A Liver \"Detox\" Without Extremes: Milk Thistle and Dandelion

After the holidays, before summer, or simply when we feel tired and bloated, many people go looking for a "detox". Juice fasts, cleansing regimes, special teas and foot patches promise to rid the body of toxins in a few days. But clearing toxins from the body is not something we do once a year. The truth is that our body already has an excellent cleansing system that works every day, without a break. So instead of yet another regime, let us look at why extreme diets are unnecessary, how the body actually cleanses itself, and how three of our herbal tinctures – Prechistvashta, Antitoksin and Toksikliyn – traditionally support this natural work.

#The myths of detox

The word "detox" is used so widely that it has lost its clear meaning. In medicine, detoxification means treatment for poisoning or addiction – in hospital, under medical supervision. In advertising it means almost anything.

Some of the most popular extreme practices carry more risks than benefits:

• Long juice fasts – deprive the body of protein and fibre and can lead to weakness, dizziness and swings in blood sugar.
• Drinking too much water – more is not always better; very large amounts in a short time can upset the body's balance of salts.
• Colon cleansing with enemas and laxatives – disrupts the normal gut flora and can lead to dehydration.
• "Detox" foot patches – they darken because of sweat and moisture, not because of "drawn-out toxins".

If you feel lighter after such a regime, it is most often because of fewer calories, less alcohol and fewer processed foods – and you can make these changes without going to extremes.

#How the body cleanses itself

Our body has several organs that continuously neutralise and remove unwanted substances.

#The liver

The liver is the body's main "laboratory". It processes substances from food, alcohol and medicines and converts them into forms that can be eliminated. It also produces bile, which is involved in the digestion of fats.

#The kidneys

The kidneys filter the blood and get rid of waste products in the urine. To work well, they need enough fluid.

#The gut, the lungs and the skin

The gut removes undigested residue, the lungs remove carbon dioxide, and the skin plays its part through sweat. All these systems work together.

#How to support the liver every day

The best support for natural cleansing is your daily routine:

• water – drink steadily throughout the day, according to your thirst and activity;
• fibre – vegetables, fruit, pulses and wholegrains support normal bowel function;
• less alcohol – it puts a direct strain on the liver;
• exercise – improves circulation and general well-being;
• sleep – the body recovers while you sleep.

If you want a fresh start after the holidays, spend two or three weeks eating more simply, with more water, more vegetables and less alcohol and sugar.

#What about detox tea?

"Detox teas" are among the most sought-after products, but it is worth reading their ingredients. Some contain strong laxative herbs such as senna, which with regular use can disrupt normal bowel function. Dandelion or mint tea is a calm choice as part of your daily routine – without promises of an overnight "cleanse".

#How herbs traditionally support cleansing

Herbs do not "cleanse" the body in place of the liver and kidneys, but they have been used for centuries to support their normal function. Here are our three tinctures from the Detoxification category and how they differ.

#Prechistvashta – dandelion, walnut husks and cat's foot

Herbal tincture Prechistvashta combines three herbs. Dandelion is traditionally used to support the liver, bile and digestion. Green walnut husks are an old herb from Bulgarian folk tradition, and cat's foot is traditionally used for general strengthening of the body. You can read more about dandelion in the article The amazing 7 benefits of dandelion.

#Antitoksin – milk thistle and dandelion

Herbal tincture Antitoksin contains milk thistle seed and dandelion leaf. Milk thistle is a well-known herb in Europe for supporting the liver – it has been used since antiquity. The combination with dandelion adds the traditional support for bile and digestion.

#Toksikliyn – milk thistle alone

Herbal tincture Toksikliyn contains milk thistle seed. Its seeds contain silymarin – a group of substances that attract researchers' interest. If you are looking for a single-herb product focused on the liver, Toksikliyn is the simplest choice. You will learn more about the plant in the article Milk thistle – troublesome weed or useful plant.

#How to choose

If you prefer a blend of dandelion, walnut husks and cat's foot, choose Prechistvashta. If your focus is the liver and digestion, Antitoksin combines two classic herbs. And if you prefer a single herb, Toksikliyn is a single-ingredient milk thistle product. There is no need to take all three at the same time – choose one product and take it for a set period.

#How to take tinctures

Tinctures are taken diluted in a glass of water, according to the product instructions. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose, and combine taking them with the changes to diet and lifestyle described above.

#Safety

• Tinctures contain alcohol – they are water-alcohol extracts (about 20% alcohol) and each dose contains a small amount of alcohol, so they are unsuitable for people who must avoid it, including those with liver diseases in which alcohol is forbidden.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – these tinctures are not recommended during these periods.
• Allergies – milk thistle and dandelion belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae); if you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, yarrow or other related plants, be careful. Prechistvashta contains green walnut husks – do not take it if you have a nut allergy.
• Bile – dandelion is traditionally associated with the flow of bile; if you have gallstones or a disease of the bile ducts, do not take products containing dandelion without consulting a doctor.
• Heart – Prechistvashta contains cat's foot, which should not be taken if you have cardiovascular disease.
• Medicines – herbs that support the liver can interact with certain medicines. If you are on long-term treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Children. Do not give tinctures to children without advice from a paediatrician; many products are not intended for people under 18. Antitoksin and Toksikliyn are not intended for people under 18.

#When to see a doctor

Tiredness and the feeling of "built-up toxins" sometimes have a specific cause. See a doctor if:

• your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow;
• your urine is unusually dark or your stools are pale;
• you have pain or heaviness under the right side of your ribcage;
• you feel constantly tired, are losing weight for no reason or have no appetite;
• you have a known liver or kidney disease and want to add herbs.

Simple blood tests can show how well your liver and kidneys are working – a far more reliable guide than any detox test.

#Everyday care, not a regime

Real care for the liver is not a regime lasting a few days but everyday care: water, fibre, less alcohol, exercise and sleep. The liver and kidneys do the main work, and herbs such as dandelion and milk thistle can traditionally support them. Choose one product, follow the instructions and do not hesitate to see a doctor when your body sends you signals.