How to Know What Herbs to Take While Cleansing

Cleansing impurities from our bodies by taking oral herbal supplements or by drinking herbal teas is becoming a popular alternative to more traditional dieting. Deciding which herbs to take, however, depends upon your personal health goal. Different herbs are used to cleanse your colon, to detoxify your liver, to reduce parasitic and bacterial infections or to boost your everyday energy. Follow these steps to pick the herbs you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Determine Your Reason for Taking Herbs While Cleansing

1. Visit an impartial source for alternative herbal medicine techniques, like the "Alternative Medicine Homepage" Web site (see Resources below). Here you'll find information on what herbs to take to cleanse yourself.
2. Define what goals you're trying to achieve by using herbs while cleansing. An herbal cleanse can clean out your digestive system, remove impurities from your liver or reduce the potential for parasitic infections. Herbal supplements can also cleanse your colon, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, lungs, lymph nodes, blood, skin or any combination of the above.

Choose the Right Source for Cleansing Herbs

3. Consult with a local health store. Ask the staff to recommend a good, reputable source for herbs.
4. Find local herb gardeners in the area who specialize in alternative medicine. This may be the most inexpensive way to obtain these herbs.
5. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the price range for each herb. It's important to find the best quality herbs for the lowest price. Know when someone is overcharging or offering an inferior product. Herbs are generally inexpensive.

Create a Plan for Your Cleansing Program

6. Pick an appropriate time to begin your herbal cleansing program. Allow for flexibility in your cleansing schedule if side effects occur.
7. Know your body's limitations when fasting or cleansing. Immediately consult your doctor if you experience too much discomfort during the fasting period.
8. Prepare a steady routine when beginning a cleansing program. Create and stick to eating and sleeping habits. This will help you to remain organized and focused.
9. Experiment with using Chinese herbal remedies during your cleanse. Psyllium and black walnut hulls are just 2 of the herbal ingredients found in the "Chinese Tiao He Cleanse" (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
• If you're under a doctor's care or if you're being treated for a specific medical condition, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any herbal cleansing program. Some herbs may interact negatively with prescription drugs. They could also cause unpleasant side effects.
• Visit your doctor or an emergency room immediately if you're experiencing acute gastrointestinal pain. Don't try to remedy such pain on your own with an herbal cleanse.