By Shellie Rosen, ND

Spring begins March 20 this year and lasts until June 21, and what better time for a little bodily cleansing.

Removing the intake of toxins is an essential part of internal cleansing. Our system can focus more closely on healing when unburdened from the continual influx of toxins. The body is excellent at managing waste and clearing impurities. When toxins are reduced, the body can stop directing traffic and get down to the real detective work it needs to do. Even a great detective needs tools, and herbs are wonderful assistants in helping a toxic liver.

Organic foods may seem like the hip new way for retailers to gouge you in the checkout line, but trust me, it is superior food technology. If you had a friend still using a typewriter, wouldn’t you tell them about the advantages of the modern computer? Then hear this, the most efficient fuel is nutrition without chemicals, and that is exactly what you get when you buy organic foods.
If you’re not ready to go totally organic, start by eliminating foods with the highest chemical residue, such as grapes from Chile, cantaloupe from Mexico and any peach, red raspberry, strawberry, or apple not grown chemical free.

Question the safety of animal products as well. Chickens, pigs and other farmed animals ingest chemically treated food and are injected with more than 24.6 million pounds of antibiotics each year, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. (And that was back in 2001.) Organic dairy products and meat from farms dedicated to healthier products will reduce internal toxins that lead to numerous illnesses.

The liver, our body’s blood filter, is energetically prepared to cleanse in the spring. As a mini liver detoxification, mix the juice from a half of a lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon or so to taste of maple syrup in a small glass of water. Do this upon waking and at least 30 minutes before consuming anything else. I do this every morning. This process not only detoxifies but also gets important enzymes flowing for digestion.

And if that’s not your cup of tea, how about an actual cup of tea? Traditional Medicinals has two detoxification teas. One is the Lemon Everyday Detox, with burdock root and stinging nettle. The other is Everyday Detox, which has a host of herbs designed to stimulate the livers’ release of toxins. The Chinese herbal formulas I prescribe are great at getting liver energy moving, and they do wonders for the emotions. One formula I use and recommend, Xiao Yao Wan, has helped a number of my patients with liver congestion, which leads to anger and frustration.

As you become more aware of chemical toxins that you unconsciously allow to enter your body, don’t neglect the emotional ones either. This is a beautiful time to fast from negative thinking and experiences. Cleansing the body, mind and soul can be a yearly event, weekly practice or daily process. However you design your cleansing ritual this spring, may it be a peaceful release and restoration.

Abundant Blessings!