People have been doing total body cleanses for centuries to rid their bodies of the build-up of toxins. Toxins are in everything around us and most of what we consume; they exist in our environment in the air we breathe, unfiltered water we drink, foods packaged, processed, or produced with pesticides that we eat, and the chemicals and medications that we ingest. It doesn’t hurt to detox every once and a while and eliminate the toxins that have built up in your blood and liver over time.
Cleansing with Plant Extracts:
Milk thistle, thistle of the genus Silybum and daisy family Asteraceae, can be used to treat some liver ailments including hepatitis, cirrhosis, damage caused by toxins, and some gallbladder disorders. The extract of milk thistle has been recognized for many centuries as a “liver tonic” that can both prevent and repair damage to the liver caused by toxic chemicals and medications. Milk thistle can even lower cholesterol levels and reduce the growth of cancer cells in breast, prostate, and cervical cancers. The extract of milk thistle can be taken in the form of a capsule and be purchased online.
Cleansing and Healing with Spices:
Throughout history, spices have perpetuated trade, insighted exploration, and started wars for a reason: spices preserve and flavor food and have medicinal properties. Historians estimate that cinnamon has been used to treat diseases as far back in time as the Ancient Egyptians. Cinnamon aids in digestion and helps lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
There are other spices that have healing properties as well:
- Cayenne - Cayenne’s healing properties originate from its heat which comes from capsaicin. Capsaicin has been proven to prevent sinus infections, act as an anti-inflammatory, kill cancer cells, and ease the pain of ulcers.
- Cloves - Cloves are powerful in the fight against bacteria and fungi. Cloves can kill intestinal parasites and be used to treat diarrhea, ringworm, hernias, and even toothaches.
- Ginger - Ginger is another popular spice known for its ability to heal gastrointestinal ailments. Ginger helps alleviate morning sickness, nausea, indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Ginger is diaphoretic and therefore makes you sweat. Because of ginger’s diaphoretic properties, it is often used to treat fevers. It stimulates the cirulation of the blood, helping to rid blood of toxins and loosen phlegm from the lungs to help treat asthma and bronchitis.
- Tumeric - Tumeric, a close relative of ginger, can be used on cuts and wounds because it is an antiseptic and an antibacterial. Tumeric also helps detox the liver and has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat the symptoms of arthritis.
Use some of these wonderful spies to cleanse your system during any season. Since it is currently winter for most of us, spices are an excellent way to keep your body healthy and strong. Detox your body during the winter and you’ll be ready for spring to arrive!
