Your body works hard to get rid of toxic and harmful substances. It is easy tog ive a little boost to your detox system with herbs.
You can find all kinds of detox diets and supplements online. And they can be very helpful. I have successfully used a liver support supplement, and various homeopathic detox drops to aid healing multiple chemical sensitivity, heavy metal detoxicity etc.
But this article is about adding some basic herbs to your everyday meals for a simple, natural detox.
In a previous post I talked about Fruits That Detox. You might also want to try these sodas and smoothies for healing the gut.
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Consult your healthcare provider before starting any treatments.
Herbs That Detox Your Body
Add these delicious herbs to your salads, smoothies, and cooked meals. They also make delicious tea!
Milk Thistle Benefits
Milk thistle is quite an interesting looking plant. Most would consider it a weed that needs to be destroyed but is has some very impressive effects on health.
Milk thistle is rich in antioxidants. It gives a nice boost to your immune system. It is also antiviral which means that it is handy to have around during the colds and flu season.
This herb also promotes healthy digestion, and increases bile production. It eliminates heavy metals, environmental pollutants, prescription medications and alcohol.
It is one of the best liver supporting herbs you can find. It’s a well-researched herb that is used to treat various liver conditions. That is why you find it in almost every liver support or detox supplement.
You can easily add it in your salads or smoothies or cooked food. You can buy organic milk thistle seeds here.
If you’d prefer to take it as a capsule or extract you can get it here .
I used this liver support supplement that contains milk thistle.
Turmeric Health Benefits
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a very popular herb. It contains curcumin which according to numerous studies is very beneficial to your health.
Turmeric is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It improves circulation, enhances digestion, and it also stimulates the bile production enabling your body to get rid of waste more efficiently.
Check out this Immunity-Boosting Carrot Turmeric Soup from The Foodie Physician.
Turmeric adds color and flavor to your soups, smoothies, and casseroles. Turmeric is also amazing as the Golden Milk (recipe from Happy Healthy Mama).
Enjoy the benefits of turmeric tea! Bring 1 cup of water into a boil. Stir in 1/4 tsp turmeric (ground or freshly grated) and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking.
Basil For Natural Detox
Basil is another popular herb. You can find it in many delicious recipes, especially the ones calling for tomatoes.
Those who have gardens say that basil is very easy to grow. I have never tried growing any herbs but maybe someday I’ll have a little herb garden.
Basil is a wonderful herb for natural detoxing. It is diuretic so it helps to eliminate toxins from your body. This aromatic herb is not only good for detoxing but it is also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.
Basil is also used as a Candida treatment for it is loaded with anti-fungal and antiviral properties. And as an additional bonus it is an adaptogen! It helps your body to cope with stress.
Coconut & Basil Green Detox Smoothy from Life of Pie.
I love these Holy Basil Teas!
Dandelion Health Benefits
Those beautiful flowers that cover our yard every early summer. I suffered from a severe chemical sensitivity so we avoid using weed killer. If you know some good ways to get rid of weeds (besides plucking them up one by one) let me know.
Dandelion is another diuretic herb that helps to eliminate toxins from your body. It is commonly found in detox teas. The taste can be somewhat bitter.
Dandelion is known to help with digestion and promoting bile production. It is antioxidant, antifungal, and can also be used to balance sugar levels.
Just like the other herbs, dandelion has many health benefits but before you go gathering some from your yard talk to your healthcare provider whether this is an herb that is good for you specific needs.
Check out this Dandelion Jelly Recipe from Simply Canning!
Ginger For Detox
Gingerbread. Ginger Ale. Those are the first things that come to my mind. Ginger also makes delicious tea!
I’m sure all mothers have heard about ginger and how it calms your stomach and helps with morning sickness.
Ginger is an amazing herb to add in your diet. It helps to flush out the build up toxins from your body. This herb increases the bile production. Bile secretion is an important part of cleansing your body. If you don’t have enough bile you will have trouble digesting fat.
Ginger also gets rid of fungal infections and has powerful antibacterial properties.
You can add ginger in your diet in many ways. I already mentioned tea. Steep a couple of slices of ginger root in boiled water. Strain and enjoy!
Make some ginger ale! I tried once and it didn’t turn out quite right but others have successfully made their own.
Or try this smoothie packed with detoxing goodies: Mango Ginger Turmeric Smoothie from Lively Table.
You might also want to check out ginger essential oil.
Detox Herbs
With these detox herbs you can give a boost to your detox system and enjoy many other health benefits too.
Start making plans for your health by using these handy worksheets called My Journey to Feeling Better.
Other Detox Articles:
Healthy Foods That Detox (part 1 – Fruits)
You Might Also Be Interested In:
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=curcumin
Dr. Aram Nalbandyan. How to Use Turmeric to Acclelerate Cleansing of Your Liver, Gut and Colon. The Hearty Soul.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23682780