Time to Spring Detox
Like nature, our body reawakens in the spring and naturally eliminates what has accumulated over the winter. During the colder months we spend more time indoors and eat heavier foods as our bodies are focused on conserving energy for keeping warm. Emerging from our hibernation, we may feel more sluggish and congested. So now spring has finally arrived it is the perfect time to support our body’s natural cleansing process; not in January which is commonly thought to be the month for detoxing!
What is detoxification?
It is our bodies way of eliminating toxins and metabolic waste products, which it does naturally everyday. Toxins are found in the external environment e.g chemical and pollutants, found in our food, water, air, cosmetics, household cleaning products, as well as drugs and alcohol.
Our bodies are also a source of toxins (endogenous toxins) produced from our metabolism e.g free radicals, excess hormones from poor detoxification, toxins produced by bacteria or yeast in the gut.
In Spring it is important to support the liver, as it is the main organ of detoxification. The liver constantly filters metabolic waste, toxins and aids digestion and assimilation of nutrients. When the liver is overburdened it can lead to constipation, congested skin, water retention, nausea, indigestion and even make us feel moody or melancholic.
Other organs involved in elimination are the kidneys, bowels, lungs and skin. The lymphatic system filters waste from the tissue fluid bathing the cells, which is then drained into the blood and taken to the liver. All these routes of elimination need supporting to ensure toxins are not backed up to the liver and recirculated. This is why it is so important to ensure we are not constipated whilst doing a cleanse.
Benefits of a Spring Cleanse
increased energy
reduction in catarrh
weight loss
better immunity
reduced sugar cravings
clearer skin
improved digestion
better sleep
TIPS FOR SPRING CLEANSING
Here are a few tips to help you gently support your body’s natural cleansing process. Try them for a week or two as a gentle cleanse. You don’t need to do all of them to benefit, just what is manageable for you and it doesn’t require you do anything drastic !
DIET
Stay hydrated, aim to drink 2 litres of water daily. Good hydration helps prevent constipation and facilitates the removal of toxins via the kidneys that have been broken down by the liver. Start the day with a glass of warm water with the juice of 1/2 - 1 lemon. Avoid drinking huge amounts of water in one go as this weakens the kidneys.
Eliminate all processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats, margarine, fried foods, reduce or eliminate red meat and dairy products.
Eat seasonal and organic foods where possible, focusing on vegetables and fruits, wholegrains, pulses, seeds and nuts, fish and chicken.
Increase liver supporting foods in the diet: the liver loves bitter and sour tasting foods: endives, chicory, rocket, radicchio, romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, lemons; sulphur rich foods - garlic, onions, leeks, vegetables from the cabbage family - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, cress, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, pak choi, radishes, turnips, watercress; also turmeric, beetroots, globe artichokes, mung beans, sprouted beans and sprouted seeds.
Fresh raw vegetable juices are high in antioxidants: beetroot, carrot and celery with a squeeze of lemon. Add a green powder (see below) for an extra boost and cleansing properties. Some fruits can be added such as green apples to add a bit of sweetness.
Increase fibre rich foods to support your bowels, liver, kidneys and improve gut microbiome. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and oats to support elimination via the bowels and feeds the gut friendly bacteria. Flaxseeds and chia seeds are a good source of fibre and a rich source of Omega-3. Fibre increases detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and reducing the toxic load on your kidneys.
Avoid late night eating and overeating as they put a big strain the liver and prevents our body from cleansing and healing during the night. Ideally stop eating several hours before bedtime.
SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBS
Drink cleansing herbal teas and juices: There are a multitude of herbs that can support each organ of detoxification, cleanse the blood and lymphatic system e.g dandelion root and leaf, burdock root, milk thistle, schisandra, barberry, black radish, burdock root, cleavers, nettle leaf, birch leaf/juice. I have included a few gentle spring herbs that are traditionally used at this time of year. See below for more information on uses.
