THE ELIMINATORS: HERBAL DETOX
Traditional herbal pharmacopoeia contain hundreds of medicinal herbs that effectively eliminate toxic substances and flush out residual metabolic wastes from the blood and tissues. They also help repair toxic damage to the organs and restore functional balance to the whole system. The great advantage of using natural herbs rather than chemical drugs to repair and rebalance the body is that each herb may be specifically selected to target particular organs and tissues with very precise and intensive detox therapy, without causing hazardous side effects in other parts of the body, as most chemical drugs do. Such therapeutic precision can only be achieved with medicines derived directly from nature by virtue of sympathetic resonance between their essential energies and similar organic energy frequencies in the body. Each and every herb has what TCM calls a “natural affinity” (gui jing) for specific tissues and organ-energy systems in the body. After many millennia of continuous clinical practice, traditional herbalists have determined the specific natural affinities and therapeutic actions of thousands of medicinal herbs. All of this knowledge has been carefully recorded and preserved for posterity in traditional herbal manuals that are still in use today, and such knowledge may easily be applied at home to produce swifter, deeper, more effective results in any detox program.
Herbal supplements may be used to accelerate and amplify detox and healing in programs based on detox diets, as well as in fasting programs. When using herbs for detox support in therapeutic fasting programs, it is best to prepare them as whole herbal teas, which have gentler, fewer aggressive effects than concentrated herbal extracts. When fasting, the body becomes far more sensitive to the effects of all external supplements. Therefore, a mild herbal tea delivers the same therapeutic potency to someone who’s fasting as a concentrated extract of the same herb would to someone on a detox diet, but without the intensity of condensed extracts. When used as supplements in a detox diet, herbs may be taken in all forms, from the mildest teas to the strongest tinctures, powders, and tablets.
In traditional Chinese medicine, all herbs are categorized in two ways: according to their natural affinities for specific organs and tissues, which determines where in the body their therapeutic energies go; and according to the nature of their bio-active energies, which determines their therapeutic effects. The latter classification is based on the ancient Chinese theory of the Five Elemental Energies (wu hsing), which in food and medicine manifests as the Five Essential Flavors (wu wei). Most detox herbs in TCM belong to the “bitter” category of medicines, and this also holds true in traditional Western herbalogy. No doubt this characteristic is the origin of the term “bitter medicine,” for prior to the advent of chemical drugs and artificially flavored foods, most diseases were treated with cleansing bitter herbs and foods, and medicinal herbal “bitters” were a common household item in homes throughout the world. Today, not only have insipid chemical pills replaced bitter herbal potions in medicine, but also widespread addiction to sugar has led to a “sweet tooth” syndrome that has virtually eliminated bitter flavors from modern Western diets. And yet, according to the principles of traditional herbalogy, bitter flavors are nature’s antidote for toxemia, and bitter herbs and foods carry energies into the body that purify the bloodstream, detoxify the tissues, and initiate healing responses.
Let’s take a look at the major organs systems involved in the detox process, and see how medicinal herbs may be utilized to cleanse their tissues and rebalance their functions, while also protecting them from toxic damage during the detox process.
LIVER: CLEANING THE FILTER
In TCM, the liver is described as the “Chief of Staff” of the internal organs. It holds responsibility for filtering toxins from the blood, breaking down complex proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and providing the bloodstream with a constant infusion of nutrients for delivery to the various tissues of the body. External signs of internal liver toxicity include yellow eyes and blurry vision, brittle fingernails and cracked toenails, and the negative emotions of anger, depression, and irritability. During detox, the liver must store an overload of toxic wastes discharged from the tissues, while the bloodstream gradually moves them out to the various excretory organs for elimination. Therefore, people with a history of liver toxicity, especially from excessive use of alcohol and drugs, or from chemical contamination, should include a few herbal liver cleansers among the supplements they select as supports for a detox program.
