Spring Cleaning
People often ask, "What should I do for a cleanse?" However, they rarely ask "When?" The philosophy behind "cleansing" is to help your body get rid of stored toxins. The best times of the year to do this are spring and fall.
Our body responds to the rhythm of the sun rising and setting. So, too, our body responds to the cyclical pattern of the seasons. It is during these seasons that our body is primed to get rid of what we don't need. In the spring, the liver and gallbladder eliminate more toxins; in the fall, the lungs and large intestines eliminate more toxins. Although we have a very temperate climate here in Santa Barbara, the change in temperature and wind does affect how we feel.
Do it for your liver
Often during the colder months we eat more fat to keep us warm. Conveniently, our religions encourage feasts during this time of year and, consequently, most of us overindulge. This makes spring the perfect time of year to undertake a liver cleanse. The weather becomes warmer, our body doesn't need as much fat to keep us warm and is willing to release it.
The role of the liver is to process all poisons, including fat, cholesterol, alcohol, drugs (both recreational & pharmaceutical), artificial colors, flavors & preservatives, airborne pollutants and poisons in water and food. The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile, a liquid produced by the liver to breakdown fats in the stomach and small intestine. Bile is the body's liquid detergent.
When the liver becomes stagnant, the gallbladder needs some help before stones begin to form. If you suffer from indigestion, flatulence, periodic pain below the right rib cage, tension in the back of the neck near the shoulders, bitter taste in the mouth or chest pain, you may be experiencing the warning signs of gallstones.
This GRADUAL gallbladder cleanse will dissolve gallstones, move energy in your gallbladder and make your liver very, very happy.
What to eat
Unrefined grains, vegetables & legumes. Pears,
parsnips, seaweed, lemons, limes, radish & tumeric.
What to avoid
Heavy meats, dairy, eggs, nuts & seeds, processed
foods & sugar.
For 21 days eat 1-2 radishes between meals. Drink 3 cups of cleavers (galium aparine) or 5 cups of chamomile tea each day. Consume 5 teaspoons of flax seed oil daily.
Who me? Angry?
You may want to forewarn your loved ones you are undertaking a liver cleanse. The liver & gallbladder are associated with ANGER. During this cleanse, you may experience outbursts of anger. You may verbally lash out at someone or feel like hitting something. Although it may be frightening to feel such strong outbursts, know that your liver is responding to the cleanse and that the side effects are short-lived. Journal during this time. You may reveal some surprising sources of anger as well as joy during the journey.
