lymphocytes, macrophages and interferon to reduce pathogens within the body. This increases the body’s ability to eliminate bacteria, infection, toxins and chemicals.

Fennel seed: Fennel seeds are mainly used to induce bowel movements. It relieves gas, gas pains and cramps within the gastrointestinal tract. The main ingredient within fennel seeds inhibits spasms in the smooth muscles of the intestine.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek has an eliminating effect to restore health to the body. It expels toxins from the lymphatic system through mucous, and phlegm. It also has the ability to soften and dissolve hardened masses of accumulated toxins.

Gentian root: Gentian root is an antiseptic that stimulates bile secretion from the liver and the digestive tracts. It reduces inflammation and infection to restore normal function. It improves assimilation of nutrients such as proteins, fats, iron and vitamin B12.

Guar gum: Guar gum has a laxative effect on the bowel. It is a soluble digestible fiber, which absorbs undesired chemicals and toxins in the intestines. It also has the ability to lower cholesterol and curb appetite.

Horsetail: Horsetail is an antifungal agent and has a diuretic effect on the body. It helps to flush the urinary tract of toxins. Horsetail is rich in trace minerals, which helps in the healing of bone, flesh and cartilage.

Irish Moss: This is a type of seaweed that is alterative, nutritive, and demulcent. It soothes the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Licorice root: Licorice root has mild laxative effects. It soothes irritated mucous membranes and nourishes the adrenal glands. It fights viruses by helping the body to produce antibodies. It also has nutritive, rejuvenative, and antioxidant properties.

Marshmallow: Marshmallow root is a soothing and detoxifying herb with mild laxative properties. It protects mucous membranes, sooths irritated digestive tracts and restores moisture to dry tissues. It is an alterative, demulcent, diuretic, nutritive and rejuvenative.

Milk thistle: Milk thistle is a powerful liver protectant. It stimulates protein synthesis, which strengthens the liver making it function more efficiently. It cleanses the liver of damaging contaminants such as drugs, alcohol and chemicals. Milk thistle is a natural antioxidant, which boosts the production of glutathione and inhibits the production of leukotrienes and free radicals.

Mullein leaf: Mullein leaf is a demulcent, diuretic and vulnerary. It soothes irritated tissues, heals wounds and protects the respiratory system.

Passionflower leaf: Passionflower leaf has a calming effect on the nerves, digestive tract and bowels. It calms the symptoms of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. By calming stress it slows the breakdown of neurotransmitters.

Psyllium seed: Psyllium seeds have a laxative effect, which promote health bowel movements. Effective at cleaning out the intestines and colon. Once in the digestive tract, the seed absorbs water and swells, scrubbing and cleaning out any toxins or chemicals. This can be used for constipation, IBS, and as a fiber supplement.

Pumpkin seed: Pumpkin seeds are very helpful at expelling parasites from the body.  They are high nutritive and also contain linolenic acid.

Slippery elm: Slippery elm is an anti-inflammatory, demulcent, laxative and nutritive. Slippery elm heals and soothes all parts of the body especially the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. It is very digestible and neutralizes stomach acidity.

Violet leaf: Violet leaf is an alterative, antifungal, demulcent, diuretic and laxative. Safe and soothing for normal use. Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C to restore nutrients.

Witch hazel bark: Witch hazel bark is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It is high in flavanoids, which help to heal damaged blood vessels, inflammation and bruises.

Yucca root: Yucca root is an alterative; this root restores health to the body by detoxing the bowels. It helps to break down organic waste.

Herbs have been used as sources of medicine for thousands of years.  Here are the 10 most powerful and researched healing herbs.  These herbs have been tested in clinical studies over and over again with outstanding results; however, the information we give you here is not intended as medical advice; these herbs will by no means replace the treatment indicated by your physician, but merely aid in the improvement of certain conditions.

1.    GARLIC
This herb contains the perfect properties to prevent heart disease and all problems related to it.  If you eat garlic regularly, you are preventing cardiovascular disease, since it increases the high-density lipoproteins and lowers the dangerous low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides.  

Garlic also helps lower high blood pressure and helps prevent cancer because it increases the level of glutathione transferase, a liver enzyme that detoxifies the body from carcinogens.  It has been found that it reduces the risk of gastric cancer, has even improved the condition of AIDS patients, and is known to be antifungal and antiviral, because it works against several microorganisms like bacteria that resist antibiotics.

2.    HAWTHORN
This shrub’s berries are superb for the heart.  These help the heart’s pumping action because they open the coronary arteries to support the heart muscle.  

