Emunctories in naturopathy: what are they, what are they used for and how to take care of them? When you go to see a naturopath, he talks about emunctories. But what is it? What are they for? How to take care of it? Zoom on these key organs of natural health.

The emunctories, your gateways to elimination

There are 6 emunctories: 

• the liver
• the intestines
• the kidneys
• the lungs
• the skin
• the uterus

They are outlet gates that allow your body to eliminate all toxins. Thus, metabolic waste from cellular degradation, but also additives, preservatives, colorants, petrochemical molecules, heavy metals, etc... pass through these different organs to maintain homeostasis, in other words: internal balance. 

According to naturopathy, you produce 2 types of waste: glues and crystals.

The colloidal waste if produced in too large numbers cause "wet" and "sticky" problems: colds, wet coughs, mucus, leucorrhea, diarrhea, acne, purulent eczema

The crystals are the result of a diet with too much nitrogen and too much acid. The crystalloidal problems are of the inflammatory and dry type: gout attack, dry eczema, arthritis, psoriasis...

Example: If you suffer fromacneapplying creams will not be enough. You have to go and "probe" the liver (primary emunctory for the removal of glues) to see if it purges properly. Generally, you realize that it is tired because it is overworked (unhealthy lifestyle and diet). As a result, the waste will have to be evacuated by a secondary emunctory: the lungs or the skin. In the case of this acne, it is the skin that takes over: the toxins come out with the sebum. 

Distribution of the emunctories according to the waste to be eliminated

Among your 6 emunctories, some are better able to eliminate this type of waste. 

• The liver-intestines coupling is the main emunctory for eliminating "glues" with bile. This is followed by the lungs and the skin (which is a mixed emunctory). These last two are secondary emunctories and will only be solicited if the liver is tired by too many solicitations.

• The kidneys are the primary emunctory for removing "crystal" waste via urine. If this one is over-used, your naturopath will invite you to stimulate the skin which is, as mentioned above, a mixed emunctory. 

• The uterus (and vagina) is a special case. It is at the same time a cyclic emunctory self-cleaning during menstruation but also an exit door for the glues via leucorrhoea.

How to take care of your emunctories

Under normal circumstances, with a healthy and adapted lifestyle, these emunctories function perfectly, responding to the principle of self-healing. 

However, in order to keep them in good condition, it is recommended that you:

• To have a hypotoxic, organic or garden food
• Prefer fresh, raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables 
• Limit red meat and all stimulants
• To avoid any form of excess  
• Keep yourself well hydrated between meals
• To fast or follow a monodiet from time to time
• To practice a physical activity

Moreover, industrial dishes and cosmetics with dubious compositions should be banned. 

The importance of sports for responsive emunctories

The sport contributes to your physical and mental health. Having physical activity is important to stimulate intra- and extra-cellular exchanges. It also helps to open the skin, lung, liver and intestinal emunctories respectively through sweating, breathing and abdominal muscle movements. Sport is truly an ally of your emunctories!

The role of the naturopath.

If one of your emunctories is tired, one of the same family will take over. That's why you should consult a naturopath if you want to start a detox. It will know direct the elimination according to the quality of your emunctories and the predominant waste. A detox must be accompanied and personalized for it to be effective. 

Herbal medicine for your emunctories

On a daily basis, you can support the action of your emunctories with plants. Here are a few to put on your plate or take as an infusion. 

• Liver: black radish, artichoke, rosemary, thistle, chicory, boldo
• Intestine: psyllium, senna, fennel, cumin, flaxseed
• Lung : thyme, eucalyptus, pine, plantain, white broth
• Skin: Burdock, milk thistle, borage, wild pansy, 
• Kidney: dandelion, cherry stem, lime sapwood, onion, leek, asparagus
• Uterus: yarrow, raspberry 

Now you know one of the most important principles of naturopathy, which is the support of the body in its self-healing power!