Detoxification
General Information, Related Research, Holistic Treatment Options as well as Disease Prevention
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
"Detox" Packs
These detox packs - placed over the flank / kidney area - are said to help detox the body.
Castor Oil Packs
Holistic applications range from detoxification to reduction of tumors. Click here for more information.
Ginger Pack
Fresh ginger root is grated (@ 1/2 lb) - enough to cover a 4x4 area and wrap up in a cotton sheet/pillow case.
Natural Chelators & Detoxifiers
Vitamin C
Excellent chelator. Research shows those with highest ascorbic acid levels were 89% and 65% less likely to have elevated blood lead levels.
Learn morePhytic Acid
Found in hulls of fiber-rich nuts, seeds and grains - removes toxins from the intestinal tract.
Garlic & Cilantro
Both are natural chelators that help remove toxins from the body.
💧 Water
Practitioners always recommend drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
Detoxifying Foot Pads - Do They Work?
⚠️ Investigation Results
Reporter Sarah Varney and ABC's "20/20" investigated Kinoki and Avon foot pads. Lab analysis revealed the truth:
Test Findings:
- • Used pads were almost identical to unused ones
- • Pads turned brown when exposed to distilled water or steam
- • No evidence of heavy metals or solvents in used pads
- • Companies offered no valid scientific studies
Why Pads Turn Brown:
The foot pad contains green tea and vinegar (brown powder). Unbreathable adhesive causes feet to sweat, wetting the powder. The color change results from ingredients interacting with oxygen, heat, or moisture - not toxin removal.
"Detox" Bath Recipes
Epsom salt flushes toxins and heavy metals from the body. When absorbed through the skin in a bath, magnesium sulfate draws toxins from the body, soothes nerves, reduces swelling, and relaxes muscles.
Basic Detox Bath
- • 1 cup epsom salt
- • 1 handful sea salt
- • 2 tablespoons bath oil
Ginger Detox Bath
Equal parts:
- • Epsom salt
- • Baking powder
- • Ginger powder
Hydrogen Peroxide Bath
- • 2 quarts 3% hydrogen peroxide
- • Warm bath water
- • Soak 30+ minutes
Rejuvenating & detoxifying
Simple Epsom Salt Bath
Simply soak in warm water with 2 cups of epsom salt. Add melted cocoa butter for extra moisturizing (but watch out - it makes the tub slippery).
Natural Detoxifying Remedies
Organic Alfalfa
Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Contains anti-fungal agents and is an excellent source of chlorophyll and vitamins.
Carrot Seed
Acts as tonic, stimulant, liver regenerator, and cholesterol controller. Excellent blood purifier with detoxifying effects on the liver.
Liquid Chlorophyll
Excellent detoxifier and antiseptic for internal organs, especially digestive tract and bloodstream.
Kelp
No known toxicity. Effective in treating aluminum toxicity with balanced mineral content. Acts as detoxifier of excess metals.
Dandelion Root / Milk Thistle
For detoxification and liver stimulation. Improves circulation and restores gastric balance.
Also See:
Liver Health Herbs
Herbs that are conducive to maintaining liver health and even reversing existing liver problems include:
Hydrotherapy
Dr. Starbuck's most relaxing, effective and detoxifying treatment is hydrotherapy. Alternating hot and cold tones the body and stimulates blood and oxygen flow.
🔥 Hot Phase
Intense heat eliminates toxins through the skin via sweating.
❄️ Cold Phase
Brief cold plunge tightens pores, stimulating skin and mood.
Home Method:
Follow a hot bath or shower with a 30-second cold rinse. This closes pores and brings refreshment and blood flow to skin.
⚠️ Caution: Not recommended for pregnant women or people with vascular problems such as hypertension.
* Dr. Jamison Starbuck, ND is a naturopathic physician in family practice and lecturer at the University of Montana, Missoula