Herbal Detox Diets

Herbal detox diets work to cleanse the body of toxins that are accumulated through food and drink or from chemical absorption through respiration. Certain herbs help to cleanse certain organs and can be used in combination to perform a whole body cleanse, or individually to detox specific areas of the body.

Dieting

Herbal detoxification should begin with a one- to three-day fast that includes water and lemon juice. Vegetables such as carrot, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can be juiced and added to the diet after the fasting period to encourage bowel and kidney cleansing. Also include fruits in juice form such as apple, pear, grape and watermelon. Begin adding raw food to the diet after one to three days of juicing. Eat the same vegetables and fruits listed above, but mix in a food processor, or eat raw for best results. Herbal teas, supplements or mixtures can be consumed during all dieting phases.

Colon and Bowel Cleaning

Clean the bowel by consuming herbs such as rhubarb, ginger, licorice, chamomile and marshmallow root. In addition, drink herbal teas such as lemongrass and dandelion root for colon and intestinal cleansing. Rhubarb has laxative properties that help to cleanse the digestive tract and cure digestive ailments. Ginger helps to neutralize toxins and acid buildup in the intestine and digestive tract. Chamomile and licorice are anti-inflammatory agents, and marshmallow root softens impacted bowel material so it is more easily removed. Consume 1 to 2 two teaspoons of a mixture of these ingredients morning and night, either dry or in supplement or tea form to cleanse the bowel.

Bladder and Kidney Cleansing

Herbal teas such as ginger, dandelion and juniper can be used to help flush toxins from the liver due to their diuretic effect. Diuretics work to increase urine flow and remove accumulated buildup. Dandelion root is useful for treating kidney disease and helps increase urine excretion. Juniper also helps with elimination and has antiseptic properties to aid in kidney and bladder cleansing. Ginger works as an anti-inflammatory for the bladder, kidneys and liver. Take a supplement, mixture or tea containing these herbs twice per day to encourage kidney cleansing.

Liver and Gallbladder Detox

Detox the liver by taking herbs such as milk thistle, tumeric, chamomile, tarragon, peppermint, barberry bark and motherwort. Peppermint acts as a stimulant and works to increase movement through the liver and gallbladder. Barberry root, according to herbsgallbladder.com, helps to relieve liver congestion and decrease the risk of gallstones. Chamomile acts as a muscle relaxer, and tarragon helps to increase bile production. Milk thistle assists with liver regeneration and works as an antioxidant. Tumeric is an anti-inflammatory that aids the liver in recovery from damage. To clean the liver and gallbladder mix equal amounts of these ingredients and consume 1 to 2 teaspoons in the morning and at night either dry or in supplement or tea form.

Recommendations

These herbs can be purchased separately and mixed or bought in supplement form. Some herbal diet remedies are also available in teas that can be consumed throughout the day to increase cleansing. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily in addition to herbal teas and mixtures to increase flushing of toxic material. Most herbs mentioned have some detoxifying effect on all bodily organs and can be used in conjunction for a complete herbal detox. Consult with a doctor before beginning a herbal detox diet.