Alteratives

Alterative is a slippery term in herbalism. Here is a running list of definitions from different herbalists:

• Kat Maier: "Alteratives... enhance the elimination of waste through natural metabolic processes, including those of the lymphatic, digestive, hepatic, and renal systems."
  • Elaboration: "Clearing the waste material is about keeping our waters moving. When backup occurs in the body's detoxification processes over a period of time, our endocrine system struggles. The body's hormonal messaging systems depend on healthy blood flow to carry those messages and communicate the body's needs. When the blood is thick with excess debris of platelets and plaque buildup (ama in Ayurveda), these communication systems are challenged." – Kat Maier, Energetic Herbalism, p. 234-235

Cautions:

Alteratives often cause symptoms to get worse before they get better. This is because alteratives support the process of escorting and clearing metabolic waste from the body. This may lead to an increase in skin eruptions and other such issues, but ultimately resolve with continued use. Drink plenty of water in tandem with the use of other cleansing herbs to support the overall clearing process.