 Time for Spring Cleaning
Here we are in the home stretch of winter in the northeast, with spring just around the corner. It’s almost time for the age-old tradition of spring cleaning, when we clear out the build up in our homes and gardens that accumulated over winter. We can also think about spring cleaning for our bodies during this time. In the colder months we tend to consume heavier foods and move our bodies less, which can take a toll on our digestive, liver, lymphatic, and kidney function and leave our body feeling sluggish. By supporting these detoxification organs we can help our body clear out built up toxins and metabolic waste. In doing so, we support the body in its many other functions, because a healthy detoxification system is critical for good health. While spring is a traditional time to think about detoxification, and many of the first herbs popping up in the spring here in the northeast happen to support the body’s detoxification channels, we need not limit our support of detoxification organs to this time of year. In fact, it can be really helpful to include detoxification support any time we are addressing a challenge or stuck pattern. Easy Does It Before we get too far, let’s be clear about what type of cleansing and detoxification we are promoting here. Too often we see intense cleansing protocols promoted in the name of detoxification, and often these are focused on flushing out the gastrointestinal tract. These protocols can be harsh on the body, and even dangerous at times. In contrast, as herbalists we understand the body to be a self-healing organism with appropriate mechanisms to maintain good health, but that sometimes it just needs a little extra support. We use herbs to gently support the body’s innate detoxification channels - sort of like a little nudge to wake things up and get moving. Filter and Flow Our bodies have a system of detoxification channels that all work together to reduce toxins and metabolic waste from building up in the blood and body. The key players in our detoxification system are the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, bowels, and skin. When we think about detoxification, it’s all about filtering out the waste and keeping things flowing so it doesn’t build up. I’ll briefly describe some of the basic functions of the different detoxification channels so we then look at how herbs can support them. The liver filters toxins and metabolic waste from the blood and converts it into bile, most of which is later excreted through the bowels, along with other waste products. The kidneys filter toxins to be excreted via urine. The lymphatic system cleans the interstitial fluid and dumps the waste into the bloodstream for eventual removal by the liver and kidneys. The skin, an often overlooked detox organ, can also excrete waste from the body, though it is the least effective and often picks up the slack if other detox organs are sluggish. Herbal Allies for Detoxification We can use gentle herbs to support the structure and functions of the body’s detoxification channels so that they stay open and moving. These types of herbs are traditionally referred to as alternatives, or “blood cleansers.” Alterative herbs can work through different mechanisms, but in one way or another, they all work to help the body’s ability to keep waste and toxins from building up in the body. Below are some different types of alterative herbs that support the body’s innate detoxification channels. Because the system of detoxification and elimination channels all work together, it’s important to support them simultaneously, rather than just focus on one.
It’s likely not a coincidence that some of the first herbs that appear in the springtime support the body’s detoxification channels. Specifically, we think about nettles, violets, dandelion leaf and root, and burdock root as being spring herbs here in the northeast. A Rejuvenating Spring Tea Below is a loose template for making a rejuvenating tea using locally grown/wildcrafted herbs that support the body’s detoxification system. Feel free to adapt it with your favorite yummy nervines or what is growing around you (e.g. perhaps you add in or substitute violets for the red clover). 1 TBSP Nettle leaf 1 TBSP Red clover 1 TBSP Delicious nervine of your choice (tulsi, linden, anise hyssop, etc.) 2 tsp Dandelion root 2 tsp Burdock root Steep, covered, overnight in 1 quart of boiling water. Strain in the morning and sip throughout the day. Beyond Herbs In addition to using herbs to support some gentle spring cleaning of your body, here are some strategies that can further support your body’s innate detoxification pathways:
As always, herbs are most effective and helpful when paired with the foundational pillars of health: sleep, stress management, nutrition, hydration, and movement. Though herbs can be really helpful in supporting the body’s structure and functions, they are not a replacement for these core practices. If you are feeling unsure if you could benefit from some gentle spring cleansing or want to get advice tailored to your unique situation, we encourage you to reach out to one of our Clinical Herbalists. By Jennifer Porter, clinical herbalist at Railyard. Jennie believes in the medicinal power of plants to help restore balance to our bodies and minds. As a clinical herbalist, she helps clients use food, plants and lifestyle shifts to move toward their health goals. In her experience, healing begins in a safe, non-judgmental space, and she welcomes clients of all ages and identities to explore how plants can support their wellbeing. Whatever your needs may be – preventative, acute, or chronic - she will create individualized recommendations and formulas that reflect your unique experience, goals, and lifestyle.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
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