Herbs for a blood detox

DEAR DONOVAN,

I’m interested in doing a blood detox. What are some herbs I can use, and how best would you advise me to do this? Although widely misunderstood and controversial, detoxing/cleansing the blood is probably one of the most important tools for achieving maximum health.

Over time, a wide range of toxins and chemicals end up in our bloodstream. In most cases, these are metabolic waste products formed in our bodies.

However, chemicals found in our foods, the air we breathe, medication, cosmetics, or even household chemicals can introduce toxins and potentially harmful substances into our bodies. Under normal conditions the body filters and eliminates toxins and harmful substances from the blood.

The major organs involved in this filtration and detoxing process include the kidneys, liver, intestines, lungs and skin. However, with the increase in the use of pesticides, fertilisers, hormones, poor air and water quality, the ability of our organs to detox themselves is compromised.

With this in mind, detoxing the blood might be necessary. Detoxing the blood means aiding your organs to eliminate toxins and prevent them from building up.

Detoxing the blood helps to remove toxins, fungus, bacteria and viruses from the bloodstream. For a long time herbs have been used to detox/clean the blood.

I am sure most of us remember our parents giving us some bitter bush tea before going back to school after the summer holidays. Many of the herbs that are associated with detoxing the blood are usually bitter.

Some of the herbs used in Jamaica to purify the blood include garlic, dandelion, aloe vera, turmeric, bitter wood, rice bitters and cerasee.

Garlic is loaded with sulphur, which is important to help the body get rid of toxins. In addition, garlic stimulates the liver to produce enzymes which help in the filtering of the blood. Garlic is also effective against harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses in the intestines. The dandelion plant is also important in detoxing the blood.

This plant is loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients which help to eliminate toxins from the digestive tract. In addition, the dandelion leaves and stem have been shown to help eliminate free radicals.

Also, it helps to stimulate the liver and pancreas to get rid of toxins from the blood.

Turmeric is also important in detoxing the blood. Turmeric has been used to treat liver and digestive problems. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, helps the body to speed up its digestive process. In addition, the use of bitter herbs to detox the body is important.

Bitter herbs such as neem, aloe vera, cerasee, bitter wood and rice bitters are important for strengthening the liver, which is responsible for processing the blood that passes through that organ. Bitter herbs are also important in removing poisons and excess bile.

They also have antibacterial and germicidal properties. In addition, bitter herbs such as aloe vera help to break down the waste in the colon and detoxify the blood.

Toxins in the colon can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream and cause fatigue. Keeping the colon clean helps to rejuvenate the body and can reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Leafy green vegetables, for example callaloo, lettuce and parsley, when made into juices can play a very important part in detoxing the body.

Phytonutrients found in many of these herbs also help to support the immune system by binding with pathogens and toxins.

Also, greens contain chlorophyll which is important in balancing the pH of the blood. If you wish to do a blood detox programme, I would suggest that you speak with a professional on the matter.

Knowing what type of herbs to use and the dosage as well as duration is very important. However, many of these detox herbs are available as commercial teas which have been found to be safe.

Good luck.

We will answer your weight-related questions

Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.