The most effective herbs for detoxifying the liver are milk thistle and dandelion root, which may be taken as whole herbal teas, capsules of the ground powdered herbs, or liquid extracts. Milk thistle has particularly potent liver cleansing properties. Its primary active ingredient is silymarin, a compound that has stronger antioxidant properties in the liver than vitamins E, C, or beta carotene. Silymarin may be taken directly in tablet or capsule form, 100 mg three times a day, as liver support during detox. In addition to detoxifying the liver, milk thistle stimulates production of the proteins required to build new cells and repair damaged tissues in the liver. A formula for Liver Detox Tea, in which milk thistle and dandelion are combined with four other herbal liver cleansers, is given in the “Recipes and Formulas” section, appendix 1, page 306. Dragon River Herbals (see “Suppliers” section) produces a formula called “Rejuvenate” Liver Regenerator, which is a pure, highpotency blend of extracts of dandelion, milk thistle, red clover, burdock, and cleavers in concentrated liquid form. This formula is an excellent supplement to use for detoxifying and repairing the liver in conjunction with a detox diet of one-to-three weeks duration.
A quick and easy way to give the liver a deep, intensive cleanse is to do the “liver flush.” This may be done once a day for a period of three-to-ten days, preferably in the morning, as a means of flushing extra toxins from the liver during a detox diet program, but the liver flush is not a suitable method to use while fasting. The liver flush prompts an intensive cleansing purge in the liver, and it’s particularly beneficial in cases of long-term chronic liver toxicity. For best results, supplement the liver flush by drinking plenty of Liver Detox Tea. Here’s how to do it:
Mix one cup of your choice of freshly squeezed citrus juices, such as orange and grapefruit, but be sure to include some fresh lemon juice. Add enough pure water to dilute it to taste. Add the juice of 2 cloves garlic and ½ tsp of freshly grated ginger juice (grate the ginger, then squeeze the pulp through cloth). Mix in 1 tablespoon high-grade virgin olive oil and ½ teaspoon cayenne, shake it all together in a glass jar with lid until well blended, and then drink it down. Follow with one or two cups of Liver Detox Tea, sipped slowly.
Although the liver flush includes two food items (lemon juice and olive oil), these are therapeutic foods with affinity for the liver, and they work synergistically with the three active herbal ingredients—garlic, ginger, and cayenne. Performed regularly once or twice a year, this is an excellent regimen for general liver maintenance and preventive protection against disease and degeneration in the liver.
Chinese herbal medicine, which is renowned for the efficacy of its formulas for treating liver damage, offers some special high-potency liver detox formulas that may be used in cases of severe liver toxicity due to drug, alcohol, or chemical poisoning. The formulas may also be used to treat the various forms of hepatitis. These powerful formulas have strong effects, and they should only be used within the context of an overall detox diet program, preferably with the assistance of a health professional. In a previous title, A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs, the author presents a classic Chinese formula for healing severe liver damage that has demonstrated repeated efficacy in clinical practice. Known as “Major Bupleurum with Artemisia Decoction,” this formula is given in the “Recipes and Formulas” section, appendix 1, page 308, along with a few guidelines on diet and other factors that should be followed when using this formula.
BLOOD AND LYMPH: THE PIPELINES
In TCM, the condition of the bloodstream is regarded as a primary indicator of health and disease, and a decisive factor in healing. Blood is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and carrying away carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes for excretion. In Chinese medicine, great emphasis is given to purifying the bloodstream as an essential preliminary step in curing any ailment. The lymph deals with the coarsest toxins and most highly acidic wastes in the body, and it plays an especially important role during detox, when the bloodstream becomes overloaded with toxic residues discharged from the tissues. Unlike blood, lymph does not have its own pump to move it through the system, as the heart pumps blood. Instead, lymph depends on the force of gravity and regular movements of the body for its mobility, which is why the lymphatic system becomes so vulnerable to stagnation in sedentary people.
Herbs that purify the blood and lymph are known as “alteratives,” because they alter the state of these vital bodily fluids from toxic to pure. The most widely used blood alteratives in Western herbalogy include Echinacea, yerba mansa, chaparral, red clover, burdock, and yarrow. These may be taken singly or in various combinations, either as whole teas, or concentrated tablets and extracts. A tasty tea used in TCM to detoxify and “cool” the bloodstream is made by steeping dried chrysanthemum blossoms and licorice root for fifteen to twenty minutes in boiling hot water. This tea may be sipped throughout the day and night during any detox program to help keep the bloodstream clean and prevent overheating of the blood due to toxic overload. Cayenne also helps cleanse the bloodstream during detox, by giving a strong boost to circulation and thereby accelerating delivery of toxins to the excretory organs for elimination.