Hawthorn can decelerate a rapid heart rate and fortify a weak heart; it lowers high blood pressure and benefits low blood pressure caused by weak heart muscles suffering from arrhythmia.  

This herb works after continuous use; the effects can be seen after six months or more of regular use.

3.    GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo Biloba benefits vision because it improves the microcirculation to the eyes.  There are almost 300 scientific studies that show that standardized ginkgo extract prevents and improves conditions like vertigo, tinnitus, inner ear problems, memory harm, concentration problems, anxiety, neurological and circulatory disorders, depression, senility, and edema and Raynaud’s disease.  

This herb improves the quality and quantity of capillary circulation, increasing, in this way, the blood flow to the brain, heart, and organ and gland’s tissues.

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4.    EPHEDRA
This is used for colds, as a decongestant.  It is a top bronchial dilator, thus, it helps people who suffer from asthma by opening the sinus passages, and possesses an antihistamine effect that helps in cases of chronic and severe allergies.  

Ephedra also works as a circulation stimulant for blood pressure and heart function; it raises blood pressure.  Its main ingredient is ephedrine, which increases the adrenaline secretion in our organism.  It stimulates certain glands, muscles and tissues, and holds back others, thus, it can cause chronic stress and degenerative disease if used in excess.  

The effects of this herb stay in the body for a long time, even after the herb disappears, thus, it should not be used in combination with heart, lung, or antidepressant medication.

5.    LICORICE
This is a soothing, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing herb that has been found to have antiviral properties and to help with gastrointestinal ulceration by smoothing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract on contact.  It increases bile secretion, and is recommended for any type of gastrointestinal ulcer.  

Licorice root is good for chronic cough and bronchitis, and, in small quantities, it reduces sugar cravings.  Japanese research has shown it decreases high testosterone levels in women with ovarian cysts and increases their fertility.

6.    BILBERRY
It is a strong antioxidant that enhances the circulatory system, eyes, heart, and brain, and, in general, improves overall health.  It contains a flavonoid called anthocyanosides that increases the flexibility of the capillaries and blood flow.  

It can enlarge the range of vision, improves sharpness of images, the ability to focus, blurred vision, eyestrain and nearsightedness.  It strengthens the coronary arteries and helps prevent atherosclerosis and venous insufficiency.

7.    ECHINACEA
This herb supports the immune system by increasing two of its main components that consume and eliminate invading organisms and foreign particles.  It activates white blood cells and stimulates the regeneration of cellular connective tissue and epidermis.  It is key to fight infection because it neutralizes a harmful enzyme related to the infection process.  

8.    MILK THISTLE
This is considered the best herb for liver cleansing, regeneration, and protection, and is one of the most necessary herbs for these times.  The amount of toxins from chemical pollutants, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and radiation, have growing side effects that must be tackled, and milk thistle regenerates, regulates, and strengthens the liver’s functions.  It stimulates the body to produce superoxide dismutase, one of the two main antioxidants the body produces.

9.    ASTRAGALUS
This is a prime immune booster.  It increases the efficiency of the immune system by increasing the immune activity.  It also helps strengthen digestion, raise metabolism, and promotes wound healing.  It can treat chronic lung weakness, shortness of breath, low energy, prolapse of internal organs, spontaneous sweating, chronic lesions, and deficiency edema.     

10.    GINSENG
A top detox cleanser, it boosts memory and learning by improving circulation.  Reduces cholesterol and protects the liver from toxins.  It also strengthens the lungs, nourishes body fluids, and calms the spirit.  Ginseng promotes longevity and increases resistance to disease.  

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.21daybodymakeover.com as the original source).

George DeJohn is the author of “3 Minutes to a Strong Mind and a Fit Body” and the creator of the 21-Day Full Body Cleanse system. George is the author of a very successful blog on healthy living, weight loss and stress elimination: http://www.21DayBodyMakeover.com/blog/

It is a fact that some pesticides, chemicals, and certain fumes are present in the environment that is affecting your immune system and jeopardizing your health.  
In addition, the food we take in is also full of toxic, it really does lower our overall immune system function.

Toxic load is the condition of tissues and cells where internal terrain is developed after food consumption of highly processed chemical heavy foods.  Your body needs to be cleansed from these unwelcome toxins. The process is called detoxification.

Although you have the kidney and liver which are organs considered as natural detoxifiers filtering out the impurities of the bodies, you need to consider other ways to detoxify your body from toxins. Some of the methods can be extreme like long fasting from juice drinks or dialysis.

