Body Detox | Chinese Herb Formulas | Lymphatic Toxin Drainage, Liver Flush

Body Detox - Chinese Herbs

Body Detox with Chinese Herbs;

Is it Safe? Is it Necessary?

By: Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.

Toxins and foreign substances in our tissue can lead to premature aging, disease, and pain. Natural herbs for detoxing can be beneficial if your body is not independently eliminating efficiently, or you have been exposed to a large amount of toxins. These would include pesticides, air pollution, plastics, pharmaceuticals, cleaners, solvents, alcohol (in large quantities), preservatives, food coloring, chemicals, hair dyes, etc.

The reason the detoxification herbs must be respected is that they are designed to ‘remove fire toxins’ from the body. In order to remove ‘fire toxins’, you must utilize very cold herbs typically. Eventually, these cause a Yin/Yang imbalance in the body. We typically recommend a ten day to two month course of detoxification before patients begin tonic herbal therapy. The exception is with chemotherapy patients, or those who have been exposed to severe toxin poisoning; I have had several patients who painted cars or airplanes, used chemicals in hairdressing, or refinished floors who required a longer course of treatment.

Our body does an amazing job of eliminating toxins all by itself. It is only when the body becomes overwhelmed with a large quantity of toxins, or an especially potent toxin, that it is unable to perform the various functions of elimination. The body is wise, and initially attempts to store toxins in fat cells far away from vital organ systems. This is why people often become ill when losing weight rapidly. The less desirable scenario exists when the toxins circulate in the arteries or are lodged in organ tissue or muscle tissue. Often, toxin act as free radicals; these unstable molecules create tissue damage.

Patients often ask about natural herbs that can ‘cleanse the blood.’ This is a bit of a misnomer, because organs are ultimately responsible for cleansing the blood there are specific herbs that act to strengthen those organ systems. While the lungs are an important organ for eliminating carbon monoxide, for this purpose, they are not included in the systems below.

Lymphatic

The lymphatic system consists of a myriad of delicate vessels found in almost every tissue of the body containing blood vessels. These vessels perform essential functions including the removal of waste products from cellular metabolism. The proper function of the lymphatic system is vital for proper immune system performance.

This vital system is often overlooked in detoxification programs. The lymphatic system is often referred to as the ‘back alleyway’ for trash removal of the body. There are a multitude of common natural herbs that help the lymphatic system work more efficiently; these would include cleavers, Echinacea, burdock and seaweed.

Liver

The liver is actually considered a gland, and performs a large number of vital tasks including storing vitamins, producing cholesterol, and synthesizing fatty acids from sugars and amino acids. As a detoxifying organ, the liver dilutes toxic substances such as metabolic waste, pesticides, and alcohol, with less toxic substances before sending them to be excreted from the kidneys.

The fact that the liver is negatively impacted by toxins and alcohol is well recognized in our culture. In Chinese medicine, the early signs of liver problems are often referred to as ‘Liver Qi Stagnation’. Liver detoxification herbs are popular and are very effective. Some favorites include dandelion, yellow dock, and eclipta. There are also significant tonic-type natural herbs that can be taken for several months to strengthen the Liver Function such as he-shu-wu.

Large Intestine

This obvious route of elimination is well recognized and appreciated. While natural laxative herbs such as cascara sagrada and senna are widely available, it is more important that the large intestine is able to perform on its own. There are many herbs that heal the walls of the intestine such as aloe and marshmallow. Other herbs are vital in restoring the necessary ‘Large Intestine Qi’ so that the bowels have the energy necessary for peristalsis such as bitter orange. There are actually a multitude of strategies that can help restore proper bowel movements naturally. The Chinese often include oily herbs such as black sesame seed, and blood building herbs such as mulberry fruit, for dry bowel movements.

Skin

The skin is the largest organ involved with detoxification. Air conditioning is a recent phenomenon. Traditionally, people have had more opportunities to sweat. In our comfortable air conditioned cars, offices, and homes, it is unusual for us to perspire. One of the more efficient ways to eliminate toxins is through a good sweat. While a swift walk or hike would do the job, there are diaphoretic herbs that produce a good sweat also. These are most useful at the onset of a cold or flu; they would include catnip, elder, ginger, and lavender. It is worth noting that toxins play a big role in the pre-mature aging of the skin and can depredate the tenacity of the dermal layers.

