A great new year is beginning to unfold right in front of us.This is a time when many of us try new things, and sometimes even find new habits. When those habits are healthy habits, we grow. We grow into healthier, happier people, a win for us and everyone we love! Detoxifying is trying on some new habits and finding a few that feel great and can become something we can do again and again…creating better health everyday. When we detoxify we remove built up toxins from the body. This brings better health and a better quality of life. There are many ways to detoxify the body and a combination of methods generally works best. That means we have a chance to try lots of new habits and find ones we love. These new habits could include herbs and foods to include in one’s diet and baths, aromatherapy, exercise, and other cleansing practices. Some cleansing methods can be worked into a daily routine and work their subtle magic over time. No matter which methods are applied, great benefits can be achieved. Signs that the body can benefit from detoxifying include depression, tiredness, headaches, inability to concentrate, irritability, allergies, indigestion, constipation, PMS, menopausal problems, repeated colds and flu, cellulite, and more.
What can be used in a detox? A lot of things can be used for help the body cleanse. These include eating healthy, getting enough great sleep, exercising, and meditating, and herbs. Dandelion and burdock root are especially cleansing herbs for the liver and kidneys. The roots of each of these plants can be added to soups, stir frys, and roasted root vegetable dishes. Dandelion and Burdock roots also make good cleansing teas as can Milk Thistle seed.
Using sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, or thyme essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser or the herbs in a bath can help cleanse the body. Mullein leaf makes a lovely evening tea to help soothe the lungs and help them to remove waste blocking the function of the lungs. Mullein Leaf can effect concentration, so it is not a great tea for work.
There are some great options for a good cleanse, be it a few weeks of hard work or small changes over months building new, healthy habits. Each, or both, can make a healthy start to a new year. Now is the day, now is the time to start a new, healthy habit. Maybe just using a bit of eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser or bath, or trying a cup of Burdock tea can be the next new healthy habit any of us can try. Check cautions and drug interactions before starting any new herbs or essential oils, or consult an herbalist who has all this information.
Liz Johnson is a local herbalist and herbal instructor with nearly twenty years experience, Cupper, Aromatherapist, Moxibustionist, Usui Reiki Master, and experienced ear candler. She works with other health professionals and continues her education, currently working on a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Visit www.firewind.com for more information about her practice and classes. Or reach liz at 952-846-7464.
