Apr
29
Liver Cleanse With Horsetail Herb
April 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Horsetail herb has long been used as a way to treat many ailments. It has many medicinal properties that have been lauded by herbalists to deal with many different areas of the body. One great use is for a liver cleanse that will also benefit other areas of the body.
Horsetail herb is used through ingestion to treat prostate problems and urinary tract issues. The herb has been known to help promote health throughout the entire urinary tract system, including the kidney, liver, and the urethra. The detoxification and elimination of waste is known to help relieve symptoms of arthritis and other diseases that may be aggravated by toxins. Horsetail herb is also known for containing silica that helps promote connective tissue.
You can prepare horsetail herb by pouring boiling water over two grams of horsetail herb. Continue boiling for five minutes and then steep for another ten minutes. Drink this tea three times a day for best results. For cold tea you can steep the herb for 12 to 24 hours and keep in the refrigerator for storage. This is an easy part of a detoxification diet and liver cleansing.
Another use for horsetail herb is as a compress for external use. You can add the herb to your hot bath. Start the bath at a temperature much higher than what you want for your bath so that you can allow the herb to steep before enjoying your bath.
You can also make a paste or poultice out of the herb by boiling and either making a paste for direct application or a compress with a clean piece of cotton or other natural fabric.
A liver cleanse that includes horsetail herb can be applied without difficulty. Detoxification of the internal organs can be accomplished with an easily brewed tea. A liver cleansing method can help as a skin cleanse as well.
Feb
28
Liver Detox With Turmeric
February 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The primary function of the liver is to process and remove toxins from our bloodstream. It has the ability fo filter up to 2 litres pf blood per minute. Liver enzymes break apart the structure of toxic molecules to reduce their toxicity. However, poor diet, allergens, pollutants and fatigue can cause liver functions to slow down.
The liver produces bile to help it remove toxins. Hence, an increased bile flow is beneficial in liver detox. Turmeric has been found to help increase bile flow. It is a natural liver cleanser that could rejuvenate the liver cells.
Turmeric is used as an ingredient in many Eastern cooking. In Ayurvedic Medicine, it is known as the king of spices. It helps to promote good digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, but has none of the unpleasant side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It has been used for skin cleansing, colour enhancement and food preservation.
It is the curcumin in tumeric that gives it its medicinal value. In addition to its liver detox use, curcumin has powerful antioxidant action that combats viral infection, cancer, and arthritis. It stimulates the gallbladder for bile production, and scavenges free radicals. The whole herb turmeric contains lower concentrations of curcumin, and is used when healing requires the application of volatile oils.
You should check with your healthcare provider prior to using tumeric. If you have congestive heart disease whose cause has not yet been identified , refrain from using turmeric or curcumin. Turmeric should not be used for long periods of time, because it may cause stomach distress. It is also not recommended if you have painful gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic, or extremely toxic liver disorders.
Here is a recipe that involves the use of turmeric:
Lentils with Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 cup lentils, rinsed
2-1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp turmeric
3 Tbsp ghee
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger
1 green chile, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
Salt
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin seeds
Instructions
1. Place lentils, water & turmeric in a pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Continue cooking, removing the froth from the top from time to time.
2. In a separate pot, heat half the ghee. Saute onion and garlic till golden. Stir in ginger, chile and zucchini. Mix thoroughly and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the lentils to the zucchini mixture. Stir in salt and garam masala. Half cover the pot, lower the heat and cook for 15 minutes.
4. In the remaining ghee, toss in the cumin seeds and heat till they sizzle and change color.
5. Serve lentils hot with the ghee cumin seeds.
Yield: 4 servings
Recipe is taken from Indian Vegetarian Cooking by Michael Pandya




