When I look through my cabinets and cupboards, I realize that herbs infuse every part of my life. I cook with herbs, use herbal skin care products, clean my home with herbal cleansers, and use herbal remedies to keep my husband and myself healthy. I am not alone in my passion for all things herbal.

In the past 30 years, those seeking herbal knowledge have mushroomed. And herbal classes, such as the year-long "Herbalists Training Program" I teach, have seen students who are not necessarily seeking a career in Herbalism, but want to receive a complete education regarding herbs to apply to themselves and to their families.

One of the subjects in the course is Spring Cleansing. It places great emphasis on cleaning out unhealthy materials in the body—gently, safely, and naturally. This can result in renewed strength and vitality. Of course, prevention and clean living are the first choices, but what if the damage is done and your body is littered with noxious toxins?

Cleansing is not a magic bullet, just as no one herb or vitamin can clear up all problems. However, you can rid your body of toxins that are causing irritation, inflammation, overload or exhaustion. But if you do not make changes that eliminate the sources of the toxins from your life, you will wind up having to cleanse yourself again and again—which is neither natural nor desirable. I tell my students not to become fanatical about cleansing. Keeping the body in a constant eliminative mode, instead of restoring and rebuilding, is not desirable. Ongoing cleansing is not necessary and can be harmful. The old saying "more is better" does not apply.

 

Here is a 7-Day Gentle Spring Cleanse

Each Meal: Take the following capsules

Dandelion root – 2 capsules

Burdock root – 2 capsules

Psyllium seed – 2 capsules

 

Diet:

Raw or steamed vegetables (green vegetables only)

Whole grains cooked, such as: brown rice, quinoa, millet, barley, bulghur wheat, and whole oat groats.

Your plate of food should be comprised of 50%

vegetables and 50% Grains.

 

Juices:

Each Day – at least 2 quarts mixed vegetable juices. Juiced or blended okay.

 

Green juice blend (celery, cucumber, leafy greens)

Root vegetable blend (carrot, radish, beet – no more than 2 ounces beet juice per serving)

 

Water: 3 to 4-8 ounce cups per day with a squeeze of fresh lemon

 

Oil:

Each Day: Coconut oil—3 tablespoons per day should be consumed. This could be drizzled on vegetables and grains. The coconut oil can also be added into your juice.

 

Rose Kalajian-Herbalist has practiced in a clinical setting since 1998, promoting health through the use of herbs. Kalajian owns and operates the Natural Health Hut Herbal Farm, Herb Shop and Educational Center. "We strive to supply the Herbal needs of our community and beyond." Reach the Health Hut at [email protected] or 813-991-5177.