The Difference Between Herbs and Spices For Detoxing
Naturopathic medicine has been using detoxification for over 3000 years. Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native Americans, and folk medicine all use herbs and spices for medicinal and detoxification purposes. Herbs and spices are the primary detox supplements used to cleanse the body of toxins. During detoxification herbs and spices aid the bodies natural elimination systems. The bodies natural elimination system includes the liver, urinary system, digestive system, skin and lungs. Herbs and spices can be classified by the organ or system for which it works upon once it enters the body. There are a variety of ways that herbs and spices can be consumed to help cleanse the body of toxins. The difference between herbs and spices is that herbs are the leafy, green part of plants and spices come from the dried seeds, fruit, root, bark and vegetative substance. All spices are herbs however not all herbs are spices. Both herbs and spices can be added to foods, consumed alone, made into a tea or concoction or applied with oil. When used in detoxing the body, herbs and spices have different properties such as nutritive, rejuvenative, alterative, demulcent, antioxidant, antifungal, laxative, diuretic, antiseptic, expectorants, diaphoretic and cholagogue. Here you can find a list of herbs and how they act upon the bodies systems.
Alfalfa: As a natural laxative and diuretic, alfalfa cleanses the bowels. Alfalfa is an excellent source of fiber and contains many trace minerals. It also contains the plant compound chlorophyll, which has a natural deodorizing effect and breaks down carbon dioxide within the body.
Black cohosh: Black cohosh works on many systems within the body. It restores health to the body by loosening and expelling mucous from within the lungs, as well as stimulating secretions from the lymph, liver and kidneys. It protects the mucous membranes by neutralizing poisons within the bloodstream.
Black walnut: Black walnut is an antifungal agent, which expels parasites from the body. It also works within the bowels to remove fatty material, which stores toxins and impurities.
Burdock root: Burdock root has multiple purposes within the body for a powerful detox. It is an excellent blood purifier, stimulates bile secretion in the liver, and facilitates digestive processes. Burdock root decreases the build up of heavy metals especially in cases of treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy, and radiation. In addition burdock has anti tumor and anti mutagen effects.
Capsicum: Capsicum is an alterative, antioxidant, and antiseptic. It increases metabolism, which stimulates circulation. It is rich in vitamin C and contributes to weight loss.
Cascara sagrada: Cascara sagrada is one of the most common and powerful herbal laxatives. It is a fast acting laxative which to ease constipation. It contains anthroquinoness, which give it its laxative effects. Additionally it stimulates secretions of the liver, gall bladder, stomach and pancreas. This herb should only be used for short term.
Dandelion: Dandelions are one of the best liver herbs. It is a diuretic, which flushes the system and reduces fluid retention. This in turn reduces edema and increases weight loss. While cleansing the body of toxins, dandelions can also stimulate alcohol metabolism in the liver during times of hangover. It is an antioxidant, which is rich in vitamin A. Dandelion should be taken to repair liver damage and keep the liver and gall bladder clean and healthy.
Echinacea: Echinacea restores healthy body function by building up the immune system. It stimulates the immune response by boosting the production of lymphocytes, macrophages and interferon to reduce pathogens within the body. This increases the body