Take note, your immune system is the defense mechanism of your body. So, disease and infections should be prevented before it affects your whole body through toxin’s removal. 
As you could observe, the illness’ frequency of a person is dependent on the immune’s system  power which is composed of complex networks of nodes and lymph channels. There are detox herbs that are beneficial in making your immune system strong.

These herbs are the perfect and natural way of removing toxins from your immune systems to minimize acquired illnesses and to develop your general well-being. Several herbs for detoxifying are much better for improving your immune systems than others. However, there are specific considerations for the detoxification program that you choose. But the following detox herbs can be used according to your needs. 

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- Psyllium seeds promote healthy bowel movemet generally maintaining its good condition. It could be used in helping bowel related problems like diarrhea. This herb is good because it has an absorption property similar to a sponge where it helps in removing the toxins inside your body. - Cascara Sagrada is generally a good natural laxative flushing the toxins out of your system. It also helps in strengthening your colon and other related muscles. This herb is used together with psyllium seeds. 

- Milk thistle is also a very valuable substance used often to simulate the protein synthesis in the liver. It is used effectively in soaking different types of toxins found in drugs and alcohols that can damage your body. 

- Nettles are used as a portion of the detox herb mixture in cleansing the urinary systems as well as any part of the body. 
- Burdock roots are also perfect for stronger cleansing needs. It is helpful in reducing the heavy metals build-up within your body which causes immune system problems.        

- Dandelion roots are detox herbs having strong cleansing properties appropriate for your liver. It is good for removing the gall bladder wastes and also works well for kidneys if used with other compatible detox herbs.  

People would really need to detoxify themselves due to the presence of toxins in processed foods and in polluted air.

Using herbs is not new in detoxification programs because its cleansing and healing properties have been known for so many years. Thus, it is now being accepted in the detoxification concept treating patients worldwide. 

These herbs can effectively flush out unwanted toxins from your immune system allowing you to look and feel great.

There are several very effective and well known herbs you can take to cleanse your colon. The colon, liver and kidneys are organs targeted by cleansing, and there are herbs specific to each bodily system.

For cleansing the colon, try the following herbs.

1.Prune juice

Prunes are not generally considered herbs per se – but, like all medicinal herbs, they are the fruits (plums) of a plant (the plum tree), and their cleansing ability is very good.

Drinking prune juice and/or eating prunes relieves constipation and can be very cleansing to the colon.

2.Senna

The leaves and seedpods of senna are used for internal cleansing. A popular remedy for constipation, be aware that senna can be unpleasantly powerful in its effects. Senna contains anthraquinones, a very effective laxative.

Other herbs with anthraquinones are aloe, cascara sagrada, and buckthorn (to name a few).

3.Flax seeds

A tablespoon of flax seed three times a day, ground or whole, will cleanse the colon. If you’ve ever mixed flax seeds with hot water, you know how this works.

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The water in which flax seeds are steeped becomes a thick, mucilagenous mass. If you tend to have intestinal irritation, use ground flax seed.

Note, though, that you must drink a lot of water for this to work – flax is so effective at creating bulk in the intestines that it can create a blockage without proper water intake.

4.Psyllium

Like flax seeds, psyllium seeds need a lot of water to work. Those wishing to benefit from psyllium may take 3-10 tablespoons of the tiny seeds each day. Psyllium also creates bulk in the intestine, moving toxins and waste out.

5.Rhubarb

Once again crossing the herb-food line is this laxative plant. Rhubarb has fiber, and it also contains a laxative chemical similar to anthraquinones.

6.Milk thistle

Milk thistleis an excellent liver cleansing herb. The best way to use milk thistle is by taking capsules, since the most effective part of the plant are the seeds.

Milk thistle helps protect the liver from damaging toxins, and also helps the liver to remove toxins from the body.

7.Dandelion

Dandelionroot and leaves are very effective diuretics, thus helping to flush out the kidneys and the system in general.

Try cooking young dandelion leaves as a potherb or taking capsules of the dried root. Dandelion root that has been roasted and ground can be drunk as a cleansing coffee substitute.

8.Cranberry

Cranberry is a well-known bladder infection fighter. Because it prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder, it has a cleansing effect (the bacteria get flushed out).

9.Blueberries

Blueberries work well for cleansing, too.Blueberries believe to have the same cleansing effect with Cranberries.

