How To Use Herbs & Juices To Improve Health

Toxic substances are everywhere. They are found in the air we breathe, the food that we eat and the water that we drink. Microbes in our intestines are known to produce toxins. Our body has a host of methods to get rid of the toxic materials produced by various organs. I do not think it is too strong a statement to say that the health of an individual is largely determined by the ability of the body to detoxify. A regular and gentle detoxification (detox) plan benefits the majority of people. It will help to cleanse, strengthen and tone your entire body.

A detox plan is not meant to replace your ordinary, balanced diet. It should be viewed as part of a general plan towards a healthier lifestyle. Do it once every two weeks or every month. Some feel more comfortable on a four times a year, or twice a year detox.

HOW TO DETOX

Increase fresh water intake - Clean water is important to “flush” the body of toxins. This is achieved through the action of the kidneys. Drink between 8 – 10 glasses of purified water daily.

Regular bowel habits – Natural therapists have always stressed the importance of proper bowel habits and generally recommend at least one bowel movement per day. If you suffer from constipation, the herbs Psyllium seed and Cascara are beneficial.

Enhance liver function - The liver is one of the major detox organ of the body. The following kitchen remedy enhances liver function: Add half a teaspoon of freshly-squeezed lemon (or lime) juice into a glass of warm water. Drink on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Liver tonic such as Dandelion, Globe Artichoke, Milk Thistle and Schisandra are wonderful herbs to include in your programme.

Traditional Cleansing Herbs – Herbs like Burdock, Yellow Dock, Nettle and Violet leaves are excellent detox herbs. They will help to cleanse and strengthen all the organs of elimination in your body, namely the liver, kidney, lungs, gut and skin.

Fresh Juice Detox - Take nothing but diluted fresh juice for one whole day. This is one of the fastest ways to cleanse the body. For years, herbalists have recommended fresh juices and other green drinks to help cleanse and restore the body to good health. Green drinks include spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass and barley grass. These are all rich in chlorophyll and thus excellent for detoxification. With the right equipment, home-made juices are easy and economical. Remember that freshness is the key. Carton, tin or bottle juices are not the same as they are heavily processed. If you are pregnant or recovering from an ailment, do not attempt any form detox, unless supervised by a qualified health practitioner.

Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural health issues. A qualified clinical herbalist, she practices Holistic Medicine in the Klang Valley. Comments and inquiries: herbalorigins@yahoo.com or 03-5631 7751.

THE SUN, INSERTION DATE: 01/04/03