There are many recipes and formulas for body cleanses. This article does not provide a review of those; rather it suggests some supportive measures.

Cleanses usually start with the colon, the obvious place for the accumulation of waste and toxins. This is probably the most essential step, followed closely by cleansing the liver. The green alga Chlorella, the highest source of chlorophyll on the planet, is excellent for both - see below.

As well as using specific cleanses from time to time, it is good practice to work into one's diet foods that help the body deal with toxicity and the by-products of incomplete digestion. If you can manage to integrate some of the following into your everyday eating plan, you will benefit.

The 3 herbs listed below are better taken as teas because they are more readily assimilated and you thereby increase your fluid intake, rather than having to drink extra glasses of water with capsules.

Help your body cleanse by learning to like the following:

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion has a cleansing effect because it aids the function of the liver, which carries many of the body's most vital digestive and blood cleansing functions. Dandelion has the ability to clear obstructions and it stimulates the liver to detoxify poisons.

In the words of herbalist Louise Tenney in "Today's Herbal Health", "It should be regarded as a valuable survival food. It contains all the nutritive salts that are required for the body to purify the blood. It promotes a healthy circulation, strengthens weak arteries, cleanses skin blemishes and restores the gastric balance in persons who have suffered from severe vomiting."

It has gentle laxative properties and, eaten raw, it is said to improve the enamel of the teeth.

You can buy Organic Dandelion Coffee online from Golden Fields of New Zealand.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Burdock is another great blood purifier that works very well in conjunction with Dandelion. It has the ability to reduce swelling around the joints. This is because of its power to promote kidney function, enabling the kidneys to clear the blood of harmful acids that create joint swelling and pain.

Herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy says in her "Illustrated Herbal Handbook", "Burdock is one of the most valued plants in herbal medicine. It rapidly increases the flow of urine. Uses: Remedy for all blood disorders, including the chronic ones - gout, rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica."

It also aids the pituitary gland in releasing an ample supply of protein to help adjust the body's hormone balance and it is helpful in all skin conditions, including eczema.

Look out for a true herbal combination of Dandelion and Burdock - NOT the soft drink or candy products going by that name. You can buy Organic Dandelion and Burdock Tea or Coffee online from Golden Fields of New Zealand, and from ZooScape.com or Neal's Yard in USA. For UK readers, Neal's Yard also has a UK site.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle is one of the best blood purifiers. It contains alkaloids that neutralise uric acid, which helps with rheumatism, gout and toxicity. It is also extremely rich in chlorophyll (another powerful blood cleanser), as well as iron, silicon and potassium. The whole plant is extremely medicinal, from the roots to the seed.

Research with Nettle has indicated its value in treating Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, sciatica, and tendinitis. Externally it has been used to improve the appearance of the hair, and as a remedy for oily hair and dandruff.

The leaves when lightly boiled to neutralise the stinging quality can also be used to cleanse the blood, tone up the whole system and as a cure for anaemia, rheumatism, sciatica, arthritis and infertility. The root is used in the treatment of dropsy, lymphatic ailments, and to remove gravel and stones from any organ in which they have formed, especially the kidneys.

Chlorella micro-alga

Chlorella contains chlorophyll, more than 20 vitamins and minerals including B complex, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, iron and calcium, and 19 of the 22 amino acids. It is almost 70% protein. Chlorophyll is a liver detoxifier, a bowel cleanser, and a catalyst for the absorption of other elements, including iron. Chlorella is the highest source of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, reduced levels of which are implicated in physical deterioration and ageing.

It boosts the immune system and fights infection. It has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, helping treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn's disease. It has been used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer, and also to protect the body from the effects of cancer radiation treatment. It is effective in removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. In Japan, it is traditionally used as a treatment for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycaemia, asthma, and constipation. How can one thing treat all these ailments? See my article "Treatment - Pharmaceutical or Holistic?" on this site.

Dose Rates for Chlorella:

3gm/day: Maintenance;

5-7gm/day: For improved results;

15-20gm/day: For heavy metal detoxification.

Dietary Fiber

This is the mechanical part of the cleansing process. Dietary fiber helps sweep out the colon and by increasing the bulk of stools, it helps constipation, which always leads to toxicity. Soluble fibre intakes of between 2 and 10 grams per day have also been shown to produce significant but small decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Oat bran, psyllium hulls and pectin are all good sources of soluble fiber.

Note: The above information is offered not as a prescription or in place of proper medical care, but as a report on research findings which may be of interest. In cases of sickness, the attention and care of a nutritionally aware health professional are essential.