An alternative formula that cleanses both the blood and the lymph may be prepared by combining equal portions of concentrated liquid extracts of Echinacea, red root, baptisia root, thuja leaf, stillingia root, blue flag root, and prickly ash bark. Take twenty to thirty drops of this blend in warm water, three-to-five times a day, between meals. This treatment may be started during a detox program, then continued for up to three more months, especially when deep-tissue cleansing is required, or if the immune system is weak.
The most important herbs for cleansing lymph are red root, Echinacea, ocotillo, red clover, cleavers, mullein, figwort, prickly ash, and poke weed. As with blood alteratives, these may be taken singly or in various combinations, as teas, tablets, or tinctures. Remember, however, that during a therapeutic detox fast, these herbs should only be used in the form of steeped or simmered teas, not concentrated extracts. A formula for Lymphatic Detox Tea is given in appendix 1, page 310 of the “Recipes and Formulas” section.
KIDNEYS AND BLADDER: THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
In TCM, the kidney system is referred to as the “Minister of Power,” and its energy is so essential that it is also known as the “Root of Life.” One reason that the kidney system is so important to overall health and vitality is that the adrenal glands are attached to the top of the kidneys. Therefore, whenever the kidneys become toxic or weak, the adrenal glands falter as well, weakening immune response as well as sexual potency. According to TCM, kidney-energy also regulates the condition of bone and marrow, which produces red and white blood cells. Therefore, when kidney energy is deficient, blood becomes weak and immune response is impaired. The kidneys themselves are responsible for filtering the fluid wastes of metabolism from the bloodstream, and the bladder is the primary outlet for eliminating these acid wastes from the body. For those with deficient kidney function and adrenal insufficiency, take some form of herbal kidney support during a detox program, to protect the kidneys and bladder from toxic damage and assist them in excreting wastes quickly from the body.
An excellent formula for cleansing the kidneys and bladder and balancing kidney functions is Breuss Kidney Tea, which may be used in detox diets as well as during therapeutic fasts. You should start drinking this tea on the first day of a detox program, and continue taking it three times a day for exactly three weeks, even if your detox program is only for a few days. You may also use this herbal tea for three consecutive weeks, once or twice a year, in conjunction with your regular daily diet, as an effective means of periodic kidney cleansing and preventive protection against kidney disease. The formula for Breuss Kidney Tea is listed in “Recipes and Formulas,” appendix 1, page 307. Another formula that is particularly effective for cleansing the urinary tract and bladder is listed in appendix 1, page 309.
Parsley tea, which can easily be prepared in the kitchen from fresh or dried parsley leaf, has a strong affinity for the kidneys and is an excellent kidney cleanser. Parsley also soothes the kidney tissues when they become inflamed from passing too many toxins too fast during intensive detox. Since fresh parsley is readily available in most markets and many home gardens, keep some on hand in the kitchen, in case you need to give your kidneys a refreshing flush during detox. To prepare a potent herbal kidney cleanser that contains parsley as well as herbs that strengthen the entire urinary system, combine equal portions of finely ground powders of dried gravel root, juniper berries, hydrangea, uva ursi, parsley, marshmallow, bladderpod, ginger, and burdock root. Take 1 level teaspoon of this powder three times a day, between meals, either in capsules or stirred into a cup of hot water. Powdered herbs generally have stronger, longer-lasting therapeutic effects than whole teas, but should not be used while fasting.
BOWELS: DREDGING THE SEWER
Known in TCM as the “Minister of Transport,” the colon transforms digestive wastes from liquid into solid form, recovering and recycling most of the water and moving the solids onward to the rectum for elimination. When the colon gets clogged with putrefactive wastes, toxic residues are diverted to the lungs and skin for excretion, causing lung congestion, bronchial infections, and festering skin eruptions. Of all the organs in the human body today, the lower bowel is by far the most congested with toxic waste, and dredging these poisonous wastes from the colon should be a primary goal of any detox program. Unless the colon is thoroughly cleansed, no matter how well you clean your blood, liver, and other tissues, they will all soon become polluted again by toxins seeping into the bloodstream from the colon.
In TCM, rhubarb is the sovereign remedy for constipation, and it may be used singly or in combination with other bowel-cleansing herbs. A classic Chinese formula using rhubarb, listed in A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs as “Moisten Bowel Decoction,” is given in the “Recipes and Formulas” section, appendix 1, page 310. The “Vit-ra-tox” line of internal cleansing supplements includes an excellent herbal laxative in convenient tablet form, containing cascara sagrada, aloe curacao, and licorice. This formula assists the elimination of impacted mucoid matter and putrefactive bacterial wastes in the colon, softens and clears solid obstructions that clog the bowels, and stimulates vigorous peristalsis in the large intestine. It may be ordered by mail directly from the source listed in “Suppliers.”
