1. HERBS FOR ELIMINATING TOXINS An exploration of the applications, benefits and popular herbs that are found in the diaphoretic herbal category. By Jackie Christensen, MS, HHP, MH, NC

2. INTRODUCTION TO DIAPHORETIC HERBS  Herbs that belong in this category are generally ones that promote perspiration, therefore they help the body eliminate waste through the skin.  They are often referred to as surface relieving herbs because they push toxins to the surface of the skin.  These herbs improve circulation in the peripheral parts of the body by dilating capillaries.  Diaphoretic herbs are commonly used to treat acute symptoms of colds and flus.  They commonly have a pungent or spicy flavor.  Externally can be used as a warm compress for skin imbalances.

3. THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS  Promote perspiration.  Relieve sore joints and muscle tension.  Lower fever.  Encourage the eruption and healing of skin imbalances.  Relieve headaches that are due to congestion.  Disperse fluids to relieve swelling and edema.  Cleanse the blood.  Remove foul mucus conditions from the entire body.

4. VOLATILE OILS  The active constituents in diaphoretics are generally found in the volatile oils.  If ingested as a warm infusion or tea the volatile oils will be released through the pores of the skin.  If ingested as a cold infusion the volatile oils will be released through the urine.

5. VOLATILE OILS CONT.  Volatile oils give plants a pungent smell which it uses to protect itself from pathogens.  Volatile oils help the human body expel toxins.  Volatile oils should not be boiled for long periods of time because they will evaporate.

6. DIAPHORETIC HERBS IN SWEAT THERAPY  Diaphoretic herbs have a long history of use in sweat therapy.  Sweat therapy has been used by may cultures to alleviate acute symptoms.  One popular way to participate in sweat therapy is to lie in a warm bed or bundle up in layers of clothes and drink diaphoretic hot infusions to induce sweating for about 20 minutes.

7. USES FOR DIAPHORETICS  Expelling superficial colds and flues.  Reduce swelling and edema.  Removing blood stagnation.  Ameliorating skin imbalances.  Relieving sore muscles.  Eliminating aches and pains.  Reducing fevers.

8. COMMON IMBALANCES WHEN DIAPHORETICS ARE USED  Fevers, eruptive diseases (measles, chicken pox, smallpox, etc.), hemorrhage of the lungs and bowels, dyspepsia, jaundice, piles, mucoid bladder discharges, incontinence of urine, chronic dysentery, typhoid fever, diarrhea (including infants), uterine problems (amenorrhea, menorrhagia, leucorrhea), suppressed urine, scanty urine, wounds, ulcers, colic, diabetes, Bright's disease, stomach gas, piles, relaxed throat, sore nipples, rheumatism, flatulency, fistulas, influenza (flu), congestive headaches, loss of hair.

9. TWO CATEGORIES OF DIAPHORETIC HERBS 1.Warming Diaphoretic or Warming Surfacing Relieving Agents  Stimulate the peripheral sensory nervous system, which relaxes and dilates capillaries and vessels on the surface of the body.  Promote sweating by increasing circulation.  Used to relieve symptoms such as mild fever, chills, lack of sweating, body aches, and stiff neck.

10. TWO CATEGORIES OF DIAPHORETIC HERBS 2. Cooling Diaphoretics or Cool-Surface Relieving Agents  Primary action is to relax the surface of the skin to open the pores of the skin and induce sweating.  They enter the body through the bloodstream and are excreted through the sweat glands.  Expels toxins through sweat.  Help detoxify the liver.  Used to relieve symptoms such as high fever with chills, thirst, headache, sore throat, yellow phlegm, rashes.

11. DIAPHORETICS IN AYURVEDA  Generally used to reduce kapha, such as large amounts of mucus and other symptoms associated with the common cold.  Warming diaphoretics are also believed to reduce vata or wind.  Cooling diaphoretics are also believed to reduce pitta or heat.

12. CONTRAINDICATIONS  Diaphoretics should not be used with cathartics because it could cause the body to lose too much fluids.  Those who are weak and have signs of physical deterioration should also avoid diaphoretics.  People who are experiencing a high fever should also avoid diaphoretics.  Those with a low metabolism should also avoid diaphoretics.

13. WARMING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 1.Cinnamon Part Used: bark Actions: stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, alterative, expectorant, diuretic, analgesic Indications: colds, sinus congestion, bronchitis, dyspepsia Cinnamon is good promoting circulation, and beneficial for those with a weak constitution. Good for pain relief and muscle tension.

14. WARMING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 2. Ginger Part Used: rhizome Actions: stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, antiemetic, analgesic Indications: colds, flus, indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, inflammatory skin diseases. Dry ginger is considered to be hotter than fresh ginger. Which makes it better for stimulation and expelling pathogens.

15. WARMING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 3. Cardamom Part Used: seed Actions: stimulant, expectorant, carminative, stomachic, diaphoretic Indications: colds, coughs, bronchitis, indigestion, loss of voice. Cardamom is a safe digestive tonic, removes stagnation from the lungs and stomach.

16. WARMING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 4. Juniper berries Part Used: berries Actions: diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, carminative, analgesic, disinfectant, bactericidal Indications: edema, arthritis, rheumatism, swollen joints, weak immune system Juniper berries are a great diuretic and can help relieve excess fluids and improve digestion. It is often used with demulcents.

17. WARMING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 5. Eucalyptus Part Used: leaves Actions: expectorant, stimulant, diaphoretic, rubefacient, antiseptic Indications: respiratory issues, coughs, arthritic pains, and as an antiseptic Eucalyptus is native to Australia and contains many volatile oils used in herbal medicine.

18. COOLING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 1.Peppermint Part Used: leaf Actions: diaphoretic, digestive, antipyretic, analgesic, carminative Indications: Nausea, indigestion, motion sickness, stomach pain. Peppermint has a mild anesthetic action on the intestine so it is very useful for digestive upset and disturbances. Combines well with ginger and is good for colds, fever and flu.

19. COOLING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 2. Chrysanthemum flowers Part Used: flowers Actions: antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive Indications: good for clearing heat, commonly used for the common cold, fever. Great herb to use when there is a fever accompanied with a headache.

20. COOLING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 3. Catnip Part Used: leaves Actions: diaphoretic, sedative, nervine, carminative, antispasmodic Indications: insomnia, colds, fevers, diarrhea Catnip is great for insomnia due to its sedative effects on the nervous system. Similar to peppermint, but has more sedative qualities.

21. COOLING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 4. Horsetail Part used: aerial Actions: diaphoretic, diuretic, alterative, hemostatic, anti- inflammatory Indications: edema, generally aids in detoxification, promotes urination. Due to the silica content it also helps to heal bones.

22. COOLING DIAPHORETIC HERBS 5. Black cohosh Part Used: root Actions: diaphoretic, antipyretic, antifungal, antibacterial Indications: Helps regulate circulation, relieves pain and headaches. Can be used for skin imbalances. Black cohosh is helpful for all types of nervous conditions and commonly used to relieve menstrual pains.

23. REFERENCES  Christopher, J. (2009). School of Natural Healing. (14th ed.). Springville, UT: Christopher Publications.  Frawley, D., & Lad, V. (1988). The Yoga of Herbs: An ayurvedic guide to herbal medicine. (2nd ed.). Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.  Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Chinese Herbs. New York, NY: Pocket Book.  Tierra, M. (1988). Planetary Herbology. (1st ed.). Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.  Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. (1st ed.). New York, New York: Pocket Book.