Depurative And Purifying Herbs :Detoxification



Depurative herbs help cleanse waste products and toxins from our body, and are a staple of traditional herbal medicine. Depurative herbs work by supporting the natural cleansing functions of the kidneys and liver; and also increase tissue blood flow and lymph drainage. They also seem to function as general, nonspecific "blood purifiers and cleansers". Diaphoretic herbs that induce perspiration and sweating can also be classified as depurative. By lessening the toxic load of the body many root causes of disease can be addressed. Sassafras root tea is a good example of a traditional blood tonic in North American folk tradition.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Agrimony Agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria L. : Liverwort, cockleburr, sticklewort
    Herbaceous Perennial : This most famous of the medieval wound herbs is a member of the rose family and like all it's more glamorous relatives is highly astringent. Agrimony is mild enough to use for children and strong enough stop bleeding from cuts and heavy menstruation. Agri...
  • Alfalfa Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. :
    Perennial Plant : Alfalfa is not recommended as primary treatment for any condition, alfalfa is a tonic herb, one that supports health by nourishing the body. Alfalfa is of special interest to women because of its estrogenic activity....
  • Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe vera :
    Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
  • Annatto Seed Annatto Seed, Bixa orellana : achiote, lipstick tree
    Tree : Annatto is widely used in Caribbean and Latin cuisines. Recado rojo or achiote paste is a popular blend of spices from Yucat?n region of Southern Mexico...
  • Asparagus Asparagus, Asparagus spp : Satavari
    Flowering Perennial : There are over 300 species in the asparagus family, many are used medicinally, grown as ornaments or eaten as vegetables, the most well-known species, Asparagus officinalis, commonly referred to as just asparagus....
  • Astragalus root Astragalus root, astragalus membranaceus : Huang qi , yellow leader
    herbaceous perennial : Astragalus is especially useful for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory tract and heart. ...
  • Balm of Gilead Balm of Gilead, Populus spp : Poplar Buds
    Evergreen tree : The dried, unopened buds of the poplar tree are used in ointments and skin treatments to reduce pain and inflammation....
  • Birch bark & leaf Birch bark & leaf , Betula alba : White Birch, Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch
    Deciduous Tree : Teas of the birch bark contain salicylate, the compound found in aspirin. Birch is valued for its detoxifying actions and is used to treat UTIs, skin eruptions, and pain....
  • Boneset Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum : Common Thorough wort, Agueweed, Indian Sage
    : This Native American remedy for colds and fever was adopted by early settlers to America. Only the advent of aspirin displaced boneset as the popular choice for colds and fever....
  • Borage Seed Oil Borage Seed Oil, Borago officinalis :
    Annual herb : Borage seed oil is used both as skin treatment and a dietary supplement. Known for its naturally high GLA content, borage is recommended for use in autoimmune conditions....
  • Burdock root Burdock root, Arctium lappa : Niu Bang Zi, Go Bo, Gobo
    Biennial : Burdock helps to cleanse the body from the inside out and is most useful in those conditions that can be traced back to liver disorders or a general overload of toxins in the system....
  • Butterbur Butterbur, Petasites vulgaris : Langwort, Umbrella Plan
    : Butterbur is thought to work by reducing spasms in muscle tissues, including blood vessels. However, there are concerns about possible liver damage....
  • Calendula Calendula, Calendula officinalis : Pot marigold
    perennial herbaceous plants : Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications. Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and minor wounds....
  • Celandine Celandine, Chelidonium majus : Greater or common celandine
    Biennial Herb : Celandine was used more extensively in the past than it is now, due to concerns about toxicity. Celandine is most often used by modern herbalists for treating gallbladder problems....
  • Celery Seed Celery Seed, Apium graveolens :
    herb : Celery seed helps rid the body of uric acid that often causes pain and inflammation in gout and arthritis. It acts as a natural diuretic and helps to increase circulation....
  • Centaury Centaury, Centaurium erythraea : Erythraea centaurium, bitterherb, centaury gentian
    Annual/Biennial Herb : bitter tonic effect on the digestive system. A gentle laxative, and an excellent remedy for heartburn...
  • Chamomile Chamomile, Matricaria recutita : Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile
    Annual herb : Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
  • Chicory root Chicory root, Cichorium intybus : Succory, Blue Sailors
    perennial herb : Know best as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee, chicory also has been used in traditional medicine as a bitter digestive tonic and a specific treatment for gallstones....
