Detox CAN Be Hectic! (And There’s No Time Like The Present To Do It!)

Any time is the perfect time to cleanse your body of excess waste and toxins that may be weighing you down and making you feel sluggish and heavy. If you are fatigued, bloated, and lacking energy, then there is no time like the present to start a full body detox. You may be following a healthy eating plan and giving your body the nutrition it needs, but environmental issues can leave you feeling that a body cleanse might just be the cherry on the top for your health at the present moment. In fact, a good herbal detox will restore your zest for life! Renew your overall health with a herbal detox. There are many beneficial detoxifying herbs that help support the liver and kidneys as they flush waste from the body. Here are some of the most popular and effective herbs for body cleanses and detoxing. 1. Dandelion The good thing about dandelion is that the flowers, roots, and leaves all support the health of the body. The leaves in particular have a diuretic action and flush the kidneys without draining potassium from the body. You can add flowers or leaves to a pot of boiling water and simmer for about 20 minutes for a sweet-tasting detox tea. 2. Stinging nettle Dried nettle is one of the most potent detox herbs. It is especially useful for contributing to the detoxification of the urinary tract, and it supports the kidneys by eliminating waste. The best way to take this herb is to buy pre-packaged nettle leaf tea or capsules from a health food store. Continue to Page 2 3. Milk thistle This herb is extremely well known for its ability to detoxify and pep up the liver, helping it to expel toxins and waste. It also has a diuretic factor that helps the kidneys eliminate waste. Milk thistle tea can be taken in conjunction with other herbal teas and ingredients, or it can be taken as a pure milk thistle tea. You can also opt for powdered milk thistle seeds to prepare the tea. Some folks prefer to take milk thistle in a daily capsule form. 4. Ground ivy This herb, part of the mint family, is excellent at removing heavy metals like lead from the body. Ivy also doubles as a diuretic, helping to eliminate waste and toxins from the kidneys. As a food, ground ivy leaves, which cook down like spinach, make a flavorful addition to pies, soups, and salads. 5. Wormwood This is a parasite-killing super herb, and a successful detox is dependent on harmful organisms being cleansed from the body. Fresh wormwood may be difficult to find in stores, but the dried variety is normally available. The best way to use this herb is in a tea. Add one teaspoon of fresh or dried wormwood to a cup of hot water, and allow it to draw for two to four minutes. Wormwood is a very bitter herb, and if you cannot take the taste of the tea, don’t despair. You can opt for a good standalone supplement that will still be an effective detox. Continue to Page 3 6. Cilantro This pungent herb is most useful in clearing the body of toxic heavy metals, like mercury, which accumulate in the tissues. Cilantro is a very popular herb that is often discussed on TV cooking shows. The herb can be added to salads, stews, soups, and even to smoothies and freshly-squeezed juices. 7. Alfalfa leaf This leaf has long been used to fight infections by eliminating harmful bacteria from the blood and is regarded as a five-star blood cleanser. The dried alfalfa leaf is available in health food shops as a herbal tea, in capsule form, and as a powder that can be added to foods. The seed is often sprouted and eaten in salads and sandwiches. 8. Eucalyptus This superb herb is an outstanding lung cleanser, fighting bacteria and viruses with its expectorant properties. Eucalyptus is a tree native to Australia and has many health benefits. Tea made from ground leaves of this tree is an outstanding herbal remedy and detox agent. Continue to Page 4 9. Burdock Burdock has potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to detox the blood and lymph system. It is an unbelievable blood cleanser, and also has diuretic properties that support the kidney function of expelling toxic build-up through the urine. This herb can be taken in supplement form, eaten as a vegetable, or used in an herbal tea. To prepare the tea, mix 3 grams of dried burdock root with 1 cup of water, bring to the boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. 10. Red clover A powerful tonic, red clover also helps toxic breakdown in the lymph system, and the expectorant properties are excellent for folks who need lung support. The solid extract of this herb is used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent. The most convenient way to consume this herb is in capsule form, although tea bags and bulk flowers are also available. Red clover is an excellent herb for detox, but studies have indicated some warnings. Not recommended for those with liver problems, pregnancy, estrogen dominance conditions, breast cancer, if you are using oral contraceptives, or if you are on blood thinning meds. As with all herbal or alternative medications, do your research to see which ones may benefit you the most. Remember that herbs contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, but there are those that have extra compounds, or nutrients, that might be more beneficial for you. READ ALSO: Fruit Water: Refreshing Summer Drinks For Detox And Weight Loss Infographic A detox can be hectic. To avoid being overwhelmed by a detox process, always begin with the right guidance and small doses. Teas are normally the first recommendations for being very gentle and helpful for beginning a detox regime. References: www.healthrecipes.com www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Detox CAN Be Hectic! (And There’s No Time Like The Present To Do It!)

6. Cilantro

7. Alfalfa leaf

8. Eucalyptus

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