A very effective way to deal with chronic constipation and clear clogged bowels during a detox program is to use powdered psyllium seed blended with various powdered herbs that have colon-cleansing properties. “Herbal Fiber Blend,” made by AIM, has already been mentioned as an excellent example of this supplement. You may also prepare your own blend of psyllium and bowel detox herbs by combining one cup of ground psyllium with one level teaspoon each of the following powdered herbs: licorice root, slippery elm, cascara sagrada, and black walnut hulls. Mix the powders together with the psyllium until well blended, and use it the same way as plain psyllium.
If you have fresh aloe vera growing in your garden, or know someone who does, you can make a potent intestinal and lower-bowel cleanser by extracting the fresh juice. Simply cut a large leaf of aloe and scrape away the spiked edges, but do not peel. Cut it into chunks, place them in a blender, and puree. Squeeze the puree through a fine gauze cloth to extract the pure fluid, and discard the pulp. Drink one-to-two teaspoons, more or less, stirred in a glass of water on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning and again at bedtime. If the purging effects are too strong, cut down the dosage; if they’re not strong enough, increase it a bit. Fresh aloe juice may be used as a lower-bowel-cleansing supplement in conjunction with a detox diet, or taken occasionally as needed for a week or two to stimulate sluggish bowels, deal with chronic constipation, or simply give the colon a periodic purge.
During a detox program, people with long-term bowel toxicity and other digestive disorders will sometimes experience an excess production of gas in the intestinal tract. This is caused by the activity of putrefactive bacteria as they are rousted from the bowels, by fermentation of dislodged toxic wastes, and by other biochemical reactions triggered in the digestive system by detox. If gas becomes a problem, you may use herbs with “carminative” properties to reduce gas reactions in the intestinal tract and relieve the flatulence it causes. A formula for carminative herbal tea to control gas is listed in appendix 1, page 312 in “Recipes and Formulas.”
LUNGS AND BRONCHIA: CLEARING THE AIR VENT
The lungs are known as the “Prime Minister” of the internal organs, assisting the “King” heart with the task of circulating blood through the body, and regulating pulse and blood pressure by virtue of diaphragmic breathing. In addition to governing respiration and metabolism by supplying oxygen to the cells, the lungs also excrete carbon dioxide and other gaseous wastes from the body. The condition of the lungs is reflected externally in the skin: blemishes and other skin problems are often a manifestation of impaired lung function, and when both the lungs and the bowels are congested and clogged with mucus, toxic wastes are forced out of the body through the skin, causing further skin damage. If a person has recently quit a long-term smoking habit, a detox program will usually trigger a major expulsion of phlegm from the lungs and bronchia, as the body cleanses and repairs the lung tissues. This process may be assisted with the use of herbal “expectorants,” which help dissolve phlegm and propel it out of the lungs and bronchial tubes. “Antitussive” herbs may be added to lung formulas to help control coughing and relieve sore throats, and “demulcent” herbs can be included to soothe the inflammation of the mucus membranes, which sometimes occurs as the lungs purge themselves of toxins, microbes, and air pollutants.
Lungwort and pleurisy root are two of the most powerful herbs for decongesting and healing the lungs. Dragon River Herbal makes a very good herbal lung formula called “Breath of Life,” as a concentrated liquid extract, using lungwort, pleurisy root, osha root, horehound, and other herbs with specific affinity for the lungs. In addition to detoxifying and decongesting the lungs and clearing the bronchial tubes, this formula also strengthens weak lungs, tones bronchial tissues, and helps restore impaired lung functions.
In TCM, a tasty tea for clearing phlegm from the lungs may be prepared by boiling fresh ginger and dried licorice root in water for ten minutes, then straining out the liquid and adding a bit of honey to taste. This blend helps decongest the lungs and assists expectoration of phlegm from the bronchia. If persistent coughing is a problem during detox, you may use bee propolis in tincture form to soothe itchy throat, control coughing, and protect tender bronchial tissues from microbial infection. Simply stir ½ teaspoon of propolis tincture into a few ounces of hot water, add some honey to taste, and sip very slowly, so that it dribbles continuously down the throat.