  • Cilantro Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum : Chinese parsley, cilantro
    Annual Herb : The leaves of young cilantro plants, which resemble flat-leaved parsley, are staples in Mexican, Chinese and Thai cooking, as are the roots. ...
  • Cleavers Cleavers, Galium aparine : Clivers, Goose Grass, Catchweed, Sweet Woodruff
    Annual Herb : Herbalists have long regarded cleavers as a valuable lymphatic tonic and diuretic. In essence the lymph system is the body's mechanism to wash tissues of toxins...
  • Coca, cocaine Coca, cocaine, Erythroxylum coca : cocaine
    : Coca leaves have been used as a stimulant by the indigenous people of Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina for centuries; it also has religious and symbolic significance....
  • Coconut oil Coconut oil, Cocos nucifera :
    tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs....
  • Corydalis Corydalis, Corydalis spp : fumewort, Yan Hu So
    perennial herbaceous flowering plant : Corydalis a member of poppy family, and like many Papaverceae Corydalis is an anodyne, a central nervous system depressant, cardiotonic, and sedative. ...
  • Cypress Oil Cypress Oil, Cupressus sempervirens :
    tree : Cypress is best known for it's use in oily and over hydrated skin and is one of the essential oils often recommended for cellulite massage blends, treatment of varicose veins and wounds...
  • Dandelion Root Dandelion Root, Taraxacum officinale : Priest's crown, Swine's Snout
    Perennial Herb : Dandelion root is high in many micro-nutrients including potassium. Dandelion supports the liver and improves digestion and helps to flush toxins from the body. ...
  • Dong Quai Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis : Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui
    Herbaceous perennial : Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings...
  • Echinacea Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia : Purple coneflower
    Herb : There are dozens of dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this complex plant that support disease resistance in several ways...
  • Elderberry Elderberry, Sambucus nigra : Elderberry
    tree : Elderberries are used in syrup for diarrhea, colds and rheumatism. Leaves are used in an ointment that is a folk remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains and hard-to-cure skin irritations...
  • Elm, Slippery Elm, Slippery, Ulmus fulva : Red Elm, Moose Elm, Indian Elm
    Deciduous Tree : In herbal medicine a slippery elm bark powder is considered one of the best possible poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns and reducing pain and inflammation....
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus
    tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain....
  • Fennel Seed Fennel Seed, Foeniculum vulgare : Sweet Fennel, Fenkel
    : Fennel seed is a good herbal remedy for coughs, helps in weight loss, and even tempers the effects of hormonal changes in menopause...
  • Figwort Figwort, Scrophularia nodosa : Carpenter's square
    Herbaceous perennial : Figwort is used in salves and poultices to soothe inflamed skin in cases of psoriasis and eczema, and to heal burns...
  • Fumitory Fumitory, Fumaria officinalis : Earth smoke
    herbaceous annual : Fumitory has traditionally been used as a vermifuge, to treat the skin, as a digestive tonic, and in sclerosis of the liver...
  • Grapefruit Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi :
    Evergreen subtropical tree : Grapefruit increases circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and may help to regulate body weight with regular use. It is also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C....
  • Grindelia Grindelia, Grindelia spp : Gumplant, tarweed, rosinweed
    scrub bush : Gridelia which grows wild in the Western states is better known as a external skin treatment for rashes, burns and insect bites. Gridelia was traditionally used for coughs and asthmatic conditions....
  • Honeysuckle Honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum : jin yin hua, lonicera
    Vine : The sweet smelling backyard shrub has surprising medicinal qualities. Honeysuckle is very soothing to the skin and the infused flower water was once used for nervous headache....
  • Immortelle Oil Immortelle Oil, Helichrysum angustifolium : Everlasting, Strawflower
    flowering plant : Helichrysum is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative properties....
  • Juniper Berries Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis :
    tree : Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems. Juniper detoxifies the system and helps prevent the buildup of uric acid in cases of gout and rheumatoid arthritis....
  • Lady's Mantle Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris : Leontopodium, Stellaria
    Perennial : Lady's Mantle is found both in the wild and in cultivated gardens. It has a time honored traditional use as a woman's healing herb that helps to alleviate painful menstruation...
