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
 INTRODUCTION TO
D I A P H O R E T I C 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 C O M M O N I M BA L A N C E S W H E N
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.
 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.
 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.
 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.

 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.