Cleansing Herbs: Best Herbal Support for Detox

In the realm of holistic health, cleansing herbs are often associated with detoxification and natural healing. But what does cleansing actually mean, and how do these herbs support the body?

What is Cleansing?

Cleansing refers to the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins through major detox pathways: the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, and digestive tract. While extreme detox regimens claim to "flush out toxins," our bodies already have an efficient, built-in detox system.

That said, modern lifestyles, such as consuming processed foods, exposure to environmental pollutants, and high stress levels, can put extra strain on these detox pathways. This is where cleansing herbs come in. Instead of forcing an aggressive purge, they gently support the organs responsible for detoxification and help the body function optimally.

As spring arrives, nature signals a time for renewal. Have you ever noticed the first plants that emerge after winter? Many of them, like dandelion, cleavers, and red clover, are traditional spring tonics used to support gentle cleansing.

Best Cleansing Herbs for Detox

1. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

• Stimulates bile production, aiding digestion and toxin removal.
• Supports liver health and regular bowel movements.
• The leaves act as a natural diuretic, helping flush toxins through the kidneys.

2. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

• Protects and regenerates liver cells from damage caused by toxins.
• High in antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress.
• Supports long-term liver health and natural detoxification.

3. Cleavers (Galium aparine)

• A powerful lymphatic tonic, helping to move stagnant lymph fluid.
• Supports immune function and detoxification of metabolic waste.

4. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

• Aids lymphatic drainage and skin detoxification.
• Supports hormonal balance while removing toxins.

5. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

• An adaptogen that helps the liver process toxins efficiently.
• Enhances liver enzyme activity for improved detoxification.
• Supports stress management, which is crucial during cleansing.

6. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Supports lymphatic detox and helps remove metabolic waste.
• Traditionally used for skin health and digestive balance.

7. Nettles (Urtica dioica)

• A nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
• Acts as a diuretic and depurative, supporting the kidneys in flushing toxins while maintaining mineral balance.
• Traditionally used for reducing allergies, skin conditions, and inflammation, making it a great herb for detox support.

8. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

• A gentle alterative that supports the body's natural cleansing functions, particularly for the lymphatic system.
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as essential minerals, helping to nourish and rebuild tissues during detox.
• Traditionally used to soothe inflammation, aid digestion, and promote elimination through the bowels.

9. Burdock (Arctium lappa)

• A powerful blood purifier that helps remove toxins from the bloodstream.
• Supports liver and kidney function, aiding in waste elimination.
• Traditionally used for skin health, helping with conditions like acne and eczema.

10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• A natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, supporting overall detoxification.
• Promotes digestive health, reducing bloating and supporting liver function.
• Traditionally used for clearing brain fog and balancing hormones during cleansing.

11. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

• A powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, supporting liver detoxification.
• Contains curcumin, which helps stimulate bile production and aids digestion.
• Traditionally used to reduce inflammation, support immunity, and promote overall detoxification.

12. Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus)

• Known for its lung-cleansing properties, helping to expel mucus and toxins from the respiratory system.
• Supports lymphatic drainage, assisting the body in removing waste.
• Traditionally used to soothe inflammation and promote respiratory health during detox.

13. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

• Stimulates digestion and circulation, helping the body efficiently remove toxins.
• Supports liver function by enhancing bile production and improving metabolic processes.
• Traditionally used to reduce bloating, improve gut health, and enhance overall detoxification.

In-house made Herbal Remedies for Cleansing

Cleanse tea: A gentle cleansing tea that supports liver detoxification, moves the lymph and cleanses the blood. This tea is helpful after Winter, moving into Spring after eating heavier foods and feeling stagnant. It will help to reduce allergy symptoms, support skin health and elimination of toxins.
Ingredients: Nettle leaf, Red Clover blossoms, Burdock, Dandelion Root, Cleavers

Elimination tincture: An all around blend to help support the body in proper elimination.  In this process we help move the blood and lymph and support the liver to clear toxins. Herbs cross so many boundaries and many additional benefits come along with these cleansing herbs including: high mineral content and gut health support.
Ingredients: Organic alcohol, Milk Thistle, Cleavers, Nettle leaf, Burdock, Calendula

Last but certainly not least Milk Thistle capsules: We recommend taking these capsules on a regular basis if you are exposed to toxins whether through work or lifestyle and dietary choices.  It is traditionally known to protect the liver from toxins, high in antioxidants and extra support to renew liver cells, something the liver is already great at doing but milk thistle gives extra protection.

How to Cleanse and Detox Safely and Effectively

There are a few tips and tricks that we like to recommend to folks who feel inclined to do a spring cleanse, because we get it, it can feel great! But the key is to not overdo it, as some cleanses on the market can be extremely hard on the gut and overall not helpful, although they are marketed as such. When choosing to do a cleanse, with or without cleansing herbs, these are the most important things to follow.

• Follow Nature: Cleansing is best done in the Springtime, and we know that because many of our best cleansing herbs start popping up in the Spring, like cleavers, dandelion leaf, and red clover. We want to ensure we are not depleting and over cleansing ourselves in the colder months when nature is in hibernation mode.
• Nutrition: Gentle detoxing is really more about what you aren’t doing, rather
  
  
  than what you are. Avoiding foods that can bog down the elimination pathways in the body will already help the detoxification organs do their thing. Processed sugars and processed foods, as well as fried and fatty foods should be avoided, and limiting caffeine, alcohol and intoxicants is imperative.
• Fiber:  A diet high in fiber aids in detoxification primarily by promoting regular bowel movements and supporting optimal digestion. Fiber acts as a natural "sweep" within the digestive tract, binding to toxins, waste, and excess cholesterol, and carrying them out of the body through bowel movements. Additionally, fiber helps to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in detoxification processes by metabolizing and neutralizing toxins. By keeping the digestive system regular and efficient, a high-fiber diet ensures that toxins are swiftly and effectively eliminated from the body, promoting and supporting overall long-term health.
• Hydration Matters: Hydration is crucial during detoxification as it supports kidney function, aiding in the efficient filtration of waste and toxins from the blood. Adequate hydration also ensures optimal liver function, essential for metabolizing and eliminating toxins effectively. Furthermore, staying hydrated helps maintain proper bowel function, facilitating the elimination of waste through regular bowel movements.
• Get Moving: Movement and exercise are essential because they stimulate circulation, lymphatic flow, and sweat production, all of which help the body eliminate toxins. Physical activity increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells while carrying away waste products. Additionally, exercise supports lymphatic drainage, aiding in the removal of waste from tissues. Sweating during exercise further assists in detoxification by releasing toxins through the skin. 
• Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is crucial for detoxification as it allows the body to rest, repair, and regenerate tissues while facilitating the removal of toxins accumulated throughout the day. Additionally, adequate sleep supports optimal liver function, as the liver is most active during sleep. Lack of sleep can impair detoxification processes, leading to toxin buildup and potential health issues. 
• Practice Stress Management: Stress management is vital during detoxification as high stress levels can bog down the body's ability to effectively eliminate toxins. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt detoxification pathways. Additionally, stress can contribute to unhealthy behaviors such as poor dietary choices and lack of exercise, further compromising detox efforts. By practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in calming activities, individuals can support their body's natural detoxification processes and promote better health outcomes.

Work with a Practitioner for Personalized support

Cleansing should be gentle, safe, and effective, not extreme or stressful on the body. If you’re unsure which cleansing herbs are best for you, book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our trained herbalists for personalized guidance.

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