
Herbal detox is based on the fact that certain herbs can help remove harmful wastes from your body, improving your resistance and preventing a host of diseases. There are different types herbal detox, targeting different body systems and offering a wide range of health claims. Some of them work on your digestive system, others target the immune system, while others claim to clean up your bloodstream.
How herbal detox works
Over time, toxins build up in your body from food, stress, medications, and environmental factors such as dust and pollution. Your colon has a self-cleaning mechanism that normally flushes our these toxins. But lifestyle factors often affect this ability, allowing the toxins to accumulate. Over time, they can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to all sorts of health problems.
Herbal detox uses natural ingredients to enhance the colon’s self-cleaning ability. Because the ingredients are natural, they are less likely to interfere with your body’s chemistry and cause side effects. As your organs start to function better, your body can more efficiently handle waste products, preventing future toxin buildups.
Herbal Detox Ingredients
Many herbs are known to have natural cleaning, soothing, and stimulating properties. Most herbal detox products use a mix of several of these herbs for different combined effects. Some of the most common are turkey rhubarb, flax seeds, aloe, olive leaf extract, garlic extract, thyme, cloves, and peppermint.
Not all of these herbs are meant to work together. Some combinations can be harmful or cause serious side effects, from nausea and vomiting to digestive problems and poisoning. And since there are no FDA regulations for natural products, it’s up to you to make sure you’re getting a good product.
Safety Precautions
Not all herbal detox products are reliable—some manufacturers actually just throw a bunch of ingredients together and market it as a colon cleanser. Of course, there are also some safe products; one that we’ve found really effective is Bowtrol. It works fast, causes little to no side effects, and comes at a good price.
Risks And Side Effects
Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Before taking an herbal detox product, check the labels for possible side effects. Side effects can include headaches, fatigue, chills or fever, joint and muscle pains, and flu-like symptoms.
Most herbal detox side effects occur during what therapists call a “healing crisis.” This is a period where symptoms seem to worsen because the herbs are releasing stored toxins into the blood. That means that some side effects are actually a positive sign—it means that the herbal detox is working for you.
The best way to stay safe, of course, is to consult your doctor before taking anything. He or she will know whether or not herbal detox is right for you and can recommend lifestyle changes to help it work better.