As we mentioned in previous article, premenstrual syndrome effects over 70% to 90% of women before menopause in the US and less for women in Southeast Asia because of their difference in living style and social structure. The occurrence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have more than doubled over the past 50 years due to the acceptance of it as a medical condition that is caused by unhealthy diet with high in saturated food. Premenstrual syndrome is defined as faulty function of the ovaries related to the women’s menstrual cycle, it effects a women’s physical and emotional state, and sometimes interferes with daily activities as a result of hormone fluctuation. The syndrome occurs one to two weeks before menstruation and then declines when the period starts. In this article, we will discuss herbs for liver.

By increasing the liver function, it helps to improve liver function in synthesis carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and improve immune system in fighting against infection and inflammation caused by foreign invasion, thereby decreasing all types of premenstrual syndrome including menstrual pain and cramps, hormone imbalance, food and sugar craving.

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1. Dandelion
Dandelion besides is used in liver detoxification, it also stimulate bile flow and help improve the symptoms of various liver diseases.

2. Milk thistle
Milk thistle is an antioxidant, besides helping to prevent toxins from penetrating liver cells and replacing the damage liver cells with new cell, it also contains high amount of essential fatty acid which is necessary for liver in fat and protein metabolism resulting in decreasing the risk of symptoms of PMS.

3.Turmeric
Turmeric besides has been used in traditional medicine as an antibacterial agent and teeth protector, it also contain chemical agent which helps to protect the liver against damage thereby decreasing the risk of inflammation and oxidation. It also aids in digestion by stimulating bile flow and supports liver detoxification.

4. Ginger
Besides is a powerful blood thinner, it also contains liver-protecting and antioxidant compounds which help protect the liver against any virus including hepatitis virus and toxins invasion, thereby, increasing the over all functions of liver for women with PMS.

5. Licorice root
Licorice root beside helps to repair the damage cells in the liver, it also has been used in traditional Chinese in treating liver damage caused by symptoms of chronic hepatitis.

To read the series of PMS article, visit
http://pre-menstrualsyndrome-pms.blogspot.com/
For other health articles visit
http://medicaladvisorjiurnals.blogspot.com

Detoxification or body cleansing is important to prevent the build-up of toxins in your body. Toxins can cause tiredness, hormonal imbalance and increase the risk of high blood and other chronic illness. There are many detox programs and treatments available and these can be expensive. However, there are detoxifying plants and herbs that are affordable and you can find them almost anywhere.

One of the more popular plants for herbal body detox is dandelion. This herb is rich in vitamins A, B, C and D as well as minerals. This herb is also high in anti-oxidants, which fight off free radicals. Dandelion is great for liver detoxification and can reduce inflammation. In addition, a study shows that dandelion leaves may normalize blood sugar and is good for the gall bladder.

Another flowery herb is the milk thistle. This plant is known as a liver tonic. Milk thistles have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It is used as a cure to liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and toxin-induced liver damage and gall bladder disorders.

To help alleviate constipation and clean the intestinal tract, psyllium seed will be a good herb for detoxification. Similar to oats and wheat, psyllium is rich in soluble fiber so it acts like a sponge that gets rids of toxin in the body; psyllium also has been recognized for its possible role in reducing blood cholesterol.

Another detoxifying agent is Licorice this is a sweet herb that has been utilized in various food items and medicines. This herb is very effective as a demulcent – which is a coating, soothing agent – and as an expectorant – that is, it helps get rid of phlegm and mucus that may be present in the respiratory tract. This herb also helps in detoxifying the liver and relieves symptoms of indigestion or GERD.
Cascara sagrada is an herb use as a mild laxative to ease constipation. It can be used by the elderly and people who have gone through rectal surgery. This herb can also be used as remedy for gallstones and liver disease.  

Herbs, because of their natural healing properties, are good for detoxification; just make sure to consult your doctor because even though these are natural ingredients still they have side effects and can cause allergies and harm if taken with other medicines or substances.

Any harmful substances in the body are removed by the liver thus preventing their entry into the blood streams and interfering with other body organs. In other words the liver is involved in the manufacturing, filtering and detoxification process to enhance the normal functioning of the body. Liver functioning is disheveled with the functions of the digestive system, endocrine, circulatory system, nervous system and the immune system.

There are many ailments that are associated with unhealthy liver. Lethargy or chronic tiredness are not only brought about by lack of sleep but are also associated with the build up harmful substances in the liver. Liver detoxification has become very common among people who are aware of its existence. Before you start liver detoxification, it is very vital that you are diagnosed first to determine its existence.

