Detoxing

[Guest guest]

Herbs for Detox

by Meg McGowan

Conscious Choice, January 2001

http://www.consciouschoice.com/herbs/herbs1401.html

 

The buildup of toxins in our bodies over the course of

years often

results in degenerative diseases. Just as emotional

traumas that

have been buried for years tend to surface in midlife,

asking that

we examine and change our learned behavior, so too do

physical

symptoms surface to reveal the need for change in how

we care for

our bodies. In either case, if we ignore the signals

that something

is amiss, that something requires our attention, we do

so at our own

peril. Denying pain inevitably leads to more profound

pain.

Unexamined fears eventually assume monstrous

proportions. Clinging

to habits that do not support growth and life bind us

instead to

stagnation and death.

 

Clearing accumulated toxins is believed to free the

body from undue

burden so that it is able to function better and

regain the energy

necessary to heal itself. Though fasting and cleansing

may be one

step, detoxification is not a single event but an

ongoing process

that supports the body's natural ability to

effectively dispel

toxins on a daily basis. Part of that process is

consciously

limiting the toxins that enter the body in the first

place.

Restricting or eliminating use of the usual culprits

-- caffeine,

refined sugar, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, synthetic or

petroleum-based

body products, and household chemicals -- is a good

place to start.

 

(Fasting, if chosen, will be less of an effort if

symptoms of

withdrawal from caffeine, sugar or cigarettes are not

part of the

experience.) Eating an organic natural-foods diet,

drinking

sufficient amounts of pure water, and getting regular

exercise are

actions that begin to facilitate detoxification. Our

bodies adjust

best to gradual change, so incorporating these

practices into

everyday life is recommended before embarking on a

more stringent

course for flushing toxins out of your system.

 

The theory behind fasting suggests that it is normal

within the

course of life for all animals to experience periods

when food is

scarce, and that we, as animals, are designed not only

to endure

such circumstances but to benefit from them. It is

also known that

animals, when ill, will refuse food.

 

When the organs of the body are not engaged in the

energy-intensive

process of digestion, they are able to direct their

energy toward

healing. For humans, supplemental cleansing practices

include

laxatives, colonics, saunas, steaming, skin brushing,

exercise,

massage, mineral baths, and body wraps. Herbs can help

to move

toxins out of the body. They can also support and tone

the major

organs of the body as they perform their cleansing

functions,

helping them to handle a higher than normal load of

waste.

 

Psyllium husks and seeds (Plantago indica, P. ovata

and P. psyllium)

are high in fiber and can act as a gentle natural

laxative. (The

seeds should be soaked in water before using.) Its

benefits,

however, go beyond a single action, as psyllium is

adaptogenic,

generally supporting of healthy bowel function and

useful in

treating conditions from diarrhea to irritable bowel

syndrome.

 

Psyllium is a particularly good choice for

detoxification, as the

gelatinous substance produced through soaking attracts

and absorbs

toxins. Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) can be

used as a natural

laxative as well, alone or in conjunction with

psyllium.

 

It is safe for long-term use and strengthens the

muscles of the

colon. Alder buckthorn (R. frangula syn. Frangula

alnus) can also be

used. The bark of the plant is used, but it must be

dried and stored

for a year as the action of the fresh bark is so

strong it is

considered toxic.

 

Keeping the kidneys free from obstructions and in good

working order

is essential to the process of effectively eliminating

toxins.

Hydrangea root (Hydrange arborescens) and gravel root

or Joe pye

weed (Eupatorium purpureum) can help to prevent,

dissolve, and expel

crystals and stones in the kidneys and bladder. Both

herbs

contribute to the overall health of the urinary

system.

 

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) strengthen and

detoxify the

kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. While juniper is

excellent for

cleansing purposes, long-term use is not recommended

as it can

overtax the kidneys. It is also not recommended for

use by those

with kidney disease or infection.

 

Nettle (Urtica dioica) has detoxifying properties that

extend beyond

the urinary system, but its diuretic action makes it

particularly

effective in this area.

