Spring Cleansing – Herb of the Month – March 2006
It’s spring. Time for renewal; perhaps time for a cleansing.
A few month’s ago I was interviewed by Nancy Allison, a writer
for the Herbs for Health magazine. She was doing an article on: Springtime
is Cleanse Time, detoxify your body naturally. We chatted about some
great herbs that are cleansing to the body as well as alternative practices
that are used to cleanse and refresh the body after a winter season
has passed.
As I walk through the garden, I love to harvest and nibble fresh herbs
including: cleavers, yellow dock, dandelion and chickweed. I also love
to drink a blended tea, Spring/Fall Liver Cleansing Tea . The herbs
in my tea blend are detailed below in the interview.
I have included my interview. Check out this informative, interesting
magazine if you are not familiar with it. Buy it on the newsstands or
view it at www.herbsforhealth.com.
I’m on page 36!!
~ Happy Cleansing! Ellen
An Herbalist’s Perspective
Ellen Zimmerman studied herbalism in 1994 with Rosemary
Gladstar. Zimmerman, a certified marriage and family counselor, developed
a special interest and expertise in women’s health and went on
to found the Austin (Texas) School of Herbal Studies in 1995. She gives
individual consultations and holds workshops throughout the year, and
also blends her own herbal teas, tinctures and salves from herbs grown
on her 5-acre homestead near Austin. One of Zimmerman’s specialties
is her Spring/Fall Liver Cleansing Tea. For more information
or to purchase the tea, visit Zimmerman’s website at www.EZHerbs.net
or call (512) 301-5838.
Nancy Allison: When most people hear
the word “detox,” they probably think of fasting. What’s
your notion of “detox” — and how can we accomplish
it with herbs?
Ellen Zimmerman: I think of “detoxing”
as cleansing, supporting and nourishing your body. A gentle detox can
be accomplished with herbs by drinking a cleansing tea; by eliminating
sugar, alcohol, processed foods, white flour and preservatives from
your diet — which should be done ordinarily; and by eating light,
nutritious meals for one week’s time. This can assist the body,
particularly the liver, in eliminating toxins from the body and replenishing
and rejuvenating your blood.
N.A.: What are the best herbs for cleansing
the body’s systems?
E.Z.: I believe the best herbs for cleansing
the body and supporting the liver are dandelion root, Echinacea root,
burdock root, wild yam root, milk thistle seeds, licorice root, sassafras
and gingerroot.
N.A.: Do these herbs have a long history
of use as detoxifiers?
E.Z.: Yes, all of these herbs have a
history of being used as
detoxifiers.
N.A.: How long a process is it? Some
detox programs go on
for weeks!
E.Z.: I recommend a cleansing regime
for one week in the fall and one week in the spring. Hence the name
of my Spring/Fall Liver Cleansing Tea. You also can drink the tea at
other times when you are ill or whenever liver support is needed.
N.A.: Will I feel any different during
or after the detox? What benefits will I gain?
E.Z.: There might be a laxative effect
during the detox, which is one of the body’s natural ways of eliminating
toxins. The benefits gained would be a nourished, healthier liver, gallbladder,
spleen and pancreas. You also will need to breathe fresh air, get a
lot of rest and exercise appropriately. The great benefit of better
health is the greatest gain.
N.A.: Will I lose weight?
E.Z.: There may be a slight weight loss
during the detox but that is not the aim of the cleanse.
N.A.: Are there any health risks to detoxing
with herbs?
E.Z.: Anyone can be allergic to anything.
Take responsibility for yourself and make sure all of these herbs are
agreeable to you. In most situations, the herbs I have mentioned are
used safely and effectively by the majority of people.
Nancy Allison is a freelance writer living in Fort Worth, Texas.
She is a frequent contributor to Herbs for Health.
|
