Definition of detoxification

The term "detoxification" originated from the medical field in the late 19th century. The concept of detoxification, or removing harmful substances from the body, dates back to ancient civilizations. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) described the use of purgatives and emetics to cleanse the body of toxins. In the 19th century, the term "detoxication" was coined, derived from the Latin words "detoxare," meaning to remove or cleanse, and the suffix "-ation," indicating an action or process. The term was initially used to describe the removal of toxins from the body through medical treatments, such as bloodletting or intensive treatment with purgatives. Over time, the term evolved to include not only medical treatments but also broader concepts of cleansing and purification, leading to its modern usage.