Balance from the Inside:
Cleansing, Nourishing and Detoxifying Your Body System to Revitalize Your Life
by Kendra Cross, Humboldt Herbals Staff Herbalista
Springtime is my favorite season. I'll admit it that I play favorite with the seasons. How can I help it? The new life popping up everywhere inspires a girl in a way that no other season can ~ the beckoning of a new hobby, the potential of a new garden bursting with life, the possibility of a new schedule, and just a good time to reflect on what is wanted in life for these upcoming months. Spring is a time of possibility and spring is in the air! The chilly wind whispers for a hope and a shift in some old patterns in my life. And the excitement is more apparent than ever in these wonderfully fresh and crisp mornings on the North Coast, telling me that the summer sun is soon to come, encouraging me to get busy in my life because the languid days of summer are approaching and I will want more time to rest and to play by the river. During this time, many people comment on their desire to clean out their systems from the long stagnant winter. Customers and clients come see me to ask for herbs that help increase their energy, or rebuild their adrenals after stressful times and burnout. I have others come in to tell me they are coming off of prescriptions, alcohol or other drugs and are seeking to detoxify their systems and begin a different pattern in their lives. Speaking from an herbalists perspective, many of us refer to cleansing herbs such as dandelion leaf and root, burdock root, yellow dock root, and red clover as detoxifying herbs, to name but a few. For non-herbalist, the term "detoxify" usually comes as an ally to someone who is trying to cleanse themselves of alcohol or other drugs. For herbalists, the term detoxify is often used to illustrate the ways in which simple and cost effective herbs may spark profound change in a person simply by clearing them out. Many people come into the shop to talk about ways to support themselves in their increased energy and motivation to be healthier, get in shape or to lose weight. And this is the season of change. Detoxifying and cleansing is one of my favorite topics in which to engage with people in the shop, as the results one can have from incorporating common herbs and minerals can make such drastic results in ones overall health, vitality and happiness. Sharing these little gems of wisdom has become a recurring conversation that I have almost daily, and for good reason. Take a look at the numerous benefits one can receive just by changing eating and grooming habits and incorporating cleansing and detoxifying herbs into your diet. Cleansing Benefits Include:
-increased energy and vitality
-weight loss
-mental clarity
-improved immunity, illness prevention and health promotion
-enhanced digestion and colon cleansing
-emotional release
-improved communication
-improved sleep
-and many more
I want to be clear that I am not talking about spending a ton of money on a detoxing system, or going on any crazy fasting diet. I'm talking about simply changing your foods to eat more of the bounty of nature's organic fruit and vegetables raw, in smoothies, in salads or main dishes. Identifying and eating your local wild herbs and foods, and incorporating herbal teas as delicious beverages that are clearing and nourishing to your system will change your life. Incorporating gentle herbs, minerals and supplements has a profound impact and can be very simple and cost effective. Living a stressful lifestyle, and eating lots of fast foods, sugar, caffeine and processed foods are quick and sure ways to a stagnated liver, sugar and alcohol addiction, illness, moodiness and depression, PMS and fertility concerns, skin eruptions, pain, dizziness, bad breath, weight gain and bloat, fatigue, poor memory, and often boredom. This is opposite of the energies that guide our lives to health, success, and happiness. Any and all of these symptoms are telling us that our bodies are out of balance. It is our body's cry for help, saying "I don't feel good." Not feeling good does not have to be your "normal." I encourage you to explore revitalizing your system with some simple cleansing herbs and eating fresh foods for three days, and see if you don't feel better! (If you are on prescription medication, please check for contraindications with your herbs or talk to an herbalist to find the right method and timing for your exploration into detoxing.)
We cannot talk about cleansing the body system without discussing our liver. The liver is a nutrient and toxin filter, the organ that lies right beneath your diaphragm with most of the organ on the right side under the ribcage, but some is over on the left side. Your liver cleans toxins from your blood as your blood must at times produce toxins to breakdown proteins in your food. The liver will also clean any toxins you have ingested, absorbed, inhaled or otherwise been exposed to in your environment, but not without some cost to the health of the organ. After you have eaten food, the nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the food in your small intestine pass into your blood then into your liver before it goes into the rest of your body . The liver processes the good stuff your body can use, and the waste it cannot use is carried by bile to be expelled through the skin as sweat, and through the elimination organs. Maintaining the health of the liver is essential for overall health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is the organ of heat, and liver stagnation will result in feelings of anger, frustration and irritation. These feelings are signs that we need to increase our liquids and take our liver herbs. The liver is magical! It, like the earthworm, can regenerate itself from the remaining cells that still exist and grow if the liver has been damaged. Is that not amazing!? This organ is responsible for so much of our health and could use some good attention just in gratitude!