Among the signs of unhealthy liver include sluggishness, irritability, anxiety, pains, irregular stomach movements, depression, and bloating, bad breath, bad odor, protruding stomach and skin problems.

When harmful substances have accumulated in the liver thus leading to its failure, liver detox is very vital. There are several ways that can be used in liver detox one of them being the use of herbs.

There are varieties of herbs that can be used in liver detox namely;

Avena sativa- this herb is commonly referred to as the oat. It prevents nervous tiredness reduces persistent anxiety and acts as a toxin for the nervous.
Calendula- this herb is commonly known as the Mexican Marigold. The marigold has the potential of detoxifying the liver.
Echinacea- many people know Echinacea as the purple coneflower. Echinacea can be used in liver detox for balancing the immune system such that it works to the best level.
Eleutherococcus- it is also referred to as the Siberian ginseng. This herb is used the body cope with the changes of metabolism.
Helianthus- this herb is also known as the Jerusalem artichoke and helps in the reducing the rate at which sugar is broken down in the body. This way, energy in the body can be preserved for a longer period of time.
Kelp- macrocystic pyrifera is the other name for the kelp herb. Apart from liver detox, kelp is also known to enhance metabolism rates in the body.
Milk thistle- this herb is also known as silybum marianum. Milk thistle helps in curing liver complications, detoxification of the body and increases the metabolism of the fat.

Milk thistle is high in silymarin which aids in the prevention of liver cells damage. This is achieved by motivating the redevelopment of the liver cells.

Milk thistle is quite helpful in liver detox which restores the normal functioning of the liver.

Check with the doctor on your medical history before you start using these herbs.

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Herbal Liver Detox

We tend to think of herbs as mere aromatic plants with soothing, benign properties which are beneficial to our health. Herbs can be that. And then there are other kinds of herbs which pack a pretty potent punch with side effects!

What kinds of herbs are found inside herbal colon cleansers? Many people are uninformed about what makes up an herbal colon cleanser. It’s important to know what’s inside your colon cleanse product.

Researchers have uncovered scientific data on various herbs and botanicals. Colon cleanse products that use ingredients that have been heavily researched are said to be scientifically-based.

Let’s go through some of the common herbs and see not just the good benefits which manufacturers already emphasize, but also some of the other side effects these herbs may elicit.

Senna leaves is a stimulant laxative containing anthraquinones. Small quantities of anthraquinones can be found in cabbage and lettuce. When used in the right dosage with the right duration in herbal colon cleansers, senna does not pose any threat and is known to have a prokinetic effect on the gastrointestinal system.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
Research suggests that senna should not be used for more than 10 days consecutively and for no longer than 2 weeks duration in any herbal colon cleanse program. Used for a long durations or too frequently it may lead to laxative dependency. (The Way of Herbs, by Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D.) Cascara Sagrada is another stimulant laxative used in a number of colon cleanse products. According to the Food and Drugs Administration, it should not be used more than 7 days unless prescribed by a doctor.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
If used longer than 7 days, it may lead to stomach cramps and abdominal discomfort. It may also lead to laxative dependency. There is some concern over some recent research that shows that it may be genotoxic. Bentonite clay, used in some herbal colon cleansers, is believed to remove toxins from the system. It acts as a bulking agent in the digestive process.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
There is not much scientific support that bentonite clay removes toxins from the body. Bentonite combined with other ingredient in herbal colon cleansers could be responsible for the graphic displays of grotesque stool formations advertised on some colon cleanse websites as proof of a thorough cleanse from years of accumulated waste. Dietary fiber is an important aspect to colonic health. Fiber acts as a bulking agent and helps to move waste matter more easily down the digestive tract. It also binds toxins to itself, thus removing them from the intestinal tract before they have had a chance to be absorbed by the body. You should look for this ingredient in herbal colon cleansers.

The Food and Drugs Administration has found psyllium husks to be a safe dietary fiber. It has approved a claim that dietary supplement manufacturers can make on their labels stating: “3g to 12g soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease” The Food and Drugs Administration also states that psyllium seed husks are “a source of a soluble and insoluble fiber useful in maintaining regularity and healthy intestinal function. For use as an appetite suppressant.”

