Spring Clean Your Body

Today’s world is laden with chemicals, and though we can try to minimize our exposure, it’s inevitable that we will be exposed to some toxins in our lives. To support and enhance our bodies’ ability to detoxify, we rely on periodically cleansing our body systems.

Spring is the ideal time to cleanse your body from the inside and rejuvenate your health. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Spring is associated with the liver and gallbladder, the two organs that together coordinate and rule the flow of energy (also known as Qi) throughout the body.

Most people are less physically active during winter, and their diet consists of heavier foods and drinks. Winter is usually a time of introspection and less activity; its quiet nature is associated with Yin and the drawing of energy inward; winter season Qi is focused on the bladder and kidneys.

Spring's energy is Yang, upward and outward, much like Nature’s push toward renewal and fresh growth. After a long winter, this reversal of energy can lead to Qi stagnation in the liver and its supporting organ, the gallbladder. Smooth flowing Qi is essential for our physical and emotional health; thus, Spring is a good time to focus on detoxing, cleansing and eliminating toxins from our bodies, especially the liver and gallbladder. *

Though many people associate cleansing the body with simply fasting for a specific length of time, or purging the gastrointestinal contents periodically, a healthy detoxification process is less drastic, yet more comprehensive. When taking a holistic approach, detoxifying your body encompasses these five elements: 

• Increasing water intake
• Incorporating detoxifying herbs & spices into your diet
• Eating more fresh, seasonal foods
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Managing stress

So, though it’s important to focus on the liver and gallbladder as the primary targets to cleanse, detoxify and rejuvenate in Spring, a true cleanse involves more than flushing out these organs. Following a more comprehensive path that helps relieve stress, improve digestion, boost immunity, and support overall health and well-being ensures optimal results. Here are some tips and recipes to help you improve your health.

On any given day, most Americans don’t drink enough fluids to be adequately hydrated. How much water is necessary? According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an adequate daily fluid intake is about 4 quarts of fluids a day for men, and about 3 quarts of fluids for women. (Keep in mind that activity level, climate, age, and certain health conditions and medications can affect how much water you need.)

Why don’t people drink enough fluids? Excuses abound, but those who say they don’t like to drink water will be pleased to know that natural water enhancers are easy, great-tasting, and can boost well-being in additional ways. Tiiga Superfruit Hydration Drink Mixes use real unprocessed baobab fruit as the first and main ingredient. These low-calorie, gut-friendly, hydration drink mixes keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. 

Additional convenient, good-for-you ways to increase your water intake include vegan Waterdrop Microdrink Iced Tea Water Flavor Drops in refreshing fruit flavors and fortified with vitamins. For days when you need to be extra aware of hydration and nutritional needs, choose vegan Waterdrop Microlyte Water Flavor Drops with 5 electrolytes, 9 vitamins, plus zinc.

Teas are also excellent contributors to hydration. They can be enjoyed hot or chilled, and many are blended with herbs and spices to support your detoxifying process. These teas are especially helpful:

• Yogi Tea Organic Roasted Dandelion Spice DeTox combines roasted dandelion and dandelion root, herbs traditionally used by herbalists to support the body's natural cleansing processes. 
• Organic India Turmeric Ginger Tulsi Infusions Tea is a robust blend of tulsi, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and spices that offers a boost to the body's natural immune system, while stimulating natural detoxification. 
• Mate Factor Detox Medley with Ginger & Turmeric Herbal Tea combines detoxifying herbs such as turmeric, dandelion, and burdock root with herbs that promote good digestion, like ginger, cardamom, fennel, coriander and anise seeds. 
• Numi Tea Dandelion Detox Tea combines a triad of detox powerhouses. Dandelion encourages release of toxins, while supporting vitality. Nettle bolsters and detoxifies the whole body system. Milk thistle supports healthy liver function. To round out the flavor: lemon peel, cardamom and lemon myrtle. 
• Buddha Tea Detox Dharma Blend Tea is a gentle and delicious blend of detoxifying herbs to facilitate wellness. Fennel seed and licorice root offer a deliciously sweet essence, while ginger root adds a warming quality.
• Prince of Peace Detox Herbal Tea was developed by experts specialized in traditional Chinese supplements. It’s made from herbs like senna, ligustrum and cannabis, which can promote healthy liver and kidney function.
• Buddha Teas Organic Milk Thistle Tea won’t be your first choice for a tasty afternoon treat, but to sweep your liver and kidneys clean, you’ll want to partake. Plus, milk thistle’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities help protect nerves against cell damage and may even protect against bone loss.
• Organic India Turmeric Ginger Tulsi Tea, a robust blend of tulsi, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and other flavorful spices, offers a boost to the body's natural immune system, while stimulating natural detoxification. 

If you prefer to use loose leaf teas or to create your own blends, consider adding these detoxifying herbs and teas to your cleansing routine.