One of the best forms of herbal therapy for detoxifying, decongesting, and restoring the lungs and bronchial system during a detox program is traditional Thai herbal steam, as discussed in chapter 2. All of the herbal steam blends given in appendix 1, page 302 of the “Recipes and Formulas” guide help cleanse and clear the lungs, promote elimination of phlegm and pollutants from the bronchial tubes, and facilitate breathing and respiration.
If you don’t have access to an herbal steam room, you may improvise a steamer at home by placing a large pot of water on the stove and bringing it to a boil, then reducing the heat to a medium simmer. Add some aromatic herbs or essential oils with decongestant, bronchiodilating properties to the boiling water, such as cinnamon, eucalyptus, peppermint, camphor, and clove, then stand by the steaming pot and hold a heavy bath towel like a tent over your head to trap the steam as you bend over the pot to inhale the aromatic vapors. Use caution that you don’t burn the skin of your face by leaning too close to the steam. This method is an excellent way to clean the lungs and clear the bronchial passages on a daily basis during a detox program, and it also may be used any time in daily life to quickly decongest the lungs and open up the bronchia.
BRAIN AND NERVES: CLEANING AND BALANCING THE CIRCUITS
Brain and nerve tissues are particularly susceptible to heavy metal and mineral toxicity. Owing to their electrical potential, brain and nerve cells attract heavy metals and other toxic metals like magnets. People who live and work in densely populated urban areas and highly industrialized regions, where factory and automobile exhaust pumps tons of toxic metals and minerals into the air every day, are very vulnerable to serious toxic damage to brain and nerve tissues from these sources. While virtually any type of detox diet or therapeutic fasting program helps eliminate toxic metals and minerals from the brain and nerves, people who live in places that are heavily contaminated with these pollutants may wish to take extra measures to purge these poisons from their brain and nerve tissues.
One of the best herbs for removing heavy metals from brain and nerve cells is cilantro (coriander), but it must be taken as a highly concentrated extract to be fully effective for this purpose. Cilantro has strong affinity for brain and nerve tissue, where it binds with and dislodges heavy metals clinging to neurons and nerve cells, allowing them to be flushed away in the blood and lymph. Dragon River Herbal produces a pure high-potency extract of cilantro made specifically for this purpose. Alternatively, you may ask someone who has the necessary skills and equipment to produce a concentrated cilantro extract for you.
Ginkgo biloba has long been known for its powerful antioxidant activity in the brain and nervous system, for which it has specific natural affinity. Ginkgo may be taken as a tea, tablet, or tincture to help clear the brain of toxic residues during a detox program. It may also be used as a regular daily supplement to provide long-term antioxidant protection to the brain against damage from environmental toxins.
“Nervine” herbs, which calm the nervous system, promote sound sleep, and restore balance to brain and nerve functions, can also be very helpful as supplemental support in a detox program. During detox, the bloodstream must carry an overload of toxic substances from the tissues to the excretory organs, and as these toxins circulate through the system awaiting elimination, they can aggravate and overexcite the brain and nerves, causing nervous tension, irritability, insomnia, and other symptoms of the “detox blues.” When that occurs, the best solution is to take nervine herbal formulas that calm the nerves and soothe the brain, relax the mind and promote sound sleep. The body cannot remain in the state of rest and relaxation required to conduct detox and healing functions if the nervous system is “jumpy” from excessive toxic exposure and the brain is buzzing with toxic tension. Nervine herbs can therefore play a pivotal role in a detox program by preventing you from getting so wound up and impatient that you break your detox fast or cheat on your detox diet before completing the program.
Many excellent nervines in the herbal pharmacopoeia are available, including chamomile, passion flower, catnip, hops, St. John’s wort, linden flowers, valerian, and lavender. These may be taken singly or in various combinations as teas or tinctures, and some of them, such as lavender, may be used as essential oils for aromatherapy. A formula for Nervine Tea that may be taken daily to calm the nerves and keep body and mind relaxed during a therapeutic fast or in a detox diet program is provided in “Recipes and Formulas,” appendix 1, page 311. Several excellent nervine formulas in convenient liquid extract form are available from Dragon River Herbals, including a sound sleep formula called “Lights Out” and a relaxing nervine blend called “Peace & Quiet.”
