Spring Detox for Body and Mind

Now that Spring has sprung, understandably many of us feel like discarding our winter ‘skin’ in order to embrace the light and warmth of the new season.

Embarking on a spring detox is one way to achieve this. But what do we mean by a detox? Well, in a nutshell it’s about getting rid of any lingering toxins which are making us feel a bit sluggish. And, at the same time, doing so often means losing weight and feeling lighter too. Mental clarity is also a pleasant benefit of a physical detox.

What is a herbal detox?

A herbal detox involves drinking teas and hot drinks containing specific herbs aimed at supporting the body as it eliminates toxins. These are herbs that provide help for the liver and ensure blood sugar levels are well maintained. They also help the elimination process itself.

Some of the most popular herbs used for a detox include milk thistle, dandelion root, ginger, liquorice, burdock root and valerian root. 

Herbs for a detox and how they work 

• Liver support

Both Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root are geared to supporting the liver and helping the body eliminate toxins. Milk Thistle contains silymarin. This active compound can regenerate liver cells as well as rid the organ of free radicals. Dandelion Root can help stimulate bile production and is a diuretic so it helps increase urine and get rid of excess fluids.

A less-well known herb to help the health of the liver is Schisandra. A 2013 study showed the antioxidants in this berry-bearing plant to be successful in helping mice fight liver disease. Human studies showed it also helped with liver damage in those with Hepatitis C.

• Kidney support

Parsley is said to be excellent for stimulating the kidneys and, again, helping the body get rid of waste products. That’s because it’s a natural diuretic, as this 2002 study on rats shows. The herb is also believed to help prevent kidney stones.

• Lymphatic support

Both Echinacea and Calendula can help the lymphatic system clear out waste and toxins. So too can Red Clover which also helps the respiratory system by cleansing the lungs. Calendula works by helping to heal the tissues and reducing inflammation. It’s good for the skin too since it helps eliminate via this organ.

Another herb which can stimulate the lymphatic system into action is Cleavers. Also known as ‘sticky willie,’ this wildflower is native to the UK and can be used to treat both oedema and water retention.

Here at NutraTea we have three tea blends specially formulated to help with a detox regime. These are NutraCleanse, NutraLiver and NutraRelease. We explain more about their make up here:

NutraCleanse

With Milk Thistle the main constituent in this tea, it’s set to support the liver right from the start. NutraCleanse also contains two other liver supports – Dandelion Root and Artichoke (both of which are also excellent for detoxification). Other helpful herbs include Liquorice, Fennel, Nettle and Ginger, amongst others.

NutraLiver

Another herbal tea with Milk Thistle as one of its joint main herbs, NutraLiver supports the liver by ensuring the intestinal tract and digestive system are also in good working order. It’s other main constituent – liquorice – helps with the urinary tract system and like, Milk Thistle, is an antioxidant which can help protect against free radical damage.

NutraRelease

As its name suggests, our special tea formula NutraRelease is designed to help with the flow of fluids in the body. It also contains Parsley to help with elimination of the kidneys. Uva Ursa is also there to help with maintaining good bladder function.

Of course, while you’re embarking on your herbal detox it’s also a good idea to drink more water than you normally would. This helps the elimination process and gets those toxins out faster, making you feel better sooner.