Potential side effects or contra indications:
No known side effects

Sometimes colon cleanse products include flax seeds instead of psyllium husk, but flax seed is not the best source of dietary fiber. According to the Food and Drugs Administration, there are concerns about the efficacy of flaxseeds as a dietary fiber. Pau d’arco is an herb found in the Amazon rainforest. It has been used traditionally for all sorts of ailments including stomach inflammation, liver ailments, as a disinfectant and is used in colon cleanse product as a laxative.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
Pau d’arco contains hydroquinone Hydroquinone is known to be toxic in high doses. Low doses of hydroquinone are also known to lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and interfere with blood clotting. Pau d’arco may interact with aspirin and anticoagulants (blood thinners). Black Walnut hulls are used as a mild laxative in herbal colon cleansers, are believed to help ease minor digestive ailments.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
Black walnuts are known to be hepatotoxic. It may lead to liver inflammation and damage with prolonged use. Juglone and plumbagin are two quinines found in black walnut, and these are regarded as toxins. Slippery Elm Bark contains mucilage and is used in herbal colon cleansers to help soothe the digestive tract.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
No known side effects Probiotics. Studies show that these friendly bacteria help to restore a healthy intestinal flora, necessary for proper digestion of nutrients and elimination of fats from the body. Many herbal colon cleansers include this ingredient to support colonic and digestive health.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
No known side effects Wormwood (Artemesia) is an aromatic plant which is extremely bitter. It is traditionally used as a digestive aid and to clear the digestive tract of worm infestations. It is considered safe in herbal colon cleansers only when used within prescribed doses and taken as directed. Users, however, may experience strange or vivid dreams due to thujone, a chemical compound found in wormwood.

Potential side effects or contra indications:
With long term use (over 4 weeks) wormwood may be hepatotoxic and cause liver inflammation and nerve damage. Its essential oil is toxic and for this reason, Wormwood is classified as an unsafe herb by the Food and Drugs Administration. People with stomach or intestinal ulcers should avoid wormwood.

There are many more ingredients in herbal colon cleansers. Before using any colon cleanse product, check out the efficacy and safety of ingredients on reliable Internet sites. Choose a product based on maximum scientific support, efficacy and generally considered safe to use. You may want to consider only doctor-formulated colon cleanse products, like BeneCleanse.

One area that’s been interesting me lately is medicinal herbs. They were used for thousands of years, discarded in the recent past, and are now coming back to merge with our new knowledge and awareness.

They’re one of those links to our natural ecosystem that’s been overlooked in a lot of modern cultures. I think they play a huge role in overall long-term health, and I’m excited to learn more about them.

There are some herbs that are good specifically for a detox diet plan. They can support the body’s systems overall, and some stimulate cleansing in certain areas of the body.

These are some of the most effective herbs for a detox diet plan, and their specific actions:

Black walnut – balances sugar levels, eliminates excess toxins

Burdock root – blood purifier, supports kidney function

Cascara sagrada – colon cleanser, laxative

Cayenne – blood purifier, increases fluid elimination/sweat

Chaparral – strong blood cleanser

Dandelion root – liver & blood cleanser, diuretic, filters toxins

Echinacea – stimulates lymphatic and immune systems, purifies blood

Garlic – blood cleanser, stimulates lymphatic system, lowers blood fats, natural antibiotic

Ginger root – stimulates circulation, sweating, and digestive system, cleanses kidneys

Goldenseal root – regulates liver and kidney function, stimulates glands, antibiotic

Licorice root – purges excess fluid, mild laxative, stimulates adrenals, soothes stomach

Milk thistle – promotes liver function

Oregon grape root – skin & colon cleanser, blood purifier, liver stimulant, promotes digestion

Parsley leaf – blood cleanser and builder, diuretic, flushes kidneys

Red clover blossoms – blood purifier, supports healing tissues

Sarsaparilla root – blood purifier, balances glands and hormones, stimulates metabolism

Sassafras – stimulates liver to clear toxins, controls appetite, helps with water retention

Yellow dock root – blood purifier, improves flow of bile, laxative

Mixing a few of these herbs into a formula can combine their effects for a bigger overall impact. A couple of mixes for a detox diet plan would be:

cayenne, echinacea, garlic, goldenseal root, licorice root, parsley leaf, yellow dock root

red clover, dandelion, horsetail, cayenne, garlic, sassafras

Cayenne in particular magnifies the effect of all other herbs. Ask a herbalist for specific recommendations, or buy a pre-mixed herbal product. There are some herbal products specifically for a detox diet plan. Check the ingredients to see which herbs are included, and to make sure there aren’t any additives.

To prepare whole herbs, one of the most effective ways is to make a decoction, which is where you boil them (15-30 min for most herbs) and then let them steep for another 30 min. You can make a big batch, keep it in the fridge, and then drink it over a few days. You can also buy herbs ground and put into capsules, or made into a liquid extract that you can add to water or juice.