DETOX and DIGESTION are high on the list of health concerns today. Some of the earliest documented uses of herbs are as ‘digestives’. Originally herbs were eaten fresh or made into teas – still an effective way of harnessing their healing and soothing effects. Modern life often requires more concentrated support of the digestive system, so tinctures and tablets may offer faster relief from the symptoms of digestive problems. Fortunately, Nature provides a wide range of therapeutic herbs which can be combined into gentle yet effective prescriptions. Some herbs have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects; others encourage the production of gastric juices; still more of them provide stimulation for a sluggish system.

More recently, the polluted world we live in has caused many individuals to look at regular ‘detoxing’. Ideally, detox mixtures should address all the purification pathways used by the body: gut, liver, kidneys, blood, skin and lungs. Note that whilst herbs may be helpful when used alone, they will always be more effective when combined with suitable diet and lifestyle adjustments. You may also like to look at the ‘Digestive Aids’ pages under ‘Supplements’.