Natural Laxatives and diuretics
While you are fasting it is important to keep your kidneys working well as they are extremely important in the process of eliminating toxins.
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) strengthen and detoxify the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. As a word of warning do not use juniper berries long term but from time to time and when you may have a kidney infection it works extremely well as a cleanser. Nettle (Urtica dioica) is an extremely good diuretic as is burdock root that is very similar to the nettle in its gentle diuretic actions.
Psyllium husks and seeds (Plantago indica, P. ovata and P. psyllium) are good gentle natural laxative. It is also adaptogenic and makes a good treatment for Irritable Bowel syndrome. Liquorice root -“the great harmoniser” in Chinese medicine, is mildly laxative and good from nourishing the adrenal glands. Alfalfa sprouts are also a good all round laxative.
Detox the liver
Milk thistle (Carduus marianus syn. Silybum marianum) and dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) help to cleanse and strengthen the liver. Milk thistle contains silymarin, which is believed to help with liver regeneration as well as being an antioxidant, while Dandelion root also helps remove waste from both the liver and the gallbladder. Milk thistle is a natural antioxidant.
Lymphatic system
One function of the lymphatic system is to remove waste from cells, many people believe that cellulite is a symptom of inadequate lymphatic drainage. The following are the best herbs, in essential oil form, to stimulate the lymphatic system and draw toxins out from under the skin. Basil (Ocimum basilicum), thyme (Thymus vulgarus but use carefully as it can be irritating to the skin), celery (Apium graveolens), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), and lemon (Citrus limon).
Blend three of these different oils, for a total of fifteen to twenty drops, in one ounce of carrier oil and use for massage or skin brushing.
Suggested Detox Process
Remember to detox slowly to avoid the Herxheimer Reaction. This occurs when the body detoxifies too rapidly – symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting – these are not good signs. Make sure you drink lots of pure water, take gentle daily exercise, and take detox baths every week.
Detoxification Baths
1/2 cup of Epsom salt, sea salt or baking soda. Soak for 15-20 minutes and then scrub the skin gently. Don’t worry if the water is very murky – this is good as it mean lots of heavy metals are coming out of the skin.
For the first 24 hours. Take a day out to start your detoxing. During the next 24 hours do not refrain completely from eating completely but eat only raw fruit such as apples (do not eat fruit with a high acidic content such as oranges). Eat at least three apples and drink at least one glass of fresh carrot juice.
Do take some gentle exercise – a long walk and drink a glass of water every two hours.
Four day detox
After the first 24 hours, detox for a maximum of three days (you can up this gradually over time).
Eat plenty of fruit and raw vegetables as well as unprocessed brown rice, but cut out all meat, fish and processed foods.
Morning
On rising drink a glass of pure water with one teaspoon of black molasses and one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar, juice of one lemon, 1 clove of garlic and one chunk of ginger (as big as you thumb nail)
During the Day
During the day sip at a glass of water containing psyllium husk powder. Drink herbal teas that support the liver such as liquorice, fennel and dandelion.
Lunch
One glass of fresh carrot juice and some dried fruits or one fresh apple. A handful of alfafa sprouts mixed with some raw broccoli.
Evening
One bowl of brown rice and some steamed vegetables. Take a ginger bath, good for relazing as well as detoxing. Either grate ginger or use powder. You will need a large chunk about half the size of a thumb. Disperse it under a warm running tap, and soak for 30 minutes. If you begin to sweat all the better.
When you get out the bath wrap up warm and go to bed – you may continue to sweat for another 30 minutes or so – this is fine as the toxins are coming out your system.
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