This article focuses on a tonic that maintains good health through detoxification, purification and maintenance of our whole system. Looking at our general detoxification system and what herbs stimulate different parts of this system, their purposes and choice reasons. Method and reasons of the chosen delivery are also discussed.
flickr.com
A complete body tonic has been designed for a proper level of toxin elimination, and provision of necessary nutrients, which is vital for good health. Accumulation of toxins, or toxicity, occurs on external and internal levels. Externally through eating, drinking, breathing, and internally through normal daily body process such as cellular, biochemical and bodily activities.
A healthy body, and immune system can eliminate toxins through our general detoxification systems:
- Lymphatic – lymph system
- Skin and dermal – sweat glands and tears
- Urinary – kidneys, bladder and urethra
- Gastrointestinal – complete GI tract, liver, gallbladder and colon
- Respiratory – lungs, throat, sinuses, nose and bronchial tubes.
By selecting certain herbs based on their properties, it is possible to minimize toxicity and therefore maintain good health throughout the whole body. The following herbs have been chosen:
- Echinacea (Echinacea Angustifolia) – has properties of alterative, antibiotic and sialagogues, is good against various viral diseases,certain cancers and inflammatory conditions. Stimulates the lymph system increasing the removal of toxins. Produces no side effects.
- Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) – is an alterative, cholagogue, diuretic, stomachic, stimulant and tonic. Cleans the liver and the blood by filtering toxins.
- Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) – has properties of alterative, antitumor, antibiotic, antiseptic, parasitic and diuretic. It is astrong blood cleanser and purifier containing powerful antioxidant NDGA (nordihydroquaiaretic acid).
- Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus) – has properties of alterative, blood tonic, cholagogue, and mild laxative. Contains constituents that affect the colon and the liver. Used for most liver inflammation and gastrointestinal diseases. Contains high levels of iron which is an essential mineral.
- Sarsaparilla (smilax medica) – is alterative, anti inflammatory, stimulant, tonic and diuretic properties. It attacks and neutralizes microbial substances in the blood. It also promotes sweating.
- Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – its effects on the whole body makes this an excellent addition. It is beneficial for the heart, normalizes blood pressure, increases gastrointestinal movement and tone, increases iron metabolism, increases metabolic functions, reduces blood cholesterol, reduces blood sugar levels, and assists in recovery from weakness and deficiencies.
- Goldenseal (hydrastic canadensis) – Its inflammatory properties are important, as it dries and cleanses the mucus membranes. It treats liver diseases and can be easily combined with Echinacea and chaparral.
- Ginger Root (Zingiber Officinale) – stimulates circulation and sweating, the respiratory centers, the heart and vasomotor. It is diaphoretic, and benefits the intestines, circulation and the stomach. Promotes good digestion.
- Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – is an excellent detoxifier, biochemical balancer and modulator, and strengthens the activity of other herbs in this tonic. It is important against fevers, infections, inflammations, bacteria, viruses and cholesterol.
- Poke Root (photolacca Americana) – chosen for its anti-inflammatory, alterative, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is necessary for blood and lymphatic purification. Affects kidneys and lungs.
- Kelp (Laminaria, macrocystis, ascophyllum) – chosen for its ability to kill bacteria, detoxification and elimination. Excellent for anti-infectious properties, and good for elimination of any environmental pollution.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
- Gotu Kola (Hydrocolyte asiatica) – has properties of alterative, anticatarrhal and antipyretic. It is used in treating toxicity in the blood therefore is an excellent blood purifier, diuretic, tonic, anti fatigue and neutralizes any harmful acids in the blood.
- Rosemary Leaf (rosmarinus officinalis) – its inclusion is due to its anti-inflammatory properties and high amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium that are vital for proper functioning of the nervous system and the heart.
Decoction has been chosen over infusion since roots contain high amounts of albuminous matter which can interfere with the extraction of other constituents. Decoctions are liquid preparations made from boiling either fresh or dehydrated herbal substances with water or other fluids. The preparation method is as follows:
- Place 1 part of 3-5Gm of each chopped herb into a porcelain or glass container with a cover.
- Pour 500ml of COLD water upon this mixture.
- Let the mixture macerate for a few hours.
- Bring the mixture slowly to boil.
- Decrease the heat and simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Press the herb mixture to make sure all solution is removed from the marc.
- Allow the pressed decoction to cool to 40 degrees Celsius and strain the liquid. This liquid can be further filtered using filter paper.
- Pour water through the marc to bring it back to 500ml.
The delivery is to drink 90ml of this mixture as a tea, from one to three times a day. Use it more often during times of high stress and poor health.
Sources
- Staying Healthy with Nutrition – Elson L. Hass M.D.
- The way of the Herbs – Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.
- The scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine – Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.
- The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook – James Green.
Cartoon by Bob Moran
