DETOX, DETOX, DETOX!! Such a buzz word these days! I am sure that there are
probably at least a few of you that have taken part in a ‘detox’ program over the years…or
maybe you have just contemplated it! When I first started studying Naturopathy more than
twenty five years ago, I became absolutely fascinated by the concept of detoxification. Many
conventional doctors say that a detox program is not necessary as the body is self cleansing.
However, while this is true, the body was never designed to cope with such an onslaught of
chemicals that we find in our environment today. Therefore, periodic cleansing can assist the
body to do its job of cleansing and rebalancing more effectively and I believe this is necessary
for anyone regardless of current health. I know for myself that I have always reaped the
rewards of completing any detox regime.
This is as much true for our dogs as it is for us, and in fact, probably more so given the size
and metabolism of our furry friends. Dogs are exposed to a great number of toxins coming
from a wide variety of sources. Processed foods, chemicals in non organic animal products,
tap water, household cleaning products, weed killers and other insecticides, chemical
parasite preparations, vaccinations, drugs, smoke, car exhaust…….the list goes on!!
Overtime, these toxins can build up in your dog’s body and start to overwhelm the normal
elimination channels. This can lead a range of health issues from small ‘niggly’ problems to
more serious and life threatening diseases including cancers.
Take a look at your dog’s environment and see if you are doing all you can to reduce this
toxic load. Consider:
*Feeding an organic raw diet
*Offer filtered water
*Swap chemical cleaning and other household chemical products for natural alternatives
*reduce or avoid unnecessary vaccinations
*Use natural alternatives to flea/tick and worming treatment where possible
* Avoid unnecessary medications
*Support elimination channels in the body by doing periodic cleansing
In addition to improving your dog’s living environment, a detox program can really assist the
body to shift out this build up of toxicity and in light of this I decided to put together a
general herbal detoxification formula that could be taken by the majority of dogs without the
need for strict supervision. Of course if your dog is going through a chronic or serious
condition you are best to discuss this with both myself and your vet before commencing any
natural regime. In this formula, I have used herbs that target the major elimination channels
and have included some flower essences too as these can help shift out ‘emotional toxins’.
Grapefruit essential oil has also been added in a MINUTE quantity to further assist the
flushing of toxins. While many of you may be alarmed at the thought of giving your dog
essential oils internally, they are an excellent and safe way to improve your dog’s internal
health when used correctly and at appropriate doses. Of course, it is important to use only
high therapeutic grade oils.
Some of the herbs in my HERBAL BODY DETOX formula include:
*DANDELION ROOT AND LEAF: A great herb for detoxification, the root is particularly
effective for treating build up of toxins in the liver by helping to remove waste products and
for aiding a sluggish or congested liver. The root has the ability to increase bile production in
the liver and bile release from the gallbladder; this ensures fats and cholesterol are broken
down and removed from the body more efficiently, which improves the digestive process.
Dandelion root is also a mild laxative which helps to soften stool, which takes pressure of the
intestine’s muscles in moving stool out of the body.
Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic and increase the amount of urine produced by the body,
supporting kidney function. Dandelion leaves are also used to stimulate the appetite and
aid digestion.
*MARSHMALLOW ROOT has a high mucilaginous content which helps to soothe an
irritated digestive tract (basically it puts a soothing ‘coating’ on the digestive mucosa) and
provides moisture to dry tissues which aids in the elimination of wastes.
*RED CLOVER is considered to be a powerful alterative, meaning that it’s a remedy that
restores good health. Well known for its ability to cleanse and purify the blood, red clover is
known to help prevent and treat skin inflammations, dermatitis, rashes etc
*YELLOW DOCK ROOT has been thought to be a blood purifier and general detoxifier,
especially for the liver. Yellow dock supports detoxification by stimulating bile production,
which helps digestion, particularly of fats. Yellow dock root can also stimulate a bowel
movement to help remove lingering waste from the intestinal tract and it also increases the
frequency of urination to assist in toxin elimination.
*LICORICE ROOT is an excellent detox herb which can help cleanse the body’s system
while simultaneously strengthening the liver and kidneys. Licorice root is good for
stimulating the digestive system and can also clear out phlegm from the throat and lungs as a
result of its expectorant capabilities. It also supports overwhelmed and stressed adrenal
glands which in turn, improves the immune response
*ALFALFA is high in chlorophyll, vitamin C, B1, B2 K and other nutrients and it helps to
detoxify the system. It can assist the detoxification process as well as digestive discomfort
due to its high enzyme levels. It has been shown to help clean blood passageways.
This formula comes in a fluid extract with drops being added to food twice daily. As I
mentioned above it is a general formula, assisting the major elimination channels to cleanse
and rebalance. I will often prescribe this for a period of up to 8 weeks but for general
purposes, I usually recommend giving it to your dog for a period of four weeks at a time. This
can be repeated six monthly (or even more often) for best long term results. Each mixture
has a two year use-by date so will last well when kept in a cool dark place.
This mixture can be easily given into food and is well tolerated by dogs. Usually I
recommend giving for FOUR weeks twice yearly but it can be given more frequently if
desired.
NB: In addition to this I make up a wide variety of other herbal mixtures in tincture (liquid)
form including:
STRESS/ANXIETY: Useful for all forms of stress and anxiety, adrenal
exhaustion, phobias etc. Can be taken with most conventional medications
including antidepressants but please always check this first with myself and/or
your vet.
IMMUNE SUPPORT: Useful to support the immune system where there is
either over- or underactivity or the immune system. Especially beneficial where
there has been long standing illness and/or post viral fatigue
DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Helpful for all digestive issues but particularly IBD, IBS,
chronic diarrhoea, flatulence and bad breath etc
ANTI-INFLAM MIX: Beneficial for all joint problems including arthritis, hip
dysplasia, cruciate problem, strains etc
Prices:
50ml $38
100ml $55
200ml $75
Prices do not include postage
All mixtures are safe to be given over extended periods and there are generally no
contraindications with other medications although this always need to be checked prior to
commencing.
AS WITH THE FLEA, TICK AND WORMING HERBAL PRODUCTS, IF YOU WOULD LIKE
FURTHER INFORMATION OR WISH TO ORDER PLEASE EMAIL ME AT:
lyndall.pinchen@gmail.com
PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY CREDIT CARD OVER THE PHONE OR BY EFT INTO OUR
NOMINATED ACCOUNT.