Five Herbs to Help You Detox

Kristin Wootton
Jan 7, 2016
3 min read

It’s that time of year where we’re all feeling the effects of holiday over-indulgence and have made resolutions for the new year that generally involve being healthier and happier. Weight loss, exercise, dieting and detox are all buzzwords floating around with everyone hoping to start the year off feeling great.

Although diet and exercise are vital components to any healthy routine, there are many herbs that can help to give your new year a boost so you feel the way you should quicker.

Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle):

This herb tastes nothing like milk but has been used for over 2000 years to help support both liver and gallbladder functioning. As the liver is our most important detoxification organ, we need to protect it from daily toxin exposure. Luckily, this herb does just that thanks to compounds called flavanolignans. It also helps our bodies to produce bile, which can help to improves our digestion as well.

Artium lappa (Burdock):

Now this herb may not taste the best (believe me, I’ve drank my fair share of it), but it’s health benefits are hard to beat. It is classified as a diuretic, blood purifier (through it’s bitter action), antimicrobial and antipyretic (decreases fevers). These actions allow it to help stimulate bile flow through the liver and gallbladder which, when paired with its diuretic action, help to eliminate toxin buildup in your blood and expel it through your urine.

Galium aparine (Cleavers):

This herb works a bit differently than the others. Instead of acting on the liver directly, it works on tonifying the lymphatic system (the system that helps to flush toxins out of our organs and tissues so they can be sent to the liver through the blood to be cleared out). It also has a diuretic action to help the kidneys eliminate the toxins from our body as well.

Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion):

You know those annoying weeds with the yellow flower you pick out of your lawn each year? Parts of it have actually been shown to help support the body’s detoxification process. While I don’t necessarily advocate for eating the weeds you pick from you lawn because many are covered with pesticides and fertilizers, looking for teas or dried herbs that have been standardized can help you reap the benefits! Dandelion ROOT helps to stimulate bile production by the liver and the release of bile from the gallbladder, which helps with digestion and elimination of toxins and cholesterol.

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle):

When you pick this herb outside it may sting (hence the name stinging nettle) however, it’s not so nasty for your body. In fact, this is one of my favourite herbs of all time!! The herb is known for its diuretic and nutritive actions which means it not only helps to support your kidneys to eliminate waste but it is also is packed full of nutrients, including Vitamin C and Iron, that can be mildly energizing for that mid-morning or afternoon lull.

All of these herbs are available in dried form so you either go with a combination product already available (EveryDay Detox Lemon from Traditional Medicinals is my favourite: http://ca.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/everyday-detox-lemon/ ) or mix and match to make a detox tea combination that works for you!

**Not all herbs are safe and effective for everyone. Please check with your healthcare provider before introducing any new herbs into your routine.

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