“Spring Cleaning”

     Spring is FINALLY arriving. We can look forward to bright, sunny and warmer days. Maybe starting all those projects you''ve been thinking about all winter. And opening up the windows to let the fresh air in and the stuffy air out.

     Of course we''ll be "Spring Cleaning" to make everything look and smell fresh. But I''m not going to tell you about cleaning products to help you with your Spring-Cleaning project. What I want to talk about is Spring-Cleaning from the "Inside - Out" Yes, I''m referring to your organs and blood. Have you ever cleansed those? Like most people, probley not. Well, Herbs can be very useful in a cleansing program. Cleansing is very important to help rid the body of harmful, accumulated toxins. This can be caused from eating the wrong foods, air pollution, prescription or pleasure drugs, secondary smoke inhalation, alcohol, caffeine overload, and increased daily stress. These things greatly deplete the body and immune system. Poor immunity eventually results in debilitating diseases, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, AIDS, Herpes, Heart Disease and so on and so forth. Indeed all disease, physical and psychological, is created or allowed by the saturation and accumulation of toxic matter in the tissues, and the lack of oxygen and minerals in the vital fluids, throwing defense mechanisms off and vitality out of balance.

     In the past, detoxing was used, clinically, for the recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, or individually, as a once-a-year mild "spring cleaning" for health maintenance. Today detoxification is becoming necessary not only to health, but for the quality of our lives, since we are surrounded by so much involuntary toxicity. Optimally, we should detox two to three times a year to prevent disease and encourage health; in the Spring, Summer and/or early fall, when the body can get an extra boost in this effort from the sunlight and natural Vitamin D.

     Herbs are rich in food-source "organic" vitamins and minerals. In the dried state, they provide very concentrated food nutrients, and are capable of becoming part as the body to stimulate cleansing, to fuel regrowth, and build resistance to disease. Herbs are unique in these abilities, where drugs, medicines, and even chemically extracted vitamins are not.

     We can concentrate on certain organs such as the liver, kidneys, colon, intestines and the bloodstream separately, or I have a formula that does all in one, called "Spring Cleaning Detox". The "Living Beauty" Detox Tea for spring suggest Dandelion Root, Gentian Root, Milk Thistle and Oregon Grape Root which concentrates on the liver. Also using Spices such as Dill, Mint, Tarragon and Thyme are recommended for spring.

Herbs that detox are:

Parsley - Blood cleanser and Blood builder. Do not use when pregnant.

Ginger - is very effective as a cleansing agent through the bowels and the kidneys. It can also be added to meat dishes to help the intestines to detoxify the meat.

Sage - A key part of a liver cleansing and toning tea.

Alfalfa - A body cleanser, kidney cleanser and blood purifier, infection fighter and natural deodorizer. It breaks down poisonous carbon dioxide and it is the richest land source of trace minerals. A very good spring tonic.

Red Clover - an excellent blood purifier

Dandelion Root - for the function of the liver. It has the ability to clear obstructions and stimulate the liver to detoxify.

Devils Claw - Has natural cleansing agents to clean the system of toxic impurities, important organs, lymph and blood.

Oregon Grape Root - Stimulates the action on the liver and is one of the best blood cleansers.

Uva Ursi - (Bearberry) Strengthens and tones the urinary passages. It is especially beneficial for bladder and kidney infections. Do not use when pregnant.

Milk Thistle Seed - used century’s age by the Romans for restoring impaired liver function. It is currently being used in Europe to restore as well as protect the liver. It has an overall effect on the whole body because of the function of the liver in protecting the immune system.

     There are many more detoxing herbs but these are my favorites. Basically, a cleanse is just that - a method of treatment in which toxins are eliminated from the body. The body will first try to expel waste from the intestinal tract and kidneys. When those areas are free from accumulations, then the liver is able to cleanse and do a better job filtering toxins from the blood via the hepatic artery. Next, the blood is cleansed, thereby allowing nutrients to be more accessible to the cells and tissues. Herbs can do a better job if the body is kept as free as possible from toxins. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Health is Wealth." How true this is! When you feel good and your body is functioning properly, you have the steady nerves and the energy to accomplish your daily tasks. I also have "Spring Cleaning Tea" for your horse. The tea is good for horses of all ages. Horses that have been inactive in the wintertime have been on different drugs and pesticide treatments can benefit greatly from this 21-day program. It cleanses the body of waste products, improves digestion, enhances liver function and strengthens and tones urinary passages. Detoxing your horse twice a year as a preventive program would be very beneficial to maintain the integrity of the internal organs. Not to be feed to mares in foal.

     Cayenne pepper kills bacteria in the blood and carries nutrients to the place they are needed faster than any other natural agent. It can lower blood pressure as well as dissolve cholesterol deposits. It is also helpful for the heart and the stomach.

     I also recommend during your "Spring Cleaning" is don''t forget that spice rack. This is a good time to go through your spices and discard those that are over a year old or don''t have any smell to them. Refill only the ones you actually use. Spices stay fresher if you get them whole and then grind them as needed. I use a coffee grinder marked "Spices" to grind fresh Pepper, Mustard Seeds, Coriander Seeds, etc.

Disclaimer:

Information presented is for educational purposes only, and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. I am not claming that the product will cure any of these diseases or that I created them to cure these disorders. I am merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions. Always consult with a qualified health practitioner before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for serious or life threatening illnesses.