Blood cleansing herbs have been used throughout time and cultures to support healthy blood and normal detoxification.*

Although the herbs vary by culture, many share specific properties such as a bitter and astringent flavor, a noticeable cooling or heating sensation, and a laxative effect.*

In Ayurveda, blood-cleansing herbs are recommended to support normal liver, kidney, cardiovascular, digestive, and skin health, as well as to balance feelings of anger, calm a hot temper, and support mood.*

Here, we’ll explore some of Ayurveda’s most traditional and cherished blood-cleansing herbs and how to use them for better health and a positive outlook.*

How To Support Blood Detox?  

There are many ways to support blood detox, including drinking enough water, eating plenty of green vegetables and fiber, breathing deeply, reducing stress, and moving regularly.

Vedics and other traditional herbalists also emphasize supporting the heavy lifters of blood purification: the kidneys and liver.

In addition to their many functions, including controlling blood pressure, storing and neutralizing toxins, and aiding digestion, these two hard-working organs filter around 300 gallons of blood per day, making them the body’s primary blood-cleansing organs.

In Ayurveda, supporting these organs is achieved by practicing a healthy, dosha-specific lifestyle, often including incorporating blood-cleansing herbs and functional foods.

What Is The Best Herbal Blood Cleanser? 

There are many different herbs traditionally used as blood cleansers.

In Ayurveda specifically, they fall into different categories, including:

• The Purifiers: Help clear heat and toxins
• The Igniters: Support the movement of blood and digest cellular waste
• The Organ Supporters: Provide nourishment and support for kidney flushing and hard-working liver cells
• The Builder and Replenishers: Supports blood quality and vessel function and protection
• The Exit Facilitators: Keep the colon clear, allowing toxins to exit the body efficiently

Herbs from these categories are recommended based on various factors, including dosha, your health goals and concerns, lifestyle, and other herbs or medicines you’re taking.

Ready to meet some of Ayurveda’s best blood cleansers? Let’s unpack them now.

Top 10 Blood Cleansing Herbs

These herbs have diverse properties and functions, including offering kidney, liver, skin, digestive, and overall detoxification support.*

Some you may recognize, some will be new, and others you’ll recognize but may not have realized were blood cleansers.

The Purifiers

These purifying herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda to clear heat and toxins, while offering organ-specific support.

1. Neem

Also known as “the life-giving tree” and best-known for its beauty and oral care benefits, this bitter, cooling, multifunctional plant is considered the all-star detoxifier and heat-clearing ally of the blood.*

2. Guduchi

Often referred to as the nectar of the Gods, Guduchi is one of Ayurveda’s most versatile herbs for metabolic, immune, nervous system, and reproductive support.*

It’s also highly recommended for supporting liver cell function and detoxification, joint detoxification, skin health, and optimizing overall blood cleansing.*

Like Neem, it has bitter and astringent properties, making it a cooling herb.

3. Katuki

This “bitter root”, also known as Picrorhiza root, is well-known in Ayurveda for supporting liver and kidney function.* Research supports this traditional use, suggesting Katuki may offer hepato (liver)-protective and detoxifying benefits.*

You can find Katuki (listed as Picrorhiza root) in Organic India’s Tulsi Cleanse Tea and our Liver Kidney capsules.

The Igniters

These are the warming, heat-inducing herbs that help support circulation, move blood, and aid digestion of cellular waste.*

They’re also well-known for their benefits in managing minor pain, supporting joint health, and supporting immune and digestive function.*

4. Turmeric

Celebrated for its beautiful golden color and multifaceted benefits, Turmeric is a well-known liver tonic in Ayurveda.* Research also suggests it may support various aspects of kidney function, skin health, and liver detoxification.*

5. Ginger 

Best-known for its effects on digestion, nausea, and immune function,* Ginger is also prized for its blood-moving (aka circulation-supportive) and cellular-support properties.*

This is supported by modern research, suggesting Ginger may help support various facets of normal cardiovascular function, as well as providing liver and kidney protection.*

The Organ Supporters

These herbs provide targeted and reliable support for liver cells and normal kidney flushing.

