Herbal Detoxification

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Herbal DetoxificationBy Ted H. SpenceDDS, ND, PhD/DSc, MPHGeneric diets for detoxification are good, but may notstimulate the liver, lungs or the kidneys as much as onewould like.Therefore, herbal cleanses are indicated when we want to

hone our cleanse to a " sharp edge " and be organ specific.Of course, herbs are foods too and provide one withvitamins, minerals and enzymes for excellent nutrition.Herbs are powerful, because they may be combined together

to fortify those herbs that aid specific organs. Forexample, herbal combinations that aid the liver may befound in many organic food stores.The list below shows how herbal combinations help thevarious organs.

Herbal CombinationsLiverLIV-A, Dandelion, red beet, liverwort, parsley, horsetail,birch leaves, chamomile, blessed thistle, black cohosh,angelica, gentian, goldenrodKidneysUva ursi, parsley, dandelion, juniper berries JP-X Parsley,

uva ursi, marshmallow, ginger, goldenseal, dong quai, cedarberriesLungsLH Comfrey, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, senega,Chinese ephedraWhile herbs may be taken at any time, they are best for

detoxification purposes when they are used with a good dietalso. It does not make any sense to take herbs to cleansethe liver if the bowels are clogged with junk or refinedfoods, since the liver dumps its toxins into the bowels.

And while detoxification diets are effective by themselves,they may be reinforced and speeded up with herbs, whichstimulate the eliminative organs.Herbs may be used as teas, powders or extracts. Powders are

usually encapsulated for easier swallowing, but are bestwhen taken with meals and digestive enzymes. Extracts maybe used when specific herbs are needed, but may beextracted with alcohol, which we need to avoid.

Herbal teas are easily made and easily taken all throughoutthe day. They are mild and gentle and sometimes refreshingand sometimes bitter. Experimentation may be in order untilone develops the right tea to drink. Herbal teas is a topic

in itself, since there are so many and different ways tomake them.Example Herbal CleanseRisingDrink a glass of lemon water or drink a glass of water withadded: one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon

of blackstrap molassesMorningDrink a glass of water with 1 tablespoon psyllium huskpowder (follow with another glass of water).MealsTake 2-3 multi-digestive enzymesTake liver herbs

Between MealsDrink herbals teas which support the liver, including Dandelion/licorice/ginger/fennelNote from Chet: Following a good diet is mandatory forherbs to work optimally. See section on diets for detox in

the rest of Dr. Spence's article athttp://chetday.com/spencedetox.html

-- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown