Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring Cleanse


In my experience, the spring thaw always brings out two things in abundance; daffodils and clients requesting detoxification therapies.  Perhaps shaking out rugs and scrubbing floors makes us take a look at how we can clear the cobwebs out of our bodies too.   

The period of seasonal change is a great time to detoxify or cleanse your body.  While I also incorporate nutritional and exercise recommendations for clients, I find that herbs are my favorite place to focus.  There are so many useful herbs for blood cleansing and tissue strengthening!  Here are a few of my favorites:

Garlic 
    Along with a myriad of other therapeutic uses, garlic is a fantastic blood cleanser.  
Not only does it increase circulation, but it’s an anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and 
has been shown to decrease free radicals.  Adding it to your meals is a delicious
and especially effective way to use it.  Yum!


Dandelion Root
A lot of people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them just how effective dandelion root can be for detox.   Yes, the little yellow weeds!  Drinking a tea from the root, or taking it in tincture form is especially effective for liver cleansing.  It is also a gentle laxative and great for toxin removal.  It can be a bit bitter so you may want to mix in some tasty herbs like peppermint or chamomile if making a tea.

Parsley
     This is another great detoxifying herb that is easily obtained and prepared.  
     Traditionally used for everything from coughs to the plague, more recent research
     has shown that parsley is effective on the urinary tract and kidneys.  Perhaps this 
     is due to its diuretic properties and ability to flush the kidneys. Simply add it to
     meals or steep in hot water for a tea.

With any detoxification therapy, you also want to drink lots of water!  Be sure to research any contraindications that might be present, and explore what other techniques (dietary changes, fasting, etc.) appeal to you.  Getting rid of those toxins can leave you feeling invigorate and strengthen the immune system, so start cleaning!



Happy Spring!

Kristin Henningsen M.S., R.Y.T.

3 comments:

body lift said...

This is fact that after coming spring season many people want detoxification therapies. I think some home remedies can also be effective.

Unknown said...

Absolutely!

There are many home remedies that can also be helpful for detoxification. Good luck with your research, and go ahead and cleanse your system!

Thanks,
Kristin

Lipo said...

Place day and night regardless of season or weather. Sleep wake up at sunrise and sunset a sure way to synchronize all of nature, the planets and beyond.

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