With Cathy Schram
After the holidays, what can I do to get back on track?
Q: I hate to admit this, but I totally over indulged over the holidays. I am feeling bloated, sluggish and really tired. Now that the holidays are over, what can I do to help get back on track again?
A: Many people will be feeling the same way because we often forget to stay with our healthy eating habits during the holidays. We are tempted with so many foods and drinks during the holiday season and we end up paying for it later. I would highly recommend that you get back on track by starting with a good cleanse to help your body detoxify.
If you are tired, run-down and/or unable to concentrate, these are symptoms of toxicity in the body. Toxicity can impair your health to various degrees, ranging from decreases in energy to serious illness. Fortunately, there is a natural healing method called cleansing that can help correct this toxic state. Cleansing can help pamper your body’s cleansing organs while ejecting toxins that are causing discomfort. Following, are some of the herbs that can help the body naturally detoxify:
- Milk Thistle – This herb helps detoxify and cleanse the liver. Not only does it help build and restore healthy liver performance, it provides nutrients essential for proper liver function. It contains a powerful antioxidant, Silymarin. Silymarin has been shown in studies to help reduce and repair free radical damage. Milk Thistle can also help to stimulate the growth of new liver cells to replace damaged ones.
- Burdock – Burdock is an excellent blood, skin and kidney purifier that helps to eliminate harmful acids. This herb also encourages sweating, which aids the release of toxins through the skin.
- Black Walnut – This herb has anti-fungal and astringent properties. It helps cleanse the body of a variety of intestinal parasites and yeast.
- Psyllium Hulls – Psyllium is a bulk fiber laxative. The husks act like a “broom” cleansing the intestines and absorbing toxins that adhere to the intestinal walls.
- Some good herbs for detoxifying the kidneys are Uva Ursi and Buchu. To strengthen, tone and cleanse the colon, Cascara Sagrada and Buckthorn are good choices. They are laxative herbs.
You can purchase many different types of detoxifying kits which contain many of these herbal combinations. Or, if you prefer, they can be purchased individually to design your own detoxifying program.
It is best to speak to your physician or qualified health care practitioner before undergoing detoxifying programs, especially if you have health problems.
This herb information is for health education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of licensed health practitioners. Consult with a physician for any condition that requires professional care.
Do you have questions about herbs or vitamins? Send them to Cathy Schram, CNHP and Certified Herbalist. Write to: Herbs & More, 16021 Manchester Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011.
http://www.morethanherbsonline.com