Detox - Herbs and Elimination
Detox - Herbs and Elimination
For centuries herbs have
been used as nature's medicine, but modern medicine has tried to replace traditional
herbal medicine and the abuse of antibiotics, aspirin and pain-killers indicates
just how important herb products can be to maintaining optimum health and in particular
healthy elimination.
Today's herbalists are documenting the successful use
of herbs and understand how herbs react with other medicines and with foods. Therefore,
care should be taken when selecting herbs and this is often best done by choosing
single herbs along with any other diet, lifestyle or supplements you might wish
to use.
Choosing the right herb - Because different herbs may benefit
the organs of elimination, selecting single herbs will help you to identify what
is best for you.
Potency can now be guaranteed - The production
of herbal supplements has developed from a point where quantities of active compounds
were unknown in the past, but today current technology helps identify the naturally
occurring compounds in the herb plant and the natural balance of those compounds
in herb extracts.
Standardised Extracts - Standardised Extracts
are the most reliable form for herb supplements. The potency and ratio of naturally
occurring herb compounds is guaranteed throughout the dispensing, blending and
tabletting process.
Helpful Herbs in Maintaining Health of the Intestines,
Liver, Lungs, Kidneys and Skin Aged garlic extract may be helpful in the elimination
process as studies show that it assists in the removal of heavy metals from the
liver (13). Aged garlic extract is suitable for use in catarrhal, respiratory,
or bronchial conditions. The antioxidant nature of aged garlic enables it to protect
cell membranes of the respiratory tract from free radical damage (14).
Dandelion
(Taraxacumnicotine officinale) - Dandelion has traditionally been used as
a diuretic and a mild laxative (15). It may act as an aid to efficient elimination
because of its action as a 'tonic' to the liver and can also stimulate bile flow
(16).
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) - is traditionally used in
the management of boils, blood poisoning, abscesses and inflamed hair follicles
and has been shown to possess antiseptic and antiviral properties (15). Echinacea
has the ability to enhance immune activity not governed by antibodies. Infections
from bacteria associated with moulds, yeasts, parasites and various viruses including
Hepatitis (16).
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) - This herb increases
blood-flow through the kidneys and increases the filtration rate without stimulating
loss of sodium or chloride (18).
Green Tea (Camelia sinensis) -
Green teas have potent antioxidant activity which helps prevent cellular damage
by scavenging oxygen free radicals. They may benefit total cholesterol levels
and have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease. An evergreen tree or shrub
originally from southern Yunnan and Indian province Assam, then cultivated in
China, Japan, North Africa and the Middle East. Green tea is the same plant used,
when fermented, to produce black tea (16).
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
- Used as a respiratory stimulant and an expectorant together with other actions
attributed to one of the active components lobeline. Used in anti-smoking mixtures,
in moderation, it may help reduce the withdrawal effects of nicotine (15).
Milk
thistle (Silybum Marianum) - This herb has strong antioxidant activity and
is popular for its role in liver health, which has an effect on the entire body.
It increases the production of bile which helps break down fats in the small intestine.
Milk thistle grows in rocky soils in Southern and Western Europe and some parts
of the United States (17). Milk thistle contains the active compound silymarin,
which inhibits the movement of toxins in the liver. It also increases liver cell
synthesis and has anti-inflammatory action, so has been used to support treatment
of cirrhosis and hepatitis (16). There is a close connection between the liver
and bowel function and high intakes of milk thistle may sometimes loosen the stools
due to increased bile flow and secretion (16). Artichoke, dandelion and milk thistle
are described as having a cholagogue action which means they help to stimulate
bile which in turn, benefits the liver.
Senna (Cassia angustifolia)
- Senna tea is stated to possess cathartic (laxative) properties. The leaf has
greater activity than the fruit and is used for the relief of occasional or non-persistent
constipation (15). Senna is a perennial plant that grows in rich soils in Southern
Arabia, India and parts of the United States.
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
- This herb has a soothing effect on virtually any part of the body. Slippery
elm has been used successfully for indigestion and digestive irritations including
stomach ulcers. The mucilage in slippery elm bark soothes irritation and inflammation
in the respiratory and digestive tracts and the urinary system (17).
Uva-ursi
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) - This herb has been traditionally used for its
mild diuretic properties. One of the most active ingredients is arbutin, which
works best when taken as the whole herb and not an isolated compound (16).
Caution:
Liver conditions, for example: cirrhosis, hepatitis and jaundice must only be
treated by a qualified medical practitioner. A person suffering any kind of kidney
disease should not take herbs. Do not take herbs with prescribed medication. Consult
a qualified practitioner.
References
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"BMA Complete Family Health Encyclopedia",Ed. Dr. T. Smith. 1996. DK.
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Nutrition & Dietetics", Garrow, James and Ralph. Churchill Livingstone. 2000.
5. "Human Physiology - from Cells to Systems",Lauralee Sherwood. 2nd Ed.
1993.
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7. J. Dry and D. Vincent "Effect of a fish oil diet on asthma: Results
of a 1-year double blind study," Int Arch Allergy Apply Immunol 95 (1991): 156-7.
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Nutr Soc 2003 May; 62(2):393-7.
13. Int Clin Nutr Review, 1989. 9: 27-31.
14. Horie T. et al. 1989, Planta. Med. 55: 506-508.
15. "Herbal
Medicines", C Newall & L Anderson,1996.
16. "The Healing Power of Herbs",
M.T. Murray.Prima. 1995.
17. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" Phyllis
A.Balch, CNC. 2002. Avery.
18. "Herbal Medicine", Expanded Commission E
Monographs. Blumenthal, Goldberg,Brinckmann. IntegrativMedicine. 2000.
19.
"The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism", S.Mills. Thorsons. 1985.
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