WORMS AND PARASITES
Worms, intestinal flukes, and dozens of other common parasites that enter and colonize the digestive tract generally don’t cause much problem as long as they remain in the bowels, and the internal “climate” within the body remains properly balanced to keep them there. Serious problems can arise, however, when immune defenses weaken and the tissues enter a state of chronic acidosis and hypoxia. When the body is highly toxic and resistance is low, worms and parasites flourish out of control and spread quickly to parts of the body where they are not supposed to go, such as the liver and brain.
All parasites feed and thrive on the body’s own nutrients, robbing the human system of the essential nutrition it requires to sustain health, and excrete their toxic metabolic wastes into the body’s tissues. Parasites are therefore a major source of blood and tissue toxicity. As they multiply and spread, they gobble up an ever greater portion of the body’s nutrients, further weakening the body’s defenses and polluting the internal terrain. Herbs that destroy worms and other parasites so that they may be eliminated from the system are known as “anthelmintic,” and they are very effective for ridding the body of these tenacious pests.
The most effective blend of herbs for overall worm and parasite control is the “Triplex” formula of unripened black walnut hull, wormwood, and clove. These herbs may be ground to a fine powder and taken in capsules, or taken as concentrated liquid extracts, which are far more convenient. The Triplex formula must be taken continuously for two to three months, in precise daily dosages, to achieve a complete eradication of all parasites, including the larva and eggs. When used in conjunction with the electronic “Zapper” device introduced in the next chapter, the Triplex formula effectively eradicates over a hundred varieties of parasite from every nook and cranny in the body. The Triplex tinctures are available in many herb shops and health stores, and may also be ordered by mail from Dragon River Herbal in the USA or Inner Glow Health Products in Australia. Be sure to ask your supplier to provide you with a copy of the proper dosage schedule.
Other herbs that help eliminate worms and parasites include pumpkinseed extract, gentian root, quassia bark, neem leaves, garlic, and ginger. The latter two may be added fresh to all vegetable dishes during a detox diet to provide extra anthelmintic action. They may also be incorporated into your daily diet for ongoing protection against infestation by parasites.
“THE PEOPLE’S MEDICINE”
Traditional herbal medicine permits people to treat most of their own common health problems—including the root problem of tissue toxicity—safely and effectively at home, at far less cost and hazard to health than modern pharmaceutical drugs. In a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1992, medicinal herbs are described as “the people’s medicine.” The report states that “medicinal plants offer . . . immediate access to safe and effective products for use in the treatment of illness by self-medication,” and that “the proper use of medicinal plants in therapy is a necessity, not a luxury.” As pathogens grow ever more resistant to the effects of chemical drugs, these drugs become less and less effective in controlling even the most superficial symptoms of disease, while also making the root problem of toxicity much worse—all at ever-growing expense and hazard to the consumer.
The reason that herbal medicine still remains “the people’s medicine” is because herbs cannot be patented, and thereby monopolized, by private pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, herbs remain affordable to almost everyone, and people can grow many of them in their own gardens at home. Moreover, some of the most effective medicinal herbs on earth are also among the most common and inexpensive, and this is especially true of internal cleansing herbs. When body and mind remain relaxed and at rest and the nervous system switches over to the healing mode of the parasympathetic branch, the hormones, enzymes, and other natural biochemicals produced in the body work in therapeutic synergy with the organic phytochemicals released into the system by medicinal herbs. As long as correct dietary principles and other guidelines are followed and medicinal herbs are properly selected and prepared, they always enhance the cleansing and healing process during detox, without causing the unpleasant and hazardous side-effects that chemical drugs invariably do. Owing to their specific natural affinity for various organs and tissues in the body, medicinal herbs may be selected and blended with great precision to achieve particular therapeutic results in specifically targeted parts of the body. With a bit of common sense and the aid of a good practical guide to the use of medicinal herbs at home, such as A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs and A Handbook of Native American Herbs,1 almost anyone can formulate and prepare their own basic herbal teas and boiled decoctions for detox purposes at home or can select the right blends of herbal tablets and tinctures in any health shop, exactly according to their own personal requirements. While it is always best to also seek guidance from a qualified health professional who specializes in herbal therapy, such guidance is not yet widely available in many parts of the world. So those who wish to harness the healing power of herbs for detox and healing at home must take “the people’s medicine” into their own hands and administer it to their own bodies, along with the other “healing angels” of food, water, air, and sunlight.