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Herbal detoxification – 5 Herbs that Work
Here are five of my favorite herbs for detoxifying the body and providing protection on a physical and spiritual level. These work with the 4 major elimination channels; the skin, the lungs and bronchial passages, the kidneys, and the bowels.
Burdock
Burdock is a nourishing herb that is purifying. It strengthens the body and relieves chronic disease, inflammation (acne, boils, cold sore), herpes, hemorrhoids, fungus and psoriasis. It has fiber, protein, vitamin A & C, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, chromium and selenium. Due to the abundance of vitamins and minerals it is a tonic and an adaptogen. Dried burdock root is easy to attain at an apothecary, however, fresh burdock can be found at local markets. The leaves also aid with gout when applied to the soles of the feet.
Spiritually
This herb is feminine and is related to the element of water and the planet Venus. Her power is that of protection and healing to those who wish to discover her properties. Burdocks protective power is harnessed when used in incense or sprinkled around the home.
Yellow dock
Yellow dock with its distinct yellow gold color is another food with the well known title “crispus”. This bitter herb root Rumex Crispus, is a potent liver detoxifier and blood cleanser while equally providing high iron levels that will build the blood over time. It builds blood by rebuilding hemoglobin after blood loss. It is ideal for those who are anemic but need to detox at the same time. Due to how tough it can be on the liver consume the tincture for 2 weeks after which you can skip a week or two before resuming it.
Dandelion
It’s bright furry button flowers of spring litter lawns across the U.S. Dandelion is an endocrine booster and a great tonic. As for its action on the body, dandelion is nutritive and tones the body. Use dandelion for its action on the digestive, immune, lymph, circulatory and reproductive systems. It helps with middle age onset diabetes. Dandelion removes toxins without depleting the system of nutrients and minerals by replacing these after cleansing. It promotes kidney function as well as the movement of bile from the gallbladder and liver.
There is so much to say about its nutritional and mineral content such as vitamin A, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium. It’s chromium content aids in lower blood sugar levels, as a result it is an herb for diabetics on the other hand one who is receiving dialysis or has kidney failure must not take dandelion because of its high levels of potassium.
Spiritually
My nourishing ally herb Dandelion, who I will loan to you for a bit of healing is a truly powerful food. It is connected to the orisha Shango and is a masculine herb with its element being air. Dandelion’s planetary ruler is Jupiter. It’s roasted root is used as a substitute for coffee but this can be used to promote ones psychic ability. Of course this is no replacement for your own personal meditation and trance work.
Red Clover
Red clover is a blood cleanser that helps to clear up skin issues and well known for having cancer fighting properties. This herb is a lymphatic support, preferably only use its full blossoms for herbal decoctions. “Reds” high levels of vitamin A and C make it an excellent supportive herb for cervical changes, menopausal issues. Make sure to identify Red Clover properly during the midsummer, it can be confused for sorrel.
Chickweed
This particular herb is a phenomenal support for weight loss because it breaks down fatty deposits. It is a vitamin C rich herb and as such is great for soothing colds. It clears blockages similarly to cayenne while removing skin cysts and supporting the kidney.
Spiritually
Very little is known of chickweed’s spiritual properties yet it is used as a floor wash to maintain peaceful homes.
Herbs have a range of properties ranging from detoxifying with a bitter taste, nutritious which is sweet, digestive which is normally sour and hydrating which is salty to the taste. Knowledge Of herbs in this crucial time allows us to match the herbal properties with the symptoms while support our body’s elimination pathways.
