Artichokes for Detoxifying & More! March 11, 2010

I was reading up on the liver today and some of the foods that are excellent for liver health/detoxification. I’m happy to say that one of my ultimate favorites are on the list - artichokes! These prickly green, flower-like veggies act as blood purifiers and contain both liver-protective and liver-restorative properties. Clinical studies have also proven that they lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. And let’s not leave out that they are great source of fiber, Vitamin C, magnesium, folate, copper, and potassium.

Trying steaming some whole artichokes with dinner tonight or add some marinated artichoke hearts to a salad — your liver will surely thank you! ;)

Photo Credit: maddieaboutfood.wordpress.com

Mixin’ It Up February 24, 2010

For anyone who is into aromatherapy, here are some pretty simple and therapeutic aromatherapy mixtures from Tisserand. Each mix is geared towards a particular situation/ailment ranging from travel to dry skin!

Easy Detox November 18, 2009

Here are 12 easy ways to detox your body and home from Health.com!

Some Natural Ways to Help Your Body Detoxify October 8, 2008

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
2. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.
3. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your body.
4. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.
5. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.
6. Detox foot baths to remove toxins through your pores.
7. Exercise!

Adapted from http://life.gaiam.com/

One of my favorite things to do….Foot Baths! October 8, 2008

I started doing foot baths when I was about 4 years old and I’ve never stopped since!

 

These are some of the times to treat yourself to a relaxing foot bath:

• When your feet are sore
• When you’re stressed
• When you’re cold
• When you’re rundown
• When you’re sick
• When you just want to do something relaxing!

For a foot bath you can either just fill your bath tub up with enough water to submerge your feet OR you can use an actual foot bath (you can find foot baths at Target, Walgreens, etc.).

Some of my usual mixtures to include in the very warm water:

• For relaxation: a few drops of lavender oil & 1- 2 tablespoons of sea salt
• For a cold: a few drops of eucalyptus oil &  mustard seed powder (detoxifying)
• For tired feet: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and/or a few drops of lemon juice & 1-2 tablespoons of epsom salt

**You can always simply use warm water and still being doing something healthy and relaxing for yourself.

Try a foot bath today or at least, this week!