Spring Cleaning for Your Body

A Healthy Liver Means a Healthier Life
We all want to live a long and healthy life, right? If you're like me, you watch what you eat, try to get plenty of fresh air and exercise, minimize stress, get enough sleep, etc. For me, one of the not so obvious things I do for good overall health is a good spring cleaning. When the blossoms start coming back around and the nettles and dandelions start popping up I feel the pull of those bitter tasting herbs.


Happy Liver = Happy Body

Chugging along through the winter months in particular can slow down our metabolism. For many, this leads to weight gain, especially for those living in harsher winter climates where physical activity is significantly reduced.

As spring approaches, one of the best ways to kick-start your metabolism and give your health a boost is to give your body a little spring cleaning of its own and detoxify your system.

The most important step to begin detoxing the body is cutting out most refined and processed foods which contain trans-fats, sugar and additives such as artificial colors and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

I try to eat more raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and vegetable protein like beans, lentils and quinoa. By choosing organic foods, you can reduce your exposure to pesticides. Some readily available all natural detox-friendly foods include kale, beets, and spinach, which can be prepared in delicious salads.

Also, never underestimate the power of physical exercise! Since the skin is the largest elimination organ your body has, working up a sweat is yet another great way to promote cleansing and body detoxification! And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and assist the kidneys in flushing out toxins.

As always, we can look to nature to support our detox efforts.

Dandelion contains bitter principles that have a tonic effect on the liver and digestive system. It is also a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, D, C, and B, as well as iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc and manganese.

Fennel has been used since ancient times. Apart from its naturally supportive properties for digestion, fennel also helps to maintain liver, kidney and spleen health.

Milk Thistle is probably the most well known liver tonic. It is often useful for those who don't want the diuretic effects of dandelion.

One of my favorite juice combinations for the liver and kidneys:

1 medium apple
handful dandelion greens
1 6 inch pc Burdock Root (you can find this in the produce section usually called Gobo)
2 sprigs of parsely

Run all of these through your juicer and enjoy!

There are also many herbal liver and kidney tonics available. One of my favorites is Detox Drops from Native Remedies.

Please share your favorite Spring Cleaning rituals with us!

Persephone's Tea

Life is good! Mountain Rose Herbs has my all time favorite winter herbal tea blen on sale this month!

"Going down to the underworld and rising up renewed. When you've been overworked, overindulging or under stress remember ... Be kind to yourself and your liver. This is a blend for transitions, a drink to help support your hard-working liver. Contains: Organic Dandelion root, organic Burdock root, Oregon Grape root, organic Yellow Dock root, organic Eleuthero root, organic Milk Thistle seed."

Here are some the wonderful things this tea blend offers...

Dandelion Root was commonly used in Native American medicine and is found in many parts of the world today. It contains bitter principles that have a stimulating effect on the liver and digestive system by promoting the flow of bile. It is also a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. It also has natural diuretic properties. Dandelion is also considered to be an excellent cleansing tonic for the liver and recent studies suggest that it is especially beneficial with regards to digestive disorders.

Burdock Root is well-known as an herbal blood and system supporter. Burdock supports routine detoxification carried out by the body and supports the digestive system helping to lessen common wind, non-recurrent bloating, and encouraging healthy bowel movements. There is considerable evidence in the scientific literature that burdock root tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy. Its numerous antioxidants protect the liver from toxic chemicals, allowing it to process the body's naturally occurring steroids which is helpful in achieving hormonal balance. A mildly bitter herb, it stimulates the release of gastric juices and aids digestion. This combination of qualities explains its traditional use in treating acne, eczema, endometriosis, psoriasis, and uterine fibroids. The tea can also be used as a wash to treat skin infections, eczema, and psoriasis.

Oregon Grape Root has been used traditionally to give the immune system a mild boost by encouraging phagocytosis, the engulfing and digesting of bacteria by the white blood cells known as microphages.
Oregon grape root and other herbs that contain berberine are scientifically proven to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, helminthes (worms), and chlamydia. Conditions treated by Oregon grape root include bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and ocular trachoma. Oregon grape root may increase blood platelet counts and counteract the proliferation of cancerous tumors of the bladder and colon. It has a sedative effect on the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract and can relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain.

Yellow Dock Root is a good tonic for the liver and gallbladder. The roots are very high in minerals, especially iron, which makes this a popular herb for treating anemia. It is also used as a blood purifier to treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.

Eleuthero Root an "adaptogen," an agent that helps the body address to stress. Scientists believe it helps prevent "adrenal burnout" caused by ongoing physical or mental challenges. Eleuthero boosts concentration and focus without the letdown than comes from drinking coffee or other sources of caffeine. Eleuthero also boosts immunity.

Milk Thistle Seed contains silymarin,which has a very protective effect on the liver, maintaining its function and preventing damage from compounds that are normally highly toxic. It also helps regulate the digestion of fats, helps stabilize blood sugars and reduces intestinal inflammation. Traditionally it has been used for treating liver diseases, Crohn's disease, IBS, alcoholism, atherosclerosis, gallstones,high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, ovarian cysts, seizures, Parkinson's and skin conditions such as excema, acne, and psoriasis.

Give yourself a boost this winter and try some Persephone's Tea!