The Herbal Hive March Challenge: Share Your 'DeTox' Herbs!
It's almost that time of year again Hive friends! Spring is the perfect time to incorporate detoxification into your routine. I was thrilled when I recently joined The Herbal Hive and saw the Detox Challenge for the month of March!
Thanks again 
I would also like to mention 
I can't forget about 
Why Detox?
I began learning about herbalism in college. I met a Naturopathic Doctor when I was 19 years old. Her knowledge about medicinal plants especially intrigued me. I wanted to learn as much as possible about these herbs and how they heal the human body.
Learning about herbs came natural and almost 30 years later, I have memorized the medicinal properties of numerous plants. Detoxification is one of my favorite subjects. We just need more randomised controlled trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of these detox routines to get the medical establishment on board.
"There is preliminary evidence to suggest that certain foods such as coriander, nori and olestra have detoxification properties, although the majority of these studies have been performed in animals." - Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence
In this day and age, we are bombarded with environmental toxins which could disrupt an array of physiological processes that are vital for a healthy body and mind. This is why detox may be an important practice to keep your body functioning at peak performance.
Examples of Environmental Toxins:
Flame Retardants
Formaldehyde
Heavy Metals
Pesticides
Herbicides
Fungicides
Mycotoxins
Phthalates
Asbestos
Radon
PCBs
VOCs
BPA
There are more, but I think you get the picture. No matter where we live or work, chances are, most of us are exposed to some or even many of these toxins on a daily basis.
How Environmental Toxins Can Impact Your Health
The Basics of Detoxification
As a scientist, I have an in depth understanding of the biological processes that take place during detox. I promise, I'll try not to bore you with all that jargon here. I'm much more interested in sharing my knowledge about how to improve those reactions with herbal medicine.
According to the medical dictionary:
"Detoxification is one of the more widely used treatments and concepts in alternative medicine. It is based on the principle that illnesses can be caused by the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Eliminating existing toxins and avoiding new toxins are essential parts of the healing process." - The Free Dictionary
How Your Body Detoxifies Naturally
Your liver is the main organ responsible for detoxification. Some refer to it as the "Master Detoxifier" and rightly so! Every drop of blood that leaves your stomach and intestines must pass through the liver for processing various nutrients and eliminating toxins and metabolic waste.
More than 500 reactions have been identified with the liver
"Your main detoxification organs are the liver and kidneys. Additionally, your lymphatic system, digestive tract, skin, and lungs also play a part in how your body detoxes. Altogether, these organs create detoxification pathways in the body." - Nourished By Nutrition
Now for the Good Stuff!!
My most favorite herb for assisting, protecting, healing and even regenerating the liver is Milk Thistle. It has been used for more than 2000 years as a treatment for numerous disorders and ailments.
Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum
The active phytochemicals in Milk Thistle are collectively known as Silymarin. This complex mixture of flavonoligans are known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Research also suggests that Milk Thistle has powerful anticarcinogenic properties.
7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle
"Laboratory studies demonstrate that silymarin stabilizes cellular membranes, stimulates detoxification pathways, stimulates regeneration of liver tissue, inhibits the growth of certain cancer cell lines, exerts direct cytotoxic activity toward certain cancer cell lines, and possibly increases the efficacy of certain chemotherapy agents." - Milk Thistle - National Cancer Institute
How to Use Milk Thistle
Extracts of Milk Thistle are widely available over the counter. However, beware these products are not regulated and anyone can slap a label on a bottle. Finding the right product from a reputable company can sometimes be daunting.
Standardized extracts are usually an indicator of potency and efficacy. Look for well established companies with organic practices and laboratory testing. Capsules and softgels may be easier to digest than most tablets. Many herbalists believe liquid extracts are the way to go.
How To Make An Herbal Tincture (aka Herbal Extract)
"Standardized milk thistle extracts should contain 70 – 80% Silymarin. Ideally, the silybin content should also be mentioned and account for ~40% (the higher the better)." - Milk Thistle & Silymarin Dosage + Side Effects & Interactions
Studied dosages from the source above:
The typical dosage used in most clinical studies was 420 mg/day.
In people with liver disease, the dosage was 1.3 g/day for 6 – 8 weeks.
Doses up to 2.1 g/day were used in people with viral hepatitis, especially those with chronic hepatitis C infection.
Milk thistle extract appears to be safe for daily use.
Safe dose for healthy individuals was up to 420 mg daily.
