This is a primary strategy in herbal medicine. It relies upon cleansing
the system of toxins in order to allow the body to heal itself.
Four main types of detoxification are used. These act on:
Supplementary remedies are also used directed at the digestive and
circulatory systems. Cleansing of parasites is also frequently indicated.
Kidney Detoxification
Detoxification of the kidneys is the prime method used in the
elimination of acids from the system. This can be useful in the treatment of many
conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, eczema, psoriasis,
cystitis, dyspepsia and inflammatory conditions in general.
People who require kidney detox are sometimes prone to anxiety, lack of
confidence and consequent tiredness.
Liver Detoxification
- The need for liver detox is often indicated by bouts of sickness, tiredness, or just
generally not feeling "quite right". There may be a yellow tinge to the skin or
eyes. ME and chronic fatigue sufferers often require this therapy along with lymphatic
detox, as do hormonal imbalances such as PMS and the menopause. Those requiring this
treatment may be irritable, short tempered, angry or sometimes depressed.
Lymphatic Detoxification
This is often required for immune weakness, chronic catarrh and sinus problems,
glandular swelling, ME and chronic fatigue. Lymphatic individuals are often quite placid
and gentle by nature.
Bowel Detoxification
Bowel detoxification is used when toxins have accumulated over a long period of time
and many chronic health problems are associated with it. Digestive disturbances are common
as are parasitic invasions and candida.
General Detoxification
In some cases a non specific detox is required where all systems of elimination are
very gently stimulated. This can be used to generally improve the health, or as a spring
clean, or as a precursor to the more extensive treatment indicated above. A compound for
this purpose is Sheep Sorrel and Burdock compound.
Many herbalists use these methods of treatment almost exclusively for most problems.
Cycles of detoxification are used until health is restored.
The four most successful detox compounds used in this respect are:
