Herbs to Help You Detox

There are several great herbs to help you detox your body of the nasty toxins that build up over the years. You can have a better digestive system, clearer skin, more energy and improve your concentration by removing the accumulated toxins. Some herbs are smooth and some can be rough on the body. It is always better to be gentle when you do a detox.

Colon cleansing herbs should be used carefully, it is best to work with a qualified health care provider. Different people react in different ways to a herbal cleanse, monitor your reactions closely and consult with your health care provider if you have any problems. Colon cleansing herbs can draw out old fecal matter along with toxins, disinfect and expel parasites.

Psyllium is the seed of the fleawort plant. Fleawort seed husks expand like a sponge and become mucilaginous when they become wet. They are used in many over-the-counter bulk laxative and fiber supplements such as Metamucil. Psyllium seed is used for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and fiber supplementation.

Psyllium is very effective when used to clean out the intestines and the colon. Most herbal colon cleansers include psyllium as a main ingredient. Psyllium stimulates the intestines to remove toxins and cleanses the colon because they are high fiber. Psyllium seeds scrub the digestive system because they adsorb water and swell. This can cause you to become dehydrated, it is very important that you drink lots of water.

Aloe vera juice is great for your digestive system. It kills parasites, yeast, bacteria and viruses. It has a slight laxative effect. Aloe vera has been used for centuries for skin conditions. The lining of the gut is endothelial tissue and so is the skin. Aloe Vera can be blended with fruits like fruits like berries, apples, grapes or black berry.

Cascara Sagrada has a long history of traditional use by native americans as a laxative to ease constipation. Cascara sagrada contains powerful compounds called anthroquinones. Anthroquinones are responsible for the herbs strong laxative effect, this is not a gentle herbal cleanser, be careful with it. Cascara sagrada is available as capsules, dried bark and a liquid extract. The dried bark and liquid herbal extract can be made into tea, although it tastes bitter. Cascara sagrada is a type of buckthorn, a shrubby tree which grows in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the most common and most powerful herbal laxatives. Cascara sagrada should not be used for longer than one week, there are gentle herbs that are recommended for long term use.

Fennel seeds main active ingredient is terpenoid anethole, which helps to inhibit spasms in smooth muscles in the intestinal tract. Fennel seeds are often used to release gas and relieve gas pains and relieve cramps in the gastrointestinal tract.

Fennel is mainly used medicinally with herbs that induce bowel movements to help with their their side effects.

People that live on lots of meat and processed foods and do not eat a balance of fruits and vegetables may feel relieved after a well done colon cleanse. Many people who have a poor diet suffer from constipation most of the time. While cleansing it is extremely important not to overindulge in unhealthy foods, and not to overeat.

by Carol Branwen