Depurative
<p>Promotes the removal of foul excretions.</p>
<p>Alteratives and depuratives, which are known in traditional folk medicine as blood purifiers, are a very important class of herbs in botanical medicine. These herbs generally act through the lymphatic, glandular and mucous membrane systems, and to a lesser degree through the skin. Their primary action is to favorably alter disordered metabolic and catabolic processes, especially those associated with the breakdown and elimination of metabolic waste. Their related secondary action is to enhance better overall absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Collectively these metabolic and catabolic activities serve to balance and normalize overall physiological chemistry and thereby restore vital health.</p>
<h2>Indications for alteratives/depuratives:</h2>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Skin disease traditionally associated with toxemia or septicemia (e.g. furunculosis, some cases of acne)</li>
<li>Many cases of eczema</li>
<li>Some cases of urticaria</li>
<li>Most other skin diseases (as components of wider acting prescriptions)</li>
</ul>
<p>Other traditional indications for depuratives:</p>
<ul>
<li>Joint diseases</li>
<li>Connective tissue diseases</li>
<li>Any wider detoxification regime (e.g. spring fasts)</li>
</ul>