Here’s some more herbal detox supplements, or at least the herbs that you’ll find in them, and how they can have a positive impact on your health and well being. You can use these on a regular basis, or simply take a herbal detox supplement when you decide to detox your body.

Buchu

The leaves of this aromatic herb are. diuretic and stimulate kidney cells to flush toxins from your body more quickly. Buchu has antibacterial properties that combat urinary tract infections and it helps to prevent kidney stones. This herb isn’t found in many herbal detox supplements, but you can buy buchu leaves with which to make a tea from most good health food shops, or buy ready-made teabags. You can also buy buchu tincture. Try this if you don’t urinate very often or you have a history of urinary tract infections, to make sure that your kidneys function effectively during a healthy detox.

Dandelion

If you have a sluggish digestion and are prone to constipation, this should be your detox herb of choice. It stimulates the liver to increase the flow of bile and has a gentle laxative action. It is also good for addressing hormone imbalances that are caused by estrogen dominance, with symptoms such as cyclical breast pain in women. Dandelion is found in most herbal detox supplements, or if you want a stronger dose, drink three cups of dandelion tea or coffee a day or buy standardized 500mg extracts or tincture.

Ashwaganda

This is the herbal detox supplement for you if you have a high-stress lifestyle. Studies suggest that it prevents the depletion of vitamin C and cortisol during periods of stress, reduces anxiety and promotes refreshing sleep. It boosts immunity and energy levels and can act as an aphrodisiac, counteracting impotence in men. Take two 250mg capsules a day or mix dried root powder with some boiling water and honey.

Schisandra

If you have to take prescription drugs, work with toxic chemicals or have a problem with alcohol abuse, this can protect the liver and speed toxin removal from the body. The berries are the detoxification agent and can be taken as a tea or in extracts of 300mg. It might be worth taking schisandra preventively before painting your house or adding fertilizer to the garden, to raise your resistance to the toxins you’ll be exposed to.

Panax ginseng

For those with a history of smoking, heavy drinking or taking street, OTC or prescription drugs, ginseng is a powerful detox herb that can be used to protect the body from cancers and reduce the damage caused by long-term exposure to the toxins in these substances. Don’t take it if you have high blood pressure. You are advised to take ginseng for two weeks on, two weeks off. Choose a standardized product with no less than 5 per cent ginsenosides and start with around 600mg a day. Alternatively, boil 1 teaspoon of dried root for 10-20 minutes to make a tea, or take 20 drops root tincture.

Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe vera juice, found in good health food shops, is a powerful herbal detox tool for rectifying intestinal problems like bloating, flatulence, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Start with a small (50ml) daily dose or follow the guidelines on the product. Some people find the laxative effect of pure juice too powerful, you can also buy aloe vera tablets; one brand is sold under the label ‘Colon Cleanse’.