Herbalist Marian Brown has a great idea to help "clean out the crud" and do a little spring cleaning of the body. She brings up several relevant points, such as:

• Previously, winter storages of food would be dwindling this time of year and people would be taking advantage of fresh greens and spring plants. These would naturally begin cleansing our system from the “heavy” winter foods of stored meat and grains. Today, we don’t take advantage of seasonal changes. We rely on processed food, fast foods, and “junk” foods.
  
• At the turn of the century, we consumed 5 pounds of sugar per person per year. Now we consume 150 pounds per person per year. Sugar is added to almost all our foods – yogurt, breads, etc. explains Vopni. It also suppresses the immune system. Our body uses the B vitamins to process sugar instead of producing much needed antibodies. After each time we consume sugar, our body is not working optimally for 5 hours. Honey will also suppress the immune system. Sugar substitutes, like aspartame, should also be avoided. Stevia, a naturally sweetener can be used.
  
• Toxins will be in your lymph system and, unlike the heart that pumps the blood, the lymph system has no pump and required exercise to keep it moving. Without exercise, the toxins will just sit. Gentle exercise is what Vopni suggests. “Sweating is good. It is one way our body removes toxins,” said Vopni. A brisk walk that produces a gentle perspiration works well. In addition, a hot bath and peppermint tea, followed by bundling up in your favorite, cozy blanket can work wonders!
  
• Liver support is key during the time of detoxification. Herbs to consider are dandelion root, milk thistle, and licorice root. Between 2 am and 4 am is a peak liver function time and taking liver herbs at bedtime can help support this functioning.
  
• In addition to spring cleaning, this time of year is also the time for allergies. Allergies are a result of becoming overexposed to the allergen at a time when the immune system is undernourished and over-stressed Vopni explained. Herbs can be used to both relief discomfort and to build up the immune system for a long-term prevention.
  
• Herbalist[s], like Vopni, work with the person to examine the “whole person.” There are many pieces to the puzzle and finding the root of the problem is key.

Posted by Evo Terra at January 29, 2003 02:46 PM | TrackBack (0)