  • Lemon Lemon, Citrus limonum :
    Fruit Tree : Lemon is used in herbal medicine to help build immunity against colds, influenza, and other viral infections. Lemon has high vitamin C content, antibacterial and astringent properties...
  • Lemongrass Lemongrass, Cymopogon citratus, C.flexuosus : lemongrass
    grass : Lemongrass is a well-known medicinal and culinary herb in the east. In Ayurveda lemongrass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea....
  • Licorice Root Licorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra : Liquorice, Gan-cao
    Perennial herb : Many herbalists regard licorice as a natural alternative to hydrocortisone and it is used in many formulations to activate and increase the effects of other herbs....
  • Lime Oil Lime Oil, Citrus aurantifolia :
    Citrus tree : The lime fruit is antiscorbutic, (high in Vitamin C). The delightful, tangy, citrus aroma of lime essential oil is used in aromatherapy to compliment or substitute for the lemon....
  • Lotus Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera : Indian lotus, sacred lotus
    Perennial dicot : The lotus is one of the worlds most sacred plants and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years....
  • Meadowsweet Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria : Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort, Quaker Lady
    Perennial herb : Meadowsweet is a mild, but effective anti-inflammatory herb used to treat arthritis and other aches and pains. Meadowsweet leaves and flowers contain salicylates, compounds that are converted by the body to aspirin....
  • Milk Thistle Seed Milk Thistle Seed, Silybum marianum L. :
    Perennial Herb : Whole seeds of milk thistle or a tincture made from them are now used in the United States as well as Europe, for both protection and regeneration of the liver. ...
  • Oak Bark Oak Bark, Quercus robur : White Oak
    Deciduous tree : Oak bark is a powerful astringent, and has been used by herbalists for thousands of years. Decoctions of oak bark are used for throat infections, acute diarrhea, and bleeding, and have been studies for use in kidney infections and stones....
  • Oats Oats, Avena sativa L. : Groats. Oatmeal. Oatstraw
    : Oats have always had a reputation as a wholesome, healthy food. The grain is a rich source of complex sugars used by the body. Green oatstraw teas, oatstraw glycerin tincture, and oatmeal poultices and baths...
  • Orange Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp. : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine
    tree : Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
  • Periwinkle Periwinkle, Vinca minor : lesser periwinkle, myrtle
    Shrub : The leaves, and seeds of the periwinkle contain vincamine, a precursor to the chemical vinpocetine, which is used as a medicinally to enhance memory naturally while the mind ages....
  • Pine Pine, Pinus sylvestris : Scots Pine
    : Pine oil is used in aroma lamps to clear congestion and disinfect the air and surfaces. Pine needles can be used to stuff therapeutic pillows and to make balms....
  • Plantain Plantain, Plantago major ,lanceolata L. : Broad-leaved Plantain, Ribwort, narrow leaved plantain, Slan-lus
    Perennial Herb : The macerated fresh plantain leaves are put on bee stings and used for skin irritations, malignant ulcers,and burns, and to stop bleeding in minor cuts....
  • Red Clover Red Clover, Trifolium pratense :
    Perennial Herb : Red Clover of most interest in menopause and in the prevention of breast cancer because of its strong concentration of natural plant estrogen...
  • Rehmannia root Rehmannia root, Rehmannia glutinosa : Chinese Foxglove, Shu Di Huang
    : Rehmannia is a very commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Know as or Di-huang, (earth yellow), prepared rehmannia is used for loss of blood, yin deficiency....
  • Rose Rose, Rosa spp :
    Perennial : Rose petals suitable for medicinal purposes are deeply rose-colored and fragrant....
  • Sage Sage, Salvia officinalis :
    Perennial Woody Herb : Sage is a well-regarded herb for relieving the hot flashes of menopause. Sage is used both as a culinary herb and medicinal herb. Sage essential oil is used sparely...
  • Sarsaparilla Root Sarsaparilla Root, Smilax sarsaparilla : zarzaparrilla
    perennial trailing vine : Sarsaparilla makes a good all round tonic, and the spicy, pleasant smelling root is what gave old fashioned root beer its bite and is the part used medicinally....
