With the season changing and our minds on the future, it is a great time to think about a seasonal detox. The change from season to season provides us a good reason to start thinking about boosting our immune before cold and flu season is upon us. Assisting your natural immune defense is an investment in your wellness and it begins with removing excess toxins from the body. Your body has a sophisticated way of eliminating toxins that involves the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs. While this system is remarkably efficient, there are things you can do to assist your body and help it perform at its peak. Nature has given us some powerful herbal allies to help Many herbs have the ability to fortify our bodies and help them keep up with daily life. Certain herbs however, may help your detox plan as they specifically offer support to our natural immune system. Sun God Medicinals uses many of these herbs in their Panacea product line, which is tailored to those looking for detoxification or immune support. Each of the following herbs grows naturally here in Oregon and can be sustainably harvested. In the Panacea Detox Tincture they use: DANDELION ROOT (Taraxacum officinale) - A tonic that may support the digestive and urinary systems. May also support the organs that help rid the body of toxins.* BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium lappa) - Potentially ignites the body’s natural detoxification processes and assists in eliminating harmful toxins from the body.* NETTLE LEAF (Urtica dioica) - Traditionally used by herbalists as a kidney tonic and to help to flush out waste through the urinary tract.* RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense) -May support the body in detoxification through the cardiovascular and lymphatic system, as well as the liver.* In the Panacea Immune Defense Tincture they use:
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) - May provide balance and support to the immune system, as well as the nervous system.* HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis) - May help the body fight off infectious bacteria and viruses, as well as support the respiratory system.* ECHINACEA HERB (Echinacea purpurea) - May provide support to the body’s immune system and may also support the body’s respiratory system.* CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis) - May be supportive in clearing out the lymph nodes. It may be useful when an individual feels worse in damp, heavy, cloudy weather.* Herbs offer us such a wealth of amazing properties and provide us with a solid foundation on which we can build a proper detox plan. We encourage you to try these herbs and see if they work well for your body. Your diet matters more than you think While herbs may be the foundation of your plan, you also must consider nutrition. Most detox regimens will require some dietary changes. The food we eat has a major role in how well all of our body’s systems perform. Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients all come into play as the body eliminates wastes and uses its various systems to keep us well. Giving your body the right fuel allows it to work efficiently. The following foods provide a natural path toward detoxification. Lemons Full of the vitamin C, this antioxidant is great for fighting free-radicals which can have a negative impact on the body. Additionally, lemons have an alkaline effect, helping restore the body's pH balance. A slice of lemon in hot water is a simple way to start your detox. Ginger Aside from settling your stomach, ginger can aid digestion, and may even reduce bloating and gas. It also contains a large number of antioxidants and provides a good boost to immunity. Garlic Garlic, despite its strong sometimes off-putting odour, is great for a detox. Garlic contains allicin which aids in white blood cell production and can help protect the body against infections. For maximum benefit, garlic is best consumed raw, so try adding crushed garlic to a dressing for a salad. Beetroot Beetroot supports liver detoxification, making it a great detox food. It also provides a great shot of nutrients in one hit as it is full of magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. To enjoy the benefits of beetroot add some to a salad or drink some beetroot juice. Green Tea While not strictly a food, green tea contains active ingredients which help support detox and provide additional health benefits. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and can help rid the body of toxins. It has been found to boost the performance of the liver and can protect the liver from diseases. To get the max from green tea drinking, brew it from loose leaves, as this will allow more antioxidants to be released. Cabbage Like many cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, kale, cabbage contains sulforaphane, a chemical which aids the body in the fight against toxins. Cabbage also contains glutathione; an antioxidant that helps promote the live function. Fresh Fruit Fresh fruits are fibre rich and can play a key role in a detox diet. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants they can help improve digestion as well as your appearance (including skin and hair). Include in your diet a wide variety of fruit, but especially some of the acid fruits such as grapefruit, pineapples, oranges, and even tomatoes as these are all especially detoxifying. It is easy to include fruit in your diet; you could start your day with fruit smoothie and then snack on fruit when hunger strikes throughout your day. Watercress Watercress, perhaps surprisingly, is considered to be one of the healthiest food around and a great detox food. Containing antioxidants and several detoxifying nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc, and potassium. Include the foods above in your detox plan and set your body up for success. There are also six lifestyle choices which can hinder our body’s ability to cleanse itself If you are serious about taking care of your immune and digestive systems, you may want to avoid these common things that prevent your body from performing as well. Falling prey to these common behaviors may hinder your detox efforts. Be aware of how these choices affect your body.
Combining herbs, being mindful of your diet, and avoiding lifestyle decisions like the above will ensure your body has everything it needs to prepare for the seasonal change. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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With cold and flu season here and COVID case numbers on the rise yet again, it is important we gear up and protect our bodies as best we can. Last week we talked about Herbs for Fall from an immune boosting point of view. Now this week let’s have a conversation about some herbs that might be useful if you start to feel a little under the weather. As we mentioned last week. Panacea was a goddess of healing by way of curative medicine in Greek mythology. Our Panacea line of teas and tinctures includes not only the Immune Defense products featured in last week's blog but also a Cold and Flu line. These teas and tinctures feature herbs like mullein, echinacea, elderflower, and yarrow. Panacea Cold and Flu Tea a gentle blend is that is a perfect companion for a sick day, as it may help ease the aches and discomfort associated with seasonal illnesses. Herbs like elderflower and mullein have been traditionally used by herbalists to support mucous membranes, while assisting the immune system. This formula may also help to soothe coughs and assist the body’s natural ability to expel phlegm.* Like the tea the Panacea Cold and Flu tincture is formulated with ingredients used by traditional herbalists to help fight the common cold, viruses, and allergies.* We think the tincture gives a little bit more instant relief because you may take it orally without waiting to boil any water and steep the tea. These are also great on the go, and this is why many choose the tincture during this time of year. Mullein (click title for more information) Mullein has been noted as the go to ear and lung remedy, especially when pollen is in abundance during those seasonal shifts. Luckily, this herbal ally has been used since ancient Egyptian times and has remained relevant ever since. Mullein provides a multitude of applicable uses, not limited to just respiratory and immune balance.* Echinacea (click title for more information) Echinacea, also referred to as Cornflower, is well known for its immune-boosting abilities; having historical relevance in American folk herbalism dating back centuries. Its reputation as a cold and flu remedy is quite common, and has become one of the most available dietary supplements in health and food stores to date.* Elderflower (click title for more information) The Elder tree has been used by herbalists and healers alike since the fifth century A.D, and has a rich folklore beyond its physical uses. The Elder tree is said to be the doorway to the underworld, inhabited by fairies who both heal and harm, and bring about mystical dreams onto all those who sleep under the canopy. The Elderflower is a powerful medicine with many modern day applications.* Yarrow (click title for more information)
Do not be fooled by the intoxicating scent or delicate flowers of the Yarrow plant- it has been used for centuries in ceremonies promoting both physical and emotional boundaries to those easily influenced, and also for its eclectic first-aid applications among many. Yarrow is intertwined in folklore and across cultures, all highlighting the variety of therapeutic properties found in this healing herb.* While strengthening the immune system is important, these herbs and products are here to help should you start feeling under the weather. (*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Caution: Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, or on medication, consult with your health care practitioner before use) |
AuthorsThe Herbalist Team at Breeze Botanical's uses our collective educational experiences and on-going thirst for knowledge to normalize the conversation around herbs and to demystify the world of herbal medicine. Join us on this journey and embrace the plants around you. Archives
May 2024
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