5 Herbal Additions for a Detox Diet Plan
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Posted
August 10, 2012 by Colleen in
Detox Diet Plan
In addition to clean eating and cleansing teas, adding certain herbs to your detox diet plan can further flush your system. There are a host of tried and true herbs that are valued as safe remedies to purify the liver, eliminate toxins via bile, act as gentle diuretics, provide prebiotics for digestive health, promote regularity, offer antibiotic properties, impart much needed antioxidants, and more. Adding a few of these to your detox diet will leave you rejuvenated and aid in weight loss.
- Burdock: Burdock is an intimidating herb, as it is equipped with large, prickly burrs. However, it’s the roots that carry the detoxifying effects. It has been relied on for medicinal uses, particularly cleansing the blood. It also acts as a gentle laxative and diuretic. This makes it effective for eliminating waste and refreshing the kidneys. It helps to release the gallbladder’s bile. By enhancing the flow of lymphatic fluid, burdock allows the fluid to direct toxins away from our cells, to flush out impurities, bacteria, cholesterol, and even viruses. By improving the lymphatic system, burdock strengthens the immune system. Purchase fresh burdock, which looks like a carrot, wash it, but leave the skin on, cut, chop, or slice it and add it to stir fries, soups, or even salads.
- Milk Thistle: Milk thistle comes from the daisy family and is a flowering herb. It is thought to have healing properties and is a popular alternative way to treat liver conditions, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fibrosis, and for alleviating gallbladder issues. As a detoxifying herb it is a potent source of antioxidants and is also used to lower cholesterol and manage type 2 diabetes. It’s anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties are excellent for purifying the body. It stimulates the release of toxins through bile. Boil the roots or new shoots, cut the spiny points off of the leaves and add them to a salads or sauté them, or add ground seeds to smoothies.
- Guduchi: A staple of Ayurvedic medicine, guduchi has seen increased popularity in the Western world. The herb is particularly good for improving immune function and combating stress. It aids in protecting the liver from toxins, acting as an anti-inflammatory, improving skin health, balances the body systems, normalizes white blood cell levels, and purifies the liver to bolster its ability to process toxins that are fat soluble. Guduchi is usually found in powdered form. Mix it with aloe vera juice for important detoxifying effects or ingest a teaspoon or two per day.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is touted as an anti-inflammatory and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. It has antioxidant qualities that safeguard the colon from free radicals and may offer cancer protection. Turmeric improves liver function and stimulates detoxification. Studies have linked it to lowering the blood pressure. The herb clears up imbalances in the digestion system to allow us to eliminate toxins and improve immune function. Use turmeric to whip up some curry, sprinkle it on lentil dishes, mix it with brown rice, or sauté cauliflower with turmeric to add flavor.
- Flaxseed: Flaxseeds are a superfood. The seeds of the herb cleanse the colon and stimulate the elimination of waste and toxins. It eliminates the buildup of toxins that accumulated when processed food is not digested. Flaxseed is well-known for its ability to improve digestion. They also boast omega-3 fatty acids, which improve mood, boost brain power, make hair and skin lustrous and healthy, and a host of other benefits. Flaxseeds support liver function and act as a decongestant, mild laxative, anti-inflammatory, for and emollient. This herb is extremely helpful for weight loss. Be sure to drink a lot of water when using flaxseeds to detoxify. Add a tablespoon of organic ground flaxseed to a full glass of warm water and lemon juice for a pre-breakfast detox drink. Or add ground flaxseeds to smoothies and oatmeal.
