Combating Environmental Pollution With Herbal Detoxification

Environmental pollution is a technological miscreation of the twentieth century that threatens to victimize us well into the new millennium. These synthetic invaders can endanger our immediate health or have a cumulative effect that can compromise our future well being. Air, soil, and water have been transformed by the industrial age, into a toxic soup that challenges the health and survival of individuals and society.

Air, the most ubiquitous of our elements, is replete with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and black carbon particles from the burning of fossil fuels. The chlorofluorocarbons produced by refrigerants and aerosols deplete the ozone layer while, in some areas, radioactive particles such as strontium 90 float freely in the atmosphere. Indoors we are surrounded by carcinogens inherent in carpeting, building supplies, cleaning agents and cigarette smoke. Health tolls run the gamut from the mundane aggravations of headache, and allergies to the life threatening consequences of asthma, skin and lung cancer.

The purity of water, our most vital resource, is often in question. Sewage, agricultural and industrial waste in the form of nitrates, phosphates, PCBs, heavy metals and a host of other contaminates make a witch's brew of our aquifers, lakes and rivers. Life- giving water becomes a vehicle for chemicals which can be implicated in free radical formation, fatigue, anemia, and learning disabilities.

The agricultural industry treats the soil with toxic and often carcinogenic nitrogen containing fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, increasing yield, quantity, at the expense of quality.

Before food stuffs reach our table there is further insult with the addition of artificial sweeteners, flavorings, preservatives and colorings. This chemical stew promotes food allergies, digestive problems, neurological problems and cancer.

Faced with such obstacle to our well being detoxification becomes essential to keeping our bodies functioning properly. Detoxification supports the liver, skin, kidneys, and large intestine in their efforts to neutralize and clear the inherent by products of metabolism and the environmental poisons we are exposed to.

No matter what the portal of entry, toxins ensconce themselves in the blood stream .The liver, the key player in detoxification, filters the blood of all waste products and secrets enzymes to neutralize and disassemble undesirable chemicals. The liver will then manufacture and secret bile which will travel with its load of fat soluble toxins to the large intestines for excretion. Herbal preparations containing milk thistle, licorice root, and dandelion root strengthen and support the liver. Silymarin, a flavonoid in milk thistle, acts as an antioxidant to protect the liver and support the detoxification process. Licorice root, with glycyrrhizin as the active component, is a great detoxifying herb promoting liver health and enhancing the flow of bile. Dandelion root, a cholagogue, encourages bile production and prevents liver congestion.

Sweat, from the sebaceous glands, brings toxins to the surface to be excreted via our largest gland, the skin. Burdock root, yarrow and cayenne are excellent diaphoretics catalyzing this aspect of purification.

Diuretic herbs such as uva ursi leaf, buchu leaf and juniper berry act directly on the kidneys to stimulate urine formation and excretion. Herbal support for the kidneys will help this organ filter vast amounts of water soluble toxins from our system.

The anthraquinones in buckthorn bark and cascara sagrada ensure the health of the large intestine by enhancing peristalsis and mucous secretion. These herb's laxative or purgative effects keep solid waste from building up in the colon.

These herbs are not exclusive in their action for they all have cross over properties which act in harmony to maintain homeostasis. A balanced, organic diet, adequate water intake, exercise and supplementation of vitamins and minerals lost during detox will lead to a resilient body able to withstand the onslaught of environmental pollution.

Herbal Tea for Detoxification

Diuretic, Laxative, Alterative

Ingredients- dried herbs:

Licorice Root...................................... 2 grams

Burdock Root .................................... 2grams

Red Clover Blossom.............................. 1gram

Cascara Sagrada Bark................................... 1 gram

Materials:

Coffee grinder
Soft water, distilled water or rain water
Metric scale
Infusion mug- glass, earthenware or porcelain.

Method of Preparation and Dosage:

This method of hot infusion will provide a single dose (1 cup) of hot herbal tea. Measure out the required amount of herbs and powder using grinder. Place herbs in the upper portion of your infusion mug. Pour one cup (250ml) of boiling water into the mug and allow the herbs to steep covered for at least 10- 15 minutes. Drink warm. Organic honey may be added to sweeten. The infusion should be taken 3 times per day, for approximately 4 to 5 days or until detoxification process is thought to be complete. Repeat as necessary. Adequate water intake and supplementation with vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, is necessary.

References
Green, James (2000). The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook.
Berkeley: The Crossing Press.

Hass, Elson M. (1992). Staying Healthy With Nutrition.
Berkeley: Celestial Arts Publishing.

Mowrey, PH.D., Daniel B. (1986). The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine.
Lincolnwood: Keats Press.

Murray, N.D., Michael, Pizzorono, N.D., Joseph (1998).Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

(2nd ed.). New York: Three Rivers Press

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