As summer begins to wind down, it’s a good time to start preparing for a fall reset. In traditional herbalism, spring and fall are considered ideal seasons for gentle cleansing and supporting the body’s natural elimination processes.
Keep reading to learn about traditional herbs used to support the liver, digestion, and healthy elimination, what current research says about them, and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.
Key Takeaways
✔ Spring and fall are traditionally considered ideal seasons for supporting the body’s natural cleansing and elimination processes
✔ Dandelion root is traditionally used to support healthy liver, bile, and digestive function
✔ Milk thistle is valued for supporting normal liver function and protecting against free-radical activity
✔ Red clover has a long history of use as an alterative for healthy cleansing, lymphatic function, and skin support
✔ Our herbal teas and capsules offer convenient ways to incorporate these traditional cleansing herbs into a fall routine
Prepare for a Fall Cleanse with These Traditional Herbs
Here are just a few of the most potent, traditional herbs used to encourage the body’s natural detoxification process.
Dandelion Root
According to the Cleveland Clinic's guide to dandelion tea, this root has a detoxifying effect on the liver and may help clear skin and improve digestion. It may even help with liver, bile, and digestive function.
On top of this, the Cleveland Clinic notes that dandelion root is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (which are anti-inflammatory) and may help with blood pressure and blood sugar management.
A 2022 review of dandelion and digestive health found that dandelion root had gastrointestinal-protective effects and even “exhibits pharmacological effects against GI disorders.” Another study on dandelion root and liver health found that dandelion root had a protective effect on the liver, which is one of the key organs in your body’s natural detox process.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is traditionally used to protect the liver, among other things, and modern research backs this up!
A 2021 study of milk thistle and liver markers found that milk thistle supplements support healthy liver function and liver enzyme levels. Researchers believe milk thistle works by protecting the liver from damage caused by free radicals (which the liver produces when it metabolizes toxic substances). This same study noted a beneficial decrease in blood triglyceride levels as well, without a difference in the patient’s diet or exercise.
A comprehensive review of studies on patients with type 2 diabetes found that silymarin (the powerhouse ingredient in milk thistle) has beneficial effects on the liver and supports overall health in this population. Silymarin is also rich in antioxidants, making it a good choice for fighting inflammation and promoting detoxification.
Milk thistle has been the subject of many studies on its liver-protective effects, making it an ideal choice for a detox if you’re looking to target liver health.
Red Clover
Instead of targeting the liver, red clover is traditionally used by herbalists as an alterative—a type of herb used to support the body’s natural cleansing and elimination processes. It has a particularly long history of use for blood and skin support and is widely considered by herbalists to be one of the best options, with recent research highlighting some interesting benefits.
A review of red clover research found that red clover may be effective at lowering blood glucose and has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, even helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Plus, its flavonoids and other plant compounds are shown to be anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants, which support overall wellness and liver health.
Similarly, a 2024 study of red clover reported that red clover has blood-purifying, calming, and expectorant properties (which help your body clear mucus from your airways more effectively). The same study notes that red clover has significant antibacterial activity and antioxidant content, and contains flavonoids and other components that neutralize free radicals in the body, helping the liver.
All in all, red clover is widely used for blood cleansing. However, research suggests it may benefit the liver and overall health by boosting antioxidant levels and potentially fighting harmful bacteria.
Detox Teas
- Deceleration Tea: The perfect tea blend for a deep, energizing cleanse of your body’s systems. This tea contains red clover, buchu leaf, chaparral leaf, and other beneficial herbs and oils to give your body an alkalizing boost as it cleanses itself during your fall detox.
- Sweet Liver Tea: Looking to support your liver? Our Sweet Liver Tea is genuinely satisfying and delicious with a sweet, spicy, and warming flavor that encourages your liver to cleanse itself and promotes better circulation.
- All Seasons Cleanse Tea: Featuring red clover, dandelion leaf, buckthorn, and milk thistle, this detoxifying powerhouse promotes overall well-being during any season. It’s also mineral-rich!
- Lymphatic Cleanser Tea: This fragrant tea features traditional herbs used by herbalists for centuries to cleanse and support the lymphatic system, including cleavers, red clover, and calendula petals. We love this tea to gently jumpstart the lymphatic system, so it can naturally support your body’s detoxification and wellness. Want to learn more? Explore our guide to three supportive herbs for the lymphatic system.
Detox Capsules
- Dandelion Root Capsules: For a digestive cleanse, try our Dandelion Root Capsules. Herbalists have traditionally used dandelion root to stimulate the digestive system’s activity. This root may help cleanse the body and support healthier liver and bile function.
- Liver Tonic Capsules: This capsule blend combines many of the most potent herbs traditionally used to support liver health, both as a potential preventive and to support those struggling with liver problems. It contains milk thistle, schisandra, Oregon grape root and dandelion root for a balanced base that supports healthy liver function and natural detoxification.
- Liver Clear Capsules: These supportive liver capsules contain milk thistle and dandelion root, and are paired with nettle leaf, burdock root, and wild yam for added support for blood cleansing. If you’re looking for an all-in-one capsule to support the liver’s natural detox and a blood cleanse, these are one of our top recommendations.
- Red Clover Capsules: Red clover has traditionally been used by herbalists as an alterative to support the body’s natural cleansing processes, healthy skin, and normal lymphatic function.
- Milk Thistle Capsules: For free radical scavenging, milk thistle is an excellent choice. Milk thistle is known to support healthy liver function, cleansing, and support after exposure to toxins, which often produce free radicals as byproducts.
We hope this article inspires you to prepare for a gentle fall cleanse. By supporting healthy liver, digestive, lymphatic, and elimination processes, you can help your body transition into the fall season feeling refreshed and renewed.
Well Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah
 |
Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness. |
*The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use.