How to Take Goldenseal & Niacin to Clean Your System

Ground goldenseal root is not as effective as the powdered root.

For almost two decades, high doses of niacin have been used in combination with powdered goldenseal as a quick cleanse, particularly for THC, the primary intoxicant in marijuana and hashish. If the object of the cleanse is to remove THC, bear in mind that it is stored in body fat, making cleanses ineffective after four to six hours. High doses of niacin may cause harsh side effects ranging from skin flushing to nausea and vomiting. Flush-free niacin does not cause side effects, but it is ineffective as a cleanse. Although doses greater than 500 milligrams are no more effective, some people mistakenly take doses many times that, suffering severe side effects. Goldenseal is used predominantly for its diuretic activity; for this reason, it is critical that adequate amounts of water be taken with the cleanse ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• 500 milligrams niacin
• 500 milligrams whole goldenseal root powder
• Four liters of water

Instructions

1. Stop consuming anything containing the targeted toxins. Niacin and goldenseal will not be effective in cleansing toxins if the toxins are being re-administered.

2. Take five hundred milligrams of goldenseal powder and five hundred milligrams of niacin approximately four to six hours before your desired cleanse. Plan for unpleasant side effects such as skin flushing and nausea.

3. Drink four liters of water over the next four to six hours. The cleanse will not be effective if this step is omitted.

4. Consume a small meal. This will prevent toxins stored in body fat from being released.

5. Urinate two or three times before your final elimination. It is acceptable for the first urine of the day to be colored, but all subsequent urine should be clear.

Tips & Warnings

• Consumption of niacin over a period of several days is no more effective than a single dose.

• Do not consume more than 2,000 milligrams in one day, as this may cause serious liver injury. People with liver damage should not use niacin to cleanse their body of THC. Do not drink more than the recommended amount of water in the four to six hours preceding the cleanse; this can dangerously deplete the body's electrolytes.

References

• "Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance"; Heidi Skolnik and Andrea Chernus; 2010
• "Pissing on demand: Workplace Drug Testing and the Rise of the Detox Industry"; Kenneth D. Tunnell; 2004
• "Annual Editions: Drugs, Society, and Behavior 09/10"; Hugh T Wilson; 2009