6. Bhumyamalaki

Considered Ayurveda’s “stone breaker”, Bhumyamalaki or Phyllanthus niruri, provides dual-action support by supporting normal flushing of the kidneys, digestion, protein synthesis, and liver function.*

7. Punarnava

Like Bhumyamalaki, Punarnava may benefit the liver and kidneys by acting as a diuretic, supporting flushing, while simultaneously supporting normal liver detoxification and providing hepato-protective effects.*

8. The Builder & Replenisher

There is no greater all-around builder and replenisher for the entire body and detoxification organs than Amla. 

Also known as Indian Gooseberry, Amla is a powerful Rasayana (rejuvenator) shown to support blood quality, vessel protection, circulation, liver function, elimination, and overall cardiovascular and vascular function.*

It may be recommended as a stand-alone herb, or in Triphala, the “three fruits” formula with Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, for additional digestive support.*

The Exit Route

Clean blood and a clean inner ecosystem rely on effective elimination, which is where these colon-clearing herbs come in.

9. Haritaki

Known as “the king of herbs”, tridoshic Haritaki has gentle laxative and digestive-rejuvenating properties, making it a popular addition to blood-cleansing strategies.*

10. Bibhitaki 

Like Haritaki, Bibhitaki is tridoshic (supports all three doshas), bitter, and sour.* It’s used extensively in Ayurveda to support elimination, digestion, and skin health, and as an expectorant.*

These herbs may be recommended individually or collectively in the Triphala formula.

Why Organic Blood Cleansing Herbs Are A Must

Organic herbs are non-negotiable for effective and efficient blood cleansing.

That’s because they’re free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other agricultural chemicals that may negatively impact the blood and overall health. In this case, you truly get back what you put in.

At Organic India, our herbs are grown organically and regeneratively in their native habitats, handpicked on small family farms, sun- or shade-dried, delicately milled, and formulated by Ayurvedic practitioners for efficacy and quality. 

Some of our most popular blood cleansing formulas include:

• Liver Kidney: A dual-support formula with harmonious Punarnava root, Katuki, and Bhumyamalaki for full-spectrum organ support. *
• Tulsi Cleanse: Spicy, bitter, and warming herbs like Organic Phyllanthus, Katuki, Ginger*, Andrographis, and Tulsi combine to offer a gentle tea ritual that supports normal cleansing of the blood and organs.*
• Triphala: The trifecta of full-body cleansing and rejuvenating support, with Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki.*

FAQ: Blood Cleansing Herbs  

Q: What is the fastest way to cleanse your blood? 

A: Everyone is different, so check with your Ayurvedic or herbalism-trained practitioner for individual recommendations. In general, the fastest way to cleanse your blood is to adopt a healthy lifestyle by drinking enough water, eating real foods with plenty of produce, reducing stress, exercising, and taking the right blood-cleansing herbs at the right dose.

Q: Why is it important to cleanse the blood? 

A: In Ayurveda, blood cleansing is considered essential for promoting overall detoxification, liver, kidney, urinary, heart, and digestive health, and balance of body and mind.

By cleansing the blood, a practice known as rakta shodhana, in Ayurveda, we help remove harmful environmental, food, and even inherited toxins, thereby supporting nutrient transport, cardiovascular function, and the body’s natural detoxification organs and systems.

Q: What are signs your body is full of toxins? 

A: According to Ayurvedic principles, any issues with skin health, mood, digestion, nutrient status, sleep, excess heat, fatigue, reproductive challenges, or lethargy suggest it may be time to consider blood cleansing.

Q: What herbs are best to clean your blood? 

A: Talk to a doctor or practitioner trained in Ayurvedic herbs for individual recommendations.

The herbs mentioned in this article provide a general starting point for consideration, but are not a substitute for advice from a trained Ayurvedic practitioner.