 

• Frontier Co-op® Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder has a heavy-bodied fresh, vegetal flavor. It’s quick and easy to make. Simply sift 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into bowl; add 2 ounces of nearly boiling water and whisk until a fine froth appears.
• Frontier Co-op® Organic Dandelion Leaf makes an earthy-sweet, relaxing, and detoxifying tea. With a flavor similar to arugula, it can also be a versatile ingredient in many types of cuisine.
•  Frontier Co-op® Burdock Root is well known for purifying the blood and fortifying the body's defenses. Burdock root is used in teas, stews, soups, and sautéed vegetables, delivering an earthy, sweet and mild taste that complements other flavors. 
• Frontier Co-op® Organic Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea is a "rooty" detox tea blend.  The warming turmeric finishes with a little bite from the ginger and smoothing sweetness from cinnamon. 

Because they’re most nutrient dense when fresh, load up on seasonal vegetables like arugula, asparagus, beet greens, dandelion greens, kale, and spinach. They can be mixed in salads, smoothies, or lightly sautéed in your favorite oil, with just a dash of salt. Don’t discard the liquid! Either drink it or save for broth, soup stock or your smoothies.

Try our Spring Coleslaw recipe, loaded with detoxifiers, vitamins, minerals and other health-boosting properties.

Makes 2-3 servings

Ingredients

2 cups fresh green or Napa cabbage, sliced very thin

6-8 fresh radishes, sliced thin (if very small, the tender greens can also be used)

1 cup mixed fresh greens, chopped (kale, beet greens, arugula, lamb’s lettuce, spinach)

1/2 cup fresh baby bok choy, sliced thin

4 fresh green onions, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced

1/2 to 3/4 cup Chosen Foods Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo 

2 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons Heavenly Organics Organic Raw Neem Honey

Simply Organic® Sea Lettuce Finishing Salt to taste

Simply Organic® Black Pepper to taste 

 

Directions

1.     In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, garlic, and lemon juice.

2.     In a large bowl, gently toss together cabbage, greens, bok choy, and onions.

3.     Pour mayo mixture over the coleslaw and gently toss to cover the greens.

4.     Add salt and pepper to please your palate. If desired, add more mayo.

Don’t underestimate the ability of these detoxifying herbs and spices — which you may already have in your pantry — to support your well-being.

• Simply Organic® Garlic Powder. Known as a superfood, garlic helps protect kidneys, liver, brain and cardiovascular health. It’s packed with diverse bioactive substances crucial to expelling toxic elements from our bodies. Sprinkle liberally! 
• Simply Organic® Ginger. A digestive and weight-regulating plant, ginger helps regulate lipid levels and works to improve the metabolism of the body at a base level. Great in teas, sweet and savory dishes. 
• Frontier® Co-op Holy Basil (Tulsi) is known as one of the principal herbs of Ayurveda. No relation to basil commonly found in your grocery store, tulsi is used as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea. Its flavor is light and minty, with a slight clove-like taste. 
• Simply Organic® Turmeric Root has a deep golden-yellow color and a distinctive, pungent aroma, with a flavor that resembles both ginger and pepper. A natural anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant, turmeric is indispensable in East Indian cooking and is also used in dressings, roasted veggies, and rice dishes. 

For a delicious, relaxing and healthy bedtime drink, round up these detoxifying spices and make yourself some Goodnight Golden Milk.

Ingredients

1 cup of your favorite unsweetened or lightly sweetened milk product

1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic® Ground Turmeric

1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic® Ground Ginger

1/8 teaspoon Simply Organic® Ground Cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon Simply Organic® Ground Cardamom

Optional: a dash of black pepper or cayenne pepper, sweetener

Directions

1.     Heat milk slowly in a small saucepan until just starting to simmer. Add all spices while the milk is heating and whisk to blend well. Be careful not to boil the milk!

2.     Once all spices are blended and milk is steaming hot, pour your drink into a mug.

3.     If desired, sweeten with a bit of honey, maple syrup, or another preferred sweetener.

Exercise helps improve circulation, lymphatic drainage, and overall metabolism. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short, brisk walk or a jog, gardening, yoga, cycling or a full workout — movement is detoxifying. 

Find an activity or two you enjoy and stick with them on a consistent basis, ideally for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a combination of both.

It's crucial to effectively address stress to protect your health and well-being. Stress can affect every major bodily system, making us more susceptible to illness and injury. Try these tips to help manage stress.

•  Incorporate the practice mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine.
• Unwind by engaging in healthy activities you enjoy, like spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, exercising, being creative.…
• Take a detoxifying bath. WiseWays Herbals Detox Bath Crystals is a unique blend of natural minerals with Dead Sea Salts and herbs created to assist the body in achieving balance. 

Get enough sleep. Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night.

* Individuals with specific health conditions should consult with a qualified medical professional before taking herbs or supplements.