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Kidneys

The kidneys and bladder are also vital in the elimination of the toxins from the liver. While the proper function of the Kidney System can be maintained with tonic herbs such as rehmannia and he-shu-wu, there are also potent diuretic herbs that will stimulate the kidneys directly. These include dandelion, water plantain, and meadowsweet.

A well thought out natural herbal body detoxification program can be safe and beneficial. In many cultures ‘Spring Tonics’ were utilized as a once-per-year cleansing. In the last 50 years we have been exposed to man made toxins and synthetic pesticides that previous generations never had to cope with. It is now imperative that we utilize these natural herb remedies to realize our full health potential.

For information on Chinese Medicine, visit the National Library of Medicine, the The Chinese Medical Journal, or Chinese Medicine News. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

Body Detox - Chinese Herbs

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Best Liver Detox Herbs:

Rumex Crispus-Yellow dock root

A gentle, yet effective, cleansing herb, yellow dock reduces Liver Qi Stagnation and clears damp heat. It is especially useful with digestive disorders, clearing Large Intestine Qi stagnation and supports the proper flow of bile. In menstrual disorders, yellow dock builds blood and clears uterine blood stagnation.

Taraxacum officinalis-pu gong ying-Dandelion

One of the best herbs for detoxification clearing Liver Fire, reducing infections, and stimulating immune function. Dandelion is a primary diuretic, clearing dampness, draining lymph fluids and reducing edema.

Gentian longdancao-long dan cao

One of the most bitter herbs, gentian stimulates the flow of bile, drains damp heat from the Liver and clears Liver Fire and cleanses toxins from the Liver.

Cyperus rotundus-xian fu

A classic supportive herb in Chinese medicine, cyperi moves Qi in the body and spreads Liver Qi.

Prunella Vulgaris-xia ku cao-Heal All

'Heal all' is a versitile healing herb as its name would suggest. Prunella is a common weed that is used in Chinese medicine to Clear Liver Fire, reduces headaches, detoxifies and removes lymphatic blocks. Prunella clears heat from the Heart and controls high blood pressure.

Foeniculum vulgare-xiao hu xiang-Fennel Seed

Fennel is a versatile herb that spreads Liver Qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves Large Intestine spasm & gas, supports Kidney Qi, warms the uterus, relieves coughs and boosts the immune system.

Paeonia lactiflora-bai shao-White peony

Bai shao herb moistens and soothes the Liver while building and purifying blood. Peony root is a famous and highly prized longevity herb. It is an eminent woman's herb used to regulate the hormonal cycle and stabilize emotions. White peony relieves cramps and spasms anywhere in the body.

Citris reticulate-qing pi- Green-Tangerine peel

An artful addition to formulas that regulates Qi especially Liver Qi, specifically guiding it downward making it especially helpful with acid reflux and nausea.

Bupleurum-chai hu

One of the top Liver herbs in Chinese medicine, it soothes Liver energy and relieves congestion when the Liver Qi is stagnated. This is especially important when one is easily frustrated or feels “stuck”. It is detoxifying and anti-microbial, Bupleurum alleviates stagnation anywhere in the body. Bupleurum is also used to relieve spasms, muscle tension and menstrual irregularity.

Paeonia suffruticosa-mu dan pi-Tree peony root bark

Cools blood heat, pacifies Liver Fire in cases of Liver Qi Stagnation, and invigorates the blood. Quells anger and emotional outbursts and cools fire from yin deficient patterns.

The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Herbal formulas, natural remedies, and aromatherapy products related to alternative health products on this site have not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements on this website are based principally on traditional knowledge accumulated over thousands of years of Chinese medical practices. The content provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information on this site to diagnose or treat any health issues. As always, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, beginning an exercise program, using herbs or other supplementation programs, before taking any pharmaceutical medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Unless specifically mentioned in the product label or recommended by your professional health care provider, our herbal supplements, natural remedies, and alternative health products are not intended for children under the age of 18, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Ingredients and dosage recommendations may change - see product label for current information. Please refer to our policy/FAQ’s page before making a purchase.