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Natural Cleansing Diets

Are you feeling blocked, bloated, tired and full of toxins? Your American diet sure tastes good, but it has too much salt, sour and sugar. Historically, bitter foods have been a staple of nearly every culture on earth. These herbs seem to have a miraculous ability to cleanse not only our digestive systems, but our blood. Bitter foods and herbs have a healing effect on our livers--the body's central cleansing station. Foods that nourish this organ make up a large part of natural cleansing diets.

  1. Traditional Western Cleanse with Bitter Tinctures

    • The following "remedies" are considered food supplements and not considered medications by the Food and Drug administration.

      Swedish Bitters: An herbal elixir once widely known to activate the liver and other digestive organs in harmonious fashion. This formula consists of Manna (mild laxative), Aloe, Rhubarb Root (cleanses liver), Senna Leaves (laxative), Theriac Venezian (promotes blood circulation), Zedoary Root (stimulates bile), Angelica Root (stimulates pancreas), Carline Thistle Root, Myrrh (anti-yeast, antibacterial), Camphor (stimulates blood circulation) and Saffron (soothing affect).

      Essiac Tea: A formulation developed by nurse Rene M. Caisse after studying traditional native American remedies. This bitter plant blend consists of Burdock Root (reduces mucus, diuretic, maintains normal blood sugar levels), Slippery Elm inner bark (dissolves mucus in tissue, glands and nerve channels), Sheep Sorrel (maintaining healthy kidney and urinary functions) and Indian Rhubarb Root (helps purge the liver of toxic buildup and waste).

    Far East Blends for Natural Cleansing

    • Chinese Bitters: The main ingredient here is Gentian root, also known as Long Dan Cao (dragon gallbladder herb) and Bupleurum root, also known as Chai Hu (hare's ear root). These herbs help to clear congestion and mucus buildup.

      Ayurvedic: Some of the oldest herbal remedies recorded use bitters to cleanse the body. Like European traditions, the Indian Ayurvedic practice suggests a detoxification program using bitter herbs. However, this practice suggests using bitter, pungent and astringent foods for cleansing. Kale and turmeric provide bitterness. Peppers and radishes give you a dose of pungent. While cucumbers and pomegranates are considered the best astringent foods for blood purification.

    Other Bitters

    • Italian Campari Liqueur: The main ingredient is bitter orange. According to a natural health company, NutraSanus, "Today bitter orange teas, tinctures, and extracts are still used in connection with gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, head aches and obesity."

      Beer loaded with hops makes beer more bitter, but also gives it antibiotic properties. Hops reduces inflammation and stimulates bile production. All of this aides the cleansing action of the liver and gallbladder.

      Eat more "weeds." Add dandelion leaf, water-cress, arugula, and other colorful bitter leafy vegetables to your salad.

    Precautions

    • Remember more bitter isn't actually better. Try to keep bitters balanced with other foods. When you try these substances, they should taste refreshing. If they give you constipation, indigestion or dry mouth, discontinue use. Only continue to "cleanse" if it makes you feel good.

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