Below are some herbs, foods, minerals and activities to help detoxify our body system and help out our liver. Plus, you'll end up feeling wonderful about your healthy new habits.
Herbs, foods and spices to incorporate into your diet for general body detoxing: dandelion root and leaf, burdock root, yellow dock root, red clover, chaparral, cleavers, anise, fenugreek, turmeric, sarsaparilla, red root, ginger, peppermint, nettle, spirulina, chlorella, triphala, asafoetida, psyllium husk, anise seeds, garlic, apple cider vinegar, parsley, milk thistle, cilantro, oregano, thyme, many types of medicinal and culinary mushrooms including reishi, chaga, maitake, shiitake, cordycepsMinerals for detoxing include: epsom salt bath and shower scrub, activated charcoal, food grade bentonite clay, food grade diatomaceous earth
Foods to include in your daily diet: Raw fruits and veggies at each meal (organic). Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, arugula, bok choy, collards, kale, mustard greens, rutabaga, turnip greens, and watercress. Enjoy small amount of lean meats. Include foods high in antioxidants such as seaweeds (dulse and kelp), citrus fruits, apple, kiwi, pear, carrot, and celery. For added vitamin C you can enjoy rose-hips, strawberries, and citrus. Avocado, mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, and sprouts provide lots of good fats and enzymes. Brown rice is an excellent food for detoxing.Physical methods of detoxing: dry skin brushing (exfoliation), whole body and foot soak salt baths and salt exfoliation scrubs, increased water intake, drinking water with lemon, lymph drainage massage, light exercise, sweating, taking sauna, positive thoughts and emotions, fresh air, uplifting music, clean and inspiring environments, getting out into nature
Detoxing Tips:
Detox in the spring, summer and fall, when more fresh organic produce is available. Winter is not generally a good time for detoxing because your body is working on rebuilding rather than cleansing. Avoid red meats, saturated fats, dairy, caffeine and alcohol. Get plenty of Vitamin C.
Take time to engage in activities that feel cleansing and purifying. Detoxing is a great time to stay home and do things like clean your cupboards, or to be in nature
Get ample rest. Keep up with gentle exercise like yoga, but be careful of strenuous exercise because you want your body to focus on cleansing.
You might not feel very well while on your detox diet, because the toxins are making their way out of the body. But you will feel better after!
Drink ample water while detoxing, because water naturally flushes toxins.
Cleansing is a natural body function and does not require expensive supplements to work. Eat a 60% fresh fruit and fresh veggie diet.
Gradually ease back into your diet after your detox time.
Talk to your doctor, herbalist or other qualified health professional to guide you in your fast and cleanse.
Lastly, I am sure many of you have heard of the detox headache, or detoxing crashes that can happen while cleaning out your system. I will admit, a detox headache is not fun. You can also experience some fatigue, irritability, changes in your skin and strange dreams while detoxing, but this is part of the process. Below are some tips to help you through it. Rest assured that these symptoms are usually very temporary (only a day or so) and are actually a good sign that you are cleansing. Definitely talk with an herbalist or other health professional if questions come up.
Tips for helping you feel better on a detox diet:
Drink lots of water, fresh juices and smoothies and herbal teas
Avoid sugar, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine
Sweat it out with a shower, sauna, or light exercise
Exfoliate and/or dry skin brush
Take 1tsp per day of apple cider vinegar in 8oz water
Include a daily dose of bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or diatomaceous earth
Take this detox time easy on yourself and rest well
Be extra kind to yourself! You are embarking on a literal change in your body system, and shifting into a transformation that brings new hopes, dreams, habits and patterns. Enjoy the Springtime. Kendra Cross is an herbalist and yogini who lives on the North Coast of California. She is a Staff Herbalist at Humboldt Herbals and produces a line of herbal bath salts, creams and sparkly body bars under the name Quintessence Organics.
You can catch her next detoxing class:
Balance from the Inside: Cleansing, Nourishing and Detoxifying Your Body System to Revitalize Your Life
Monday June 10th 7pm-8:30pm at Humboldt Herbals
$20-$30 Sliding Scale includes samples and 10% off purchases made the night of the class.
Pre-registration and prepayment is required and can be done at Humboldt Herbals and by credit/debit card by phone at 707-442-3541
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