Psyllium husks: These fibrous husks act as natural laxative, removing waste build up in the intestines. It is important to drink lots of pure water when using psyllium as part of a cleanse, since these absorb water and expand to provide a bulk to the stools. They are also a natural prebiotic that help feed gut friendly bacteria. My favourite are by Archturus as they are in powder form, which I find easier swallow. https://archturus.co.uk/product/psyllium-husks-powder/
Super Green powders: spirulina, chlorella, blue-green algae, wheatgrass powder, barley grass powder are all cleansing super foods, rich in chlorophyll, which help detoxify the blood and liver. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Rheal Superfoods do a blend of greens which are sweetened with fruit powder so make them taste delicious. https://rhealsuperfoods.com/products/clean-greens
LIFESTYLE
Support lymphatic cleansing by dry skin brushing. Do this daily every morning using a natural bristle body brush. On dry skin gently brush your skin using brisk, short strokes from the feet and hands towards the heart. Follow this with a shower. Do this consistently and you will really see and feel the benefits, from increased energy, better circulation and toned and smoother skin.
Epsom salt baths will also support elimination via at the skin by helping remove acidity while relaxing the body. Place 250-500g of Epsom salts in a bath and soak for 20 mins. Use 1-3 times per week (during your cleanse).
Castor oil packs to help support elimination via the liver. Castor oil pack over the liver and gut help open the lymphatic system so the organs can drain more efficiently. Apply castor oil (hexane free) over your abdomen covering the ribs to your navel. Cover the area with castor oil packing fabric or an unbleached flannel, cover with an old towel then place place a hot water bottle on top, then another towel and lie down for 30 mins to an hour. Wash off the oil with warm soapy water. Do this 3 times weekly (during your cleanse).
Take daily walks or exercise in the fresh air ideally at least 30 mins to help elimination via the lungs, skin and increase circulation and increase lymph flow.
Have reflexology or massage treatments to promote circulation and encourage the release of toxins form the body.
NOTE: Do not do a cleanse during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or if you are actively trying to conceive or if unwell. A cleanse however is perfect as a preconception preparation.
MY FAVOURITE SPRING HERBS FOR CLEANSING
In spring, nature in her wisdom provides us with all the medicinal plants we need for cleansing and nourishing our bodies after the winter. Here are a few of my favourite spring herbs for cleansing, most of which you will recognise as common garden weeds.
Dandelion
Dandelion Leaf & Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion might be a pesky weed for gardeners, but for herbalists it is pure gold! The root is one of the most effective plants for detoxifying the liver. It stimulates the secretion and flow of bile which helps to gently eliminate waste via the bowels, as well as aiding digestion and assimilation. The root is also rich in inulin, a prebiotic that feeds gut friendly bacteria.
While dandelion leaf is a nutritive, potassium-rich diuretic, that stimulates the removal of waste via the kidneys. It is particularly useful for reducing fluid retention. Both the root and leaves can help support skin health as well as inflamed joints.
Dandelion preparations:
Root: bring to the boil in about 300ml ml of water with 2 tsp of dandelion root, simmer for 10 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily.
Leaf: Infuse 1-2 tsp dried leaf for 10 minutes in a cup of boiled water. Fresh dandelion leaves are a wonderful prebiotic and delicious added to salads.
Contraindication: bilary obstruction
Nettle leaves
Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Nettle leaves are a true superfood, full of nutrients and rich in chlorophyll, making it a perfect Spring tonic to give you a boost of energy and much cheaper than a supplement! Being a rich source of iron, they are traditionally used as a blood tonic. As a diuretic, they help eliminate metabolic waste through the kidneys and uric acid build up in painful joints. Nettle leaves also have anti-histamine properties and can provide some relief from hay fever symptoms. The fresh spring leaves can be used as a nutritious food, cooked and added to soups or stews.
Nettle tea: 1 tbsp dried nettle leaf infused for 10 minutes or even overnight in a cup of boiled water. Drink 1- 3 cups a day.
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Cleavers, commonly known as Goosegrass, is a common weed found growing in most places from the end of winter. It is a wonderful spring cleanser, supporting the movement of lymph. removing waste , relieving congestion and swelling.
It is cooling diuretic, helping to remove excess fluids and soothing to the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. Traditionally it is used to relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Cleavers Preparations
Juice: 5 -15ml up to 3 times daily
Cold Infusion: Take a handful of washed and bruised plant and place in a large glass of water. Infuse over night, straining the following morning.
Tea: Infuse 1-2 tsp of dried cleavers for 10 minutes in a cup of boiled water. Drink up to 3 x daily.