In order to get the most out of an herbal body detox program, it is essential that you follow a good diet for the duration of the program.  Basic detoxification begins with diet.

Avoid eating anything that will add toxins to your system or in any way tax your digestive abilities.  This means eliminating alcohol and tobacco.  Eat as close to a vegetarian diet as you can.  If you must eat meat, eat extremely small portions gently prepared – steamed or poached are the best methods.

Increase your intake of water.  Either in its pure state or as an herbal tea.  Also increase your intake of fiber in the form of unprocessed fruits, vegetables and grains or, if needed in a supplement like psyllium.  This is done to increase bowel evacuation and urination which will eliminate toxins from the body.

The two other means of toxin elimination should also be enhanced.  Sweat often through exercise or a steam room/sauna.  Take time to practice deep breathing.  Respiration is a vital way of releasing toxins as well.

The main organs for detoxification in the human body are the skin, the liver, the lungs, the bowels and the kidneys.

Therefore, all herbal detoxification programs aim to enhance their function while eliminating the ingestion of foods and beverages which trigger digestive problems (such as wheat gluten and dairy products – often allergenic,  sugars which have no function but can bring on hypoglycemia, meats which contain hormones and are extremely difficult to digest and caffeine as it has many negative effects on digestion).

Herbs that enhance liver function:

• Milk thistle
• Dandelion Root
• Ginger
• Nettle
• Rose hips

Herbs that enhance kidney and bladder function:

• Hydrangea root
• Marshmallow root
• Ginger
• Parsley
• Juniper
• Golden Seal

Herbs that enhance lung and respiratory function:

• Astragalus
• Aster
• Bupleurum
• Licorice root
• Mullein Leaf
• Ginger root

Herbs that enhance skin function/perspiration

• Angelica
• Blessed thistle
• Camphor
• Cayanne
• Chamomile
• Hyssop
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Yarrow

Herbal detoxifying teas can be enjoyed by almost anyone.  They serve a number of purposes.  They help cleanse the body which allows the body to work more effectively – since it isn’t weighed down with breaking down and eliminating toxins, it can more easily digest and eliminate food.

Additionally, detoxifying teas clean the colon and the liver.  This is extremely important because as one of the liver’s prime functions is detoxification and the production of biochemicals – bile, for example – which are necessary for digestion.  The liver, by the way, is the largest gland in the human body.  Its proper functioning is vital to survival.

Herbal teas have been used for centuries not only as tonics and cleansers but for their taste and general enjoyment.  You can find them pre-made in the grocery store right next to other coffee and tea beverages or you can put together your own according to your tastes and needs.

Some classic herbal ingredients used in detox tea are:

• Chamomile – commonly used to soothe digestion, anxiety and insomnia.  It is mildly sedative.
• Ginger – historically used to calm nausea and cleanse the body via perspiration.  It is one of the most widely used herbal remedy known.
• Lemon – a vital source of vitamin C, historically used to ease rheumatism and fever.
• Lemonbalm – used to promote perspiration, relieve fever insomnia and anxiety and to ease menstrual cramping.  it is mildly sedative.
• Lemongrass – used to strengthen stomach functions and as a treatment for indigestion.  It is also used to loosen mucus and relieve headaches.  It acts as a diuretic is a mild sedative.
• Nettle – used as a whole body tonic and as a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis and as a general detoxifying agent.
• Rose hip – believed to enhance kidney function and maintain the urinary tract.  It is also used for the treatment of colds, flu, scurvy, diarrhea and gastritis.

You’ll notice that many of the ingredients listed above have sedative properties.  They are extremely mild and generally calming.  Don’t expect that consuming a tea made with each of these herbs will  knock you out.  They are as calming and sleep inducing as coffee is stimulative.

Whether you decide to make your own tea or purchase premixed blends from the store, herbal teas are a great tasting way to detoxify your body.