Start your Spring Detox with Herbal Tea
As spring announces itself, a lot of us can feel in our bodies a natural need for detox, like a kind of reset. Especially this year. Did you know that detoxification is a natural process that happens in the body? It is not about doing any weird diets and forcing things out. It’s just the body’s way of releasing toxins and clearing out poison and anything that isn’t good for our body.
Why spring?
In traditional Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the liver. The liver is the main organ behind our body’s natural detoxification system. That’s why we put our focus on detox this time of year.
How to detox?
Even though detox is a natural process, plants have been known for thousands and thousands of years to help with detox. They do that in different ways:
– Some plants are known to help by removing toxins and poisons from the body. The way they work is by helping to increase sweating and urination to eliminate the toxins.
– There are plants that have powerful antioxidants and therefore can help reduce the toxicity of certain substances.
– Other plants optimize or support the whole detox process by supporting a specific organ, the liver or the gallbladder for example.
There are different ways to consume herbs and plants. One of the easiest one is herbal tea, and you’ll know that is also my favourite if you know me at all. That’s also why I’ve created my own blends.
It’s recommended to use organic herbs for your herbal teas. They can be fresh or dry.
Many herbs are great for detox, and I’ll share three powerful ones today. They are pretty easy to find. One of them might even be growing in your garden or in your area.
Dandelion
Dandelion is widely considered a weed even though it has many properties.
You can use its leaf, which helps detoxify the body by increasing urinary flow.
You can also use its root, which is a bitter tonic that supports the liver.
Nettle
Nettle is an excellent kidney supporter. We use its leaves dry or fresh.
Nettle is also known for being a blood purifier. So this is another one of these powerful herbs that will support the detoxification process.
It tastes lovely paired with mint, which is also known for boosting the whole detox process. I personally enjoy it in my herbal tea blend Femme, especially at the beginning of my cycle.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus has a really beautiful pink colour and is a fantastic herb that supports the liver.
I’ve heard that if you have a really heavy night of drinking, hibiscus tea the next day can really help your liver get rid of the toxins. And therefore make the hangover slightly more bearable.
Hibiscus is another herb that can beautifully support your body’s existing detoxification function and process. It’s lovely, natural sweet and fruity taste is the perfect addition to any tea blends. Don’t believe me? Try Vif!
How to make your herbal tea:
IFor dry herbs, use one to two teaspoons. I normally recommend one teaspoon per cup but if your goal is detoxification then go for two teaspoons to maximize the benefits. With fresh herbs, double that and use four teaspoons per cup. Use 90 degrees water (not boiling, read all the details on that here), let it steep for 10 minutes minimum, and enjoy! Consume two to three cups a day for a few days.
Happy detox!