In cancer patients, the highest safe dose was about 13 g/day short-term.
Please note: Not all natural products are safe or effective. Expensive kits, programs and weird concoctions are not necessary. Keep it simple. Take it slow. Start with a low dosage and work up to a therapeutic level or maintenance dose.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. As with any supplement or dietary changes, consult your healthcare provider before adding anything new, especially if you are taking medication.
In the Garden
You can easily grow this miraculous plant in your garden. Besides being a beautiful red purple to brighten your day, it can be made into tea. Make an infusion with the coarsely chopped leaves, stems and flowers for tea. Brew one cup at a time. Cover and steep for 5-15 minutes. Milk Thistle is bitter, so add some honey, lemon or cream for better flavor.
Phytochemicals may breakdown over time, so if you do prefer to make a large batch, keep the infusion at 4°C and consume within a few days. Fresh is always best.
18 Medicinal Herbs to Look For in Your Backyard
You can find other healing herbs growing right in your backyard. Dandelion and Red Clover for example. These "weeds" are medicine.
In the Kitchen
"Milk Thistle seeds can be roasted and ground and used as a coffee substitute. They are also quite sweet to chew as a snack." - Milk Thistle - Mountain Herb Estate
You can cook with this healing plant! Use young flower buds and roots as vegetables when tender and fresh. Snip off the spines of the closed flower heads, boil like globe artichoke and serve with butter, salt, black pepper and lemon juice.
You can peel and soak the roots and stalks to remove bitterness, slice them thinly and cook, stir-fry or boil in soups and stews. You can also eat the raw leaves in salad (be sure to remove the spines) or cook them like spinach.
Other medicinal plants to give your liver a break:
Burdock Root - Blood purifier, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal
Yellow Dock Root - Stimulates bile production for fat metabolism
Dandelion Root - Increases flow of bile, hepatic regeneration
Red Clover - Blood purifier, diaphoretic, bile production, anti-inflammatory
Cilantro - Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, chelation
Check out the Poor man's detox with cilantro and clay
Most plants used for detox have diuretic properties, which means they increase excretion of water through the kidneys (your other main detox organ). You will be running to the bathroom a lot! Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
H2O: The Molecule That Made Us
Water Fasting
This brings me to one of the oldest ways to detox. I realize this has nothing to do with herbal medicine, but how could I resist the chance to share this ancient practice of detoxification.
Up to 60% of the human adult body is water - United States Geological Survey
Science has finally proven the effects of fasting on health, aging and disease. The New England Journal of Medicine published a review of the benefits of fasting in December 2019. I have linked the PDF format below so you don't have to signup at NEJM.
Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease - N Engl J Med 2019; 381:2541-2551
For an extensive clinical guide to fasting, researchers at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and University of Milan published a major posology for fasting in May 2021. It includes a lot of history if you're into that.
Fasting: How to Guide - Nutrients. 2021 May; 13(5): 1570
Dr. Mindy Pelz of Family Life Wellness in San Jose, CA and founder of The Reset Academy explains what happens in your body when you fast for up to 72 hours. Her beginners guide to fasting can be found here
Give your Digestive System a Break
The way you break a fast is just as important as starting one. Be sure to slowly introduce foods that are easy to digest. Start with warm bone broth or apple cider vinegar diluted in water.
10 Best Foods to Break Your Fast
During detoxification you may experience headaches, lightheadedness, digestive issues, irritability, fatigue and sleep disturbances. These undesirable side effects are often caused by your body’s reaction to the absence of certain nutrients or chemicals, such as sugar or caffeine, that were habitually present.
9 Potential Intermittent Fasting Side Effects
Please note: If you are not used to detoxing, the side effects can be concerning and definitely annoying. Just hang in there, it's completely normal and will eventually subside. With fasting, you will be hungry. Very hungry! This too shall pass.
Remember, go slow and don't over do it. Keep your detox plan simple. Adding too many herbs and supplements at high doses can lead to adverse effects. Moderation is key.
Plant some seeds, drink plenty of water, eat wisely, take deep breathes, stretch a lot and get outside in the fresh air and sunlight as much as possible. Most of all take time for yourself and relax. You are worth it!
Peace be with you 😇
Sources:
Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence
“Silymarin”, a Promising Pharmacological Agent for Treatment of Diseases
Milk Thistle & Silymarin Dosage + Side Effects & Interactions
Cultivation of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), a medicinal weed
Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease
How to Break a Fast: 10 Best Foods (Intermittent & Prolonged)