Health Coach Tip - Your Post-Holiday Detox

Need a DIY detox after the holidays? Make an infusion or bitter herbal blend to cleanse your body. To make an infusion, steep 1-3 tablespoons of herbs in boiling water for 15 minutes to one hour and then strain. To make your own bitter blend - combine botanicals, high-proof liquor, water and flavor agents using this recipe: Homemade Bitters. Detoxification is necessary to cleanse the body and to make sure our immune systems’ functions well. There are several herbs to help you detox after the holidays (and throughout the year):

Start here.

  1. Ginger: Ginger is dense in plant compounds gingerol and shogaol which are both anti-inflammatory and support GI health. It may help stimulate circulation and digestion, while also encouraging sweating to promote detoxification.
  2. Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is another wonderful herb to detoxify. For thousands of years, it has been used to cleanse the liver and promote liver health. The liver is the majorly responsible for detoxification.
  3. Dandelion: Dandelion contributes to liver health, supporting detoxification. It does so by promoting bile production, which helps flush toxins out of the body.
  4. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera helps support digestion and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera contains plant compounds which are antiviral and antibacterial. Aloe vera gel may help to lubricate the GI tract and remove toxins and bacteria. To consume in tea form, make a cup of your favorite tea and stir in a teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
  5. Digestive bitters: Digestive bitters are herbal bitter concoctions, made from a blend of herbs, barks, roots, and fruits,  that have been used for 100’s of years to boost digestion. The bitter flavor signals your body to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, bile and stomach acid. An active digestive response can help with bloating, gas, and heartburn – which in turn can help with nutrient absorption, a happy microbiome, regular elimination, and more.

Use any of these herbs as a tea or in a bitter blend to promote digestive function and detoxification!

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