The 4 Super Detox Spices you need to feel lighter, more energy and your best self!

The 4 Super Detox Spices you need to feel lighter, more energy and your best self!

By: Piera Bonventre H.D, C.N.C, C.P.T

Cleansing the body and “doing a detox” may seem like the new cool trendy thing to do.  However it has been an ancient healing practice, given to us by the great healers of the past.  Eastern medicine in particular relies intensely on the principles of using the natural fruits of our earth like herbs and spices to help the body release harmful toxins.  Toxins in our air, water, and food impedes the body's functions, the mind's thought processes and the entire energetic system. 

The earth has given us powerfully healing substances like spices and herbs which are potent and concentrated plant source medicines.  The best spices for cleansing are those that have a warming effect, which encourages elimination, assimilation and regeneration of all the cells in the body.  Warming herbs also increase the metabolism and augment the weight loss affects of a good cleansing detox.

The following 4 super spices are included in the Spice Trader's Detox Kit.  These work synergistically to help the body eliminate toxins in a gentle, and healthy way.  Remember that a detox must include a healthy diet composed of mainly fruits, veggies, and plenty amounts of filtered water and herbal teas.  This allows the body to channel all energy into elimination and not into the actual digestion of food.  Best results are also seen when all caffeine is cut out as well.

Cayenne Pepper:

The power of this spice lies in it's content of capsaicin, a potent stimulating phytochemical.  It stimulates the digestive system and in particular the main detoxifying organ – our liver!  By aiding this organ to do it's own natural thing, we assist the body to eliminate toxins, excess fats, and increase the enzymatic functions of the liver.  Also Cayenne is a high source of Vitamin C, and as an anti oxidant it will help neutralize any free radicals released and strengthen the immune system while your body is going through the cleansing process.

How to use it best:  Every morning, and before breakfast, consume a warm glass of water, with a pinch of cayenne and a spritz of fresh lemon juice.  Wait at least half hour before eating your first meal of the day.  Cayenne is great because it can also be added to the cleansing diet, which tends to be somewhat bland.  Sprinkle it in your veggies stews, in brown rice or quinoa pilafs or on avocado for a hot treat.

Ginger: 

I love this herb! It is rich in nutrients that help feed the body and protect it from inflammation, digestive upsets like nausea, and helps release toxins stored in the colon.  The reason the Japanese combine ginger with raw sushi, is that it helps break down the protein and helps kill any possible  bacteria present in the fish.  So it's obvious how this anti bacterial property is so complimentary to our efforts to cleanse old stored toxins and debris from our bodies.  Ginger also will help diminish any potential side affects that come with a cleansing program like nausea, or digestive upset due to the detoxifying effects. 

How to use it best:  A pinch of ginger daily added to your morning cayenne water is ideal.  The ginger will help the digestive system rev up and be ready for the day.  Ginger can also be added to a green juice drink, like kale and cucumber as a great revitalizing snack between your main meals of the day.  Use ginger after a meal as well, to help digest and break down your food thereby helping your body during the cleansing process. 

Rosemary:

This is a powerhouse herb! It is antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, and has a profound decongesting affect on the liver.  The liver can become congested with toxins from an unhealthy diet of processed food,  alcohol, nicotine, and overeating of sugars and fats. Our colons can also be a breeding ground for nasty bugs and fungus.  Rosemary will ensure these are kept in check.  It will also stimulate the circulation thereby shuttling out waste out the colon more efficiently.   Also noteworthy is it's ability to increase the circulation to the brain. This is quite helpful when on a detox because we can often feel mentally foggy from the effects of releasing so many toxins at once.

How to use it best:  Rosemary can be added to many foods like soups and casseroles during cooking. Also it gives a nice aromatic lift to a green smoothie or juice drink. 

Tumeric:

Tumeric deserves huge high fives all around.  I'm a big promoter of this herb to my clients because it is immensely effective for combatting joint and overall systemic inflammation. It's high anti oxidant content fights free radical damage and gives you more youthful skin.  It also supports the liver by increasing  its enzymatic activity, so you can lose those excess pounds more efficiently.  The active ingredient is curcumin and scientific research substantiates it's beneficial effects for healing arthritis, muscle and joint pains from injuries, overuse or from being overweight.  Curcumin being a great anti inflammatory will also aid those with cardiac conditions and heart disease.  It heals the walls of the arteries and helps keep them free of inflammation.   Less inflammation in the body means you can help your body prevent illness or chronic disease. 

How to use it best:
 
The golden colour and deeply aromatic nature of Tumeric lends itself best to simpler dishes and meals. This makes transitioning to a new healthy diet much more pleasing because you won't sacrifice the flavour and can make some delicious tasting dishes.  Add into simmering veggies stews, brown rice and quinoa dishes and especially goes well with plain tofu giving it a more robust flavour.  Use small amounts as a little goes a long way.  Also the pungency of tumeric intensifies the longer it is cooked. To help increase digestion after a meal, and as a cleansing tool add a ¼ teaspoon to a warm glass of water, and also add a pinch of ginger, and squeeze of lemon juice.

The key to wellness and great health is in prevention.  By using the herbs and spices in this kit, you will nourish the body and help it detoxify in a more gentle but effective way.  Remember to drink plenty of filtered water, and eat a “clean” diet by eliminating animal products (including dairy), wheat, sugar, and all processed foods.  Without a solid and healthful diet the cleansing effects will be lost.  Enjoy spicing it up and many wishes of wellness to you all.

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