  • Sassafras root Sassafras root, Sassafras albidum : Sassafrass, Saloop, ague tree, root beer tree,
    Tree : A cup of sassafras root tea has been a traditional spring tonic in the South for hundreds of years, and was part of the home medicine of the early American colonists...
  • Sheep Sorrel Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella var. vulgaris : Sheep or field sorrel, oseille
    Perennial : Sheep sorrel is used most famously as an ingredient in Essiac formulas, and the herb has a long history of use in folklore...
  • Snakeroot Snakeroot , Aristolochia spp : Virginia snakeroot, birthworts, pipevines or Dutchman's pipes
    evergreen and deciduous woody vines and herbaceous perennials : Snakeroot was used in early America in adjunct to quinine to promote perspiration and break fevers, and treat snakebites. Other Aristolochia spp have been used in TCM. ...
  • Soapwort Soapwort, Saponaria officinalis : Bouncing Bet, Fuller's herb, Sweet William, Bruisewort, Old Maids Pink
    perennial plant, vespertine flower : The common name of this member of the carnation family indicates it's traditional uses in washing. The hormone-like saponins contained in the root produce a lather on contact with water. It has an ancient reputation used both internally and externally for...
  • Speedwell Speedwell, Veronica officinalis : common speedwell ,common gypsyweed, Fluellin, Paul's Betony Groundhele
    Perennial Herb : Speedwell can be used in herbal tea cough remedies as an expectorant, and also has diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic properties....
  • Spikenard Spikenard, Aralia racemosa : Indian Root, Spignet, Fleabane
    rhizomatous herbaceous perennial : Spikenard root has a mild, pleasant licorice like flavor, often used as a substitute for sarsaparilla, though unrelated botanically, Spikenard is a relative of ginseng....
  • Spikenard Spikenard, Aralia racemosa : Indian Root, Spignet, Fleabane
    rhizomatous herbaceous perennial : Spikenard root has a mild, pleasant licorice like flavor, often used as a substitute for sarsaparilla, though unrelated botanically, Spikenard is a relative of ginseng....
  • Stinging Nettle Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica : Nettle, Common Nettle
    herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages...
  • Sweet Woodruff Sweet Woodruff, Galium odoratum : Wild Baby's Breath
    Perennial herb : Sweet woodruff teas are anti-inflammatory, diuretic and gently sedating. ...
  • Thuja oil Thuja oil, Thuja occidentalis : Arborvitae, tree of life, white cedar, yellow cedar, American cedar
    evergreen coniferous tree : Thuja may be used in hot compresses and steam baths to ease rheumatism, arthritis, and achy muscles....
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Turmeric Turmeric, Curcuma longa L. : Curcuma, Indian saffron
    herbaceous perennial plant : Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective in the fight against breast cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis...
  • Violet Leaf Violet Leaf, Viola spp :
    Perennial WildFlower : Violets and pansies have been used medicinally for ages, and are an important part of traditional folk medicine. ...
  • Watercress Watercress, Nasturtium officinale :
    Perennial herb : Watercress is a nutritional culinary food that can also be considered a medicinal plant. Watercress can help reduce the prevalence and duration of colds when included in the diet along with garlic, onions, and cayenne. It is one of the natural food ...
  • White Kidney Bean White Kidney Bean, Phaseolus vulgaris :
    herbaceous annual plant : Many studies have shown that Phaseolus vulgaris reduces the rate at which starchy foods like pasta and bread are converted into sugar....
  • White Peony root White Peony root, Paeonia albiflora : Bai Shao Yao, Peony root, and Chinese Peony
    herbaceous perennial : The white peony is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. Peony root is the part valued in Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as abnormal menses, night sweats, abdominal pain, sores and injuries....
  • Wormwood Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium L. :
    Perennial Herb : Wormwood is used today mainly as a bitter tonic, and in natural pest control. As the name implies, wormwood is a powerful worming agent that has been used for hundreds of years to expel tapeworms, threadworms, and especially roundworms from dogs, cats, hu...
  • Yarrow Yarrow, Achillea millefolium : Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Nosebleed
    Perennial herb : Yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers and bleeding. The chemical makeup of yarrow is complex, containing many active medicinal compounds ...
  • Yellow Dock Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus : Sorrel, curled or narrow dock
    herb : Yellow dock as been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times and is used in traditional medicine as a gentle laxative or mild astringent tonic....