Detox Recipes

Detoxification occurs through most of the internal organs: the lungs, kidneys, liver, skin and the large intestine (colon). Undergo a directed cleanse a number of ways.

Dry Skin Brushing

The skin is the largest organ of the body. To detoxify, use a natural boar bristle brush (sold online or in health food stores) to dry brush. This is different from showering and using a wet brush on the skin. Dry brushing is done before a shower and removes dead skin cells. Work from the soles of your feet to your legs, trunk, chest, back, arms and face. Use a smaller (and less rough) natural boar bristle brush for the face. Shower or bathe as normal after you drybrush. You can drybrush daily.

Drink Herbal Teas and Juice Fast

By drinking herbal teas such as yellow dock, red clover, dandelion root, as well as "detox teas" containing sylmarin (to cleanse the liver), fennel seed (aid digestion), cascara sagrada and senna (to cleanse the colon), you will move waste from the gastrointestinal tract and help each internal organ work more efficiently. Drink one to three cups of tea daily, according to each manufacturer's recommendations.

Juice fast by pushing fresh organic fruits and vegetables through a juicer. Use organic produce so you do not introduce pesticides into your juices. Drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of filtered water and another four to six 6-ounce glasses of fresh juices.

To consume only juices, water and herbal teas means you will need to reduce physical and mental output. A liquids-only detox is appropriate for healthy adults; see your doctor first if you have any serious health issues.

Eat a Whole Foods Detox Diet

Elson Haas, MD, the author of "The New Detox Diet," has led juice fasting groups every year for years in Marin County, Calif. He advises a detox diet of whole vegetables, fruits and whole grains such as brown rice, millet, oats and quinoa. This kind of whole foods detox can last for three to seven days or longer.

If you have never done a detox cleanse program before, get medical clearance or join a group that is doing one that will provide support and medical guidance.