 

Overuse of nettle is not a concern as with juniper.

Though the

nettle root has the primary diuretic properties, all

parts of the

plant facilitate cleansing. Burdock root and seed

(Arctium lappa) is

similar to nettle in its cleansing and mild diuretic

actions, but it

is stronger in its effect. Accumulations of heavy

metals within the

body can be diminished with the aid of burdock.

 

The liver is the body's foremost organ for

detoxification. Milk

thistle (Carduus marianus syn. Silybum marianum) and

dandelion root

(Taraxacum officinale) help to cleanse and strengthen

the liver.

 

Milk thistle contains silymarin, which not only

protects the liver,

but actually helps it to regenerate itself. Dandelion

root has a

cleansing action that helps to remove waste from the

liver and

gallbladder. It works on the kidneys as well, and is a

good choice

for using in conjunction with burdock root as well as

milk thistle.

 

One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is

to remove waste

products from the cells. If the lymphatic system is

not working to

its capacity, toxic buildup is inevitable. Cellulite

is often a

symptom of inadequate lymphatic drainage. Exercise and

skin brushing

help to stimulate healthy lymph flow. Massage is also

helpful.

 

Areas affected by cellulite can be helped with topical

application

of essential oils. Basil (Ocimum basilicum), celery

(Apium

graveolens), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), fennel

(Foeniculum

vulgare), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), juniper berry,

lemon (Citrus

limon), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), rosemary

(Rosmarinus

officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgarus) are some of

the most

effective essential oils for drawing toxins out from

under the skin

and stimulating lymphatic circulation. Try blending

three to five

different oils, for a total of fifteen to twenty

drops, in one ounce

of carrier oil. Observe the aforementioned cautions

for using

juniper berry, and be aware that thyme oil can be

irritating to the

skin and should be used sparingly.

 

The language of detoxification often suggests an

attitude of

deprivation, restriction, and penance -- as if fasting

and cleansing

are the price to be paid for poor choices, whether we

made them

years ago or days ago. That attitude conjures images

of a strict

parent demanding that we be responsible for taking

care of what we

have been given. Perhaps that model will spur us to

compliance in

caring for our physical bodies, but it does not

encourage mental and

emotional health. Truly caring for the self feels like

nurturing,

not like deprivation or punishment. Small changes that

feel like

indulgences: long silent walks, a regular massage,

and/or access to

a steam room or sauna may provide a point at which

caring for your

physical self is a positive experience for your whole

self. Begin

there. Other shifts will occur.

 

Dramatic actions may be chosen in cases of a health

crisis, but

overall, moderate rituals that are comfortable and

supportive are

likely to be more beneficial than a strict schedule of

inflexible

rules. The connection of mind and body will not allow

us to be

physically healthy at the cost of our peace of mind or

sense of joy.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie

Just wanted to let you know that they make a detox herbal tea also. I have a

couple of them. One is Triple Leaf Detox for cleansing and revitaliving. It

is a chinese herbal tea. The other is Celestial Seasonings Detox AM, also an

herbal tea. They both work really well but I would use the Leaf Detox one

first. The other is more for use on a daily basis.

Also just drinking tons of water helps detox the body. They reccomend this

when you quit smoking to clear all the toxins rapidly out of the body. And

cranberry juice or capsules help detox and cleanse the body also.

Hope this helps.

Mythi

 

In a message dated 8/7/2006 1:05:50 PM Pacific Standard Time,

writes:

 

, constance young

<connieyounglmt

wrote:

>

> Can I please have some input on the subject of detoxifying the body of

chemicals and

metals such as mercury? Is there a way to cleanse the body of vaccination

impurities as

well as environmental pollutants?

>

> I'm not interested on being " sold " different products, I just want to

hear about ways to

naturally help the body cleanse itself.

>

> If you are a salesperson, and are pushing your product, don't bother to

reply.

>

> I'm seeking advice only from those of you who are knowledgeable about

the subject, or

those who want to share experiences.

