Spring is the perfect time to cleanse our body from the inside out. Here are five of the top cleansing herbs that have been used for centuries.

Burdock is notable for cleansing the skin and for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. The root contains cleansing constituents which include a bitter, crystalline glucoside lappin, the flavonol quercetin, fixed and volatile oils, and tannic acid. It treats skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and chronic acne have all shown improvement with burdock use.

• How does it work? The first method of action is on the excretory system. By stimulating the release of toxins from the body, it cleanses the blood of impurities and facilitates toxin elimination through the skin. The second method of action is directly on the skin. It acts specifically on the body’s largest organ to speed the healing of skin.

Stinging nettles leaves and stems contain active ingredients including formic acid and histamines. This herb has been used to treat migraines, arthritis, prostate enlargement, and allergies.

• How does it work? Nettles have varying methods of action depending on the manner of use. The histamine in the plant works to decrease inflammation when taken internally. If fresh nettle juice is taken or freeze-dried capsules are used, it has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help arthritis, migraines, and allergies.

Dandelions - Studies have shown that the root may improve liver, gallbladder, and intestinal health.

• How does it work? This natural diuretic helps the kidneys excrete water and salt. Dandelion also contains potassium, which synthetic diuretics tend to deplete.

Milk thistle seed is the main part of the plant that is used medicinally due to its active ingredient, the flavonoid silymarin. It is usually standardized to 70 to 80 percent silymarin. The Silymarin is helpful for the repair of damaged liver cells and may offer protection for new liver cells.

• How does it work? This popular herb is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Silymarin helps to prevent liver cell damage by toxins, and it also encourages liver cells to create more bile. This increase in bile aids digestion and nutrient absorption.

Here are a few Herbal Blood Cleansing Remedies

1. To purify the blood - This mixture is composed of herbs that interact to eliminate toxins and metabolic end products such as uric acid.  Dandelion root (1 part), Nettle leaves (1 part), Elder flowers (2 parts),

• Steep 1 to 2 tsp. in ½ cup boiling water. Take 1 cup a day, sweetened with honey, in mouthful doses.

2. To purify the blood - This mixture is composed of herbs that interact to eliminate toxins and metabolic end products such as uric acid. Burdock root (3 parts), Elder flowers (5 parts), Nettle (5 parts), Pansy (10 parts)

• Steep 1 heaping tsp. in ½ cup boiling water for a short time. Sweeten with 1 tsp. honey. For a "spring cure" take ½ cup a day for 8 to 14 days.

3. To purify the blood - This mixture is composed of herbs that interact to eliminate toxins and metabolic end products such as uric acid. Anise seed (1 part), German chamomile (4 parts), Caraway (4 parts), Senna leaves (8 parts)

• Steep 2 tsp. in 1 cup boiling water. Take ½ cup, morning and evening.

4. To purify the blood - This mixture is composed of herbs that interact to eliminate toxins and metabolic end products such as uric acid. Dandelion root and leaves, German Chamomile, Senna leaves 

• Mix in equal parts. Steep 2 tsp. in ½ cup boiling water. Take ½cup, morning and evening, fresh made each time.

The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.