>

> Much appreciation,

> ~Connie

> wife and mother of 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

I just sent this off to the Reflexology

community. Heaven forbid, it is for sale.

Though not by me.

 

As Reflexologists we already know how

much the feet affect the whole body.

 

I have quite enjoyed playing with wood

vinegar detox foot pads.

In the same vein my online friend Michelle

Morris Gluth recommends this foot detox

bath.

 

Michelle has been kicking around the

wholistic health field a long time and

knows her stuff.

 

http://www.holisticmidlifewoman.com/index_files/IonicDynamoFootbath.htm

 

If the link broke try this one:

http://tinyurl.com/mxjeu

 

Ien in the Kootenays

**************************

Stop. Breathe. Smile!

~Padma ( my TV yoga teacher)

http://freegreenliving.com

**************************

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Leann,

there are a lot of inferior products out there, better bowel movements are a very good start but you have to address all 7 channels of elimination to really benefit .Best place is to start with Doc's FREE cd if you havn't already gotten it .Our cleanse addresses all major channels of elimination. If you were not having increased energy with your cleanse I would first ask what were you doing in respect to diet while on the cleanse. Our cleanse is a high quality ORGANIC cleanse and we have big wins with it , you may have seen the postings. Contact me privately for further info. and order the CD....it is the first step to better health.

Best Regards

Joanne

Organic Solutions

 

-

Valorie Shillington

Office Manager

Friday, August 11, 2006 5:14 PM

Fw: Herbal Remedies - Detoxing

 

 

- leann

herbal_remedies

Friday, August 11, 2006 12:42 AM

Herbal Remedies - Detoxing

 

 

 

I was currently and until this Saturday, on a complete detox remedy but I did not notice any results except for better bowel movements. I was hoping for more such as more energy, clearer complexion, yadda yadda.....or you don't really suppose to get more results?

 

Shall I move on to a different one or do I need to wait 3 months to do that? If I can move on to another one, I would like to try your version. For beginners, what do you recommend?

 

Puzzled,

 

Leann

 

 

Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new Mail Beta.

[Guest guest]

I'm wondering why the footbath in the photos on the site don't have

a layer of mucous or scum on the top. I have one of the more

original ionic footbaths and almost always there are mucous bubbles

and a shiny surface. According to the pictures it doesn't look like

a very effective unit although she's sure done a nice marketing job

on the site. Have you tried it yourself?

 

Sharon

 

, " Ieneke van Houten "

<ienvan wrote:

>

> I just sent this off to the Reflexology

> community. Heaven forbid, it is for sale.

> Though not by me.

>

> As Reflexologists we already know how

> much the feet affect the whole body.

>

> I have quite enjoyed playing with wood

> vinegar detox foot pads.

> In the same vein my online friend Michelle

> Morris Gluth recommends this foot detox

> bath.

>

> Michelle has been kicking around the

> wholistic health field a long time and

> knows her stuff.

>

>

http://www.holisticmidlifewoman.com/index_files/IonicDynamoFootbath.h

tm

>

> If the link broke try this one:

> http://tinyurl.com/mxjeu

>

> Ien in the Kootenays

> **************************

> Stop. Breathe. Smile!

> ~Padma ( my TV yoga teacher)

> http://freegreenliving.com

> **************************

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon wrote:

<I'm wondering why the footbath in the photos on the site don't have

a layer of mucous or scum on the top. I have one of the more

original ionic footbaths and almost always there are mucous bubbles

and a shiny surface. According to the pictures it doesn't look like

a very effective unit although she's sure done a nice marketing job

on the site. Have you tried it yourself?>

 

No, I have not. I honestly don't know a thing about

these. The only thing I went by is my sense that

Michelle is a straight-shooter who wouldn't recommend

anything she does not personally feel really strong about.

 

I am ccing this to Michelle, maybe she will answer your question.

(repeat: I have NO personal interest in this)

 

Ien in the Kootenays

http://profiles./free_green_living