Whew! Now that the holidays have passed, we can breathe a sigh of relief, put away the sugary cookies, take a break from the alcohol, and get back on track with healthy resolutions. The Cleansing Detox Spice/Herb Blend below will help detoxify and cleanse your body, which is particularly needed following an over-indulgent festive season. These herbs will also help alleviate some of the sluggish, worn down physical conditions I most commonly see among my patients after the busy holiday bustle.
Cleansing Detox Spice/Herb Blend
These warming herbs and spices help detoxify and cleanse your body by supporting the function of your liver, lymphatic system, bowels, urinary tract, and skin. Want more healing specifics? Check out the cleansing abilities of the three herbs below.
For making your own spice blend, there is no need to measure these spices/herbs exactly, but I recommend using equal amounts of each spice in dried and ground forms. I also recommend using a grinder similar to a coffee grinder to pulverize these, but keep in mind the grinder should be used only for spices and herbs. The consistency of the finished spices should be a dark powder. Store the blended spices in an airtight, glass jar to protect the volatile oils for six months to a year.
— turmeric
— ground ginger
— dried parsley
— dried rosemary
— cayenne pepper
— fenugreek
— fennel seed
Whenever you think your body needs a detoxifying jump start, add this blend to your meals just as you are finishing cooking the dish—about 1 minute before you turn off the heat. Add to your soups, stir-frys, fish and veggie dishes, and bean and grain dishes. More spice blends and other healthy, tasty, and easy-to-make recipes for long and healthy living in Secrets of Longevity Cookbook.
Spotlight On Three Cleansing Herbs
As always, if you are on medication, speak with your physician to make sure these spices aren’t interfering with your medicine.
1. Turmeric
This orange-colored spice makes a frequent appearance in curry dishes, and boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Additionally, turmeric promotes circulation, prevents blood clots, and decreases inflammation. It is also thought to accelerate the detoxification process in the whole body by increasing bile production and release. Fun fact: did you know that the blood-thinning drug Coumadin orginated from turmeric?
2. Rosemary
This fragrant, perennial herb has been used since ancient times to flavor cooking and it was also used to preserve meat. As it turns out, rosemary’s high level of antioxidants may play a role in protecting against food spoliage—and also protecting your bodily tissues from free radical damage. It is rosemary’s ability to stimulate the digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems that is thought by herbalists to help cleanse your body. Also, taken alone, rosemary can be a helpful digestive aid for settling your stomach. This is a great herb to grow in your kitchen window, whether you want to cook with fresh needles, or hang upside down to dry out and add to a spice/herb blend.
3. Parsley
Far more important than its low status as a garnish on your plate, parsley has one of the highest levels of chlorophyll of any herb. The high level of chlorophyll can help boost immunity, lower inflammation, and clear toxins. Parsley is traditionally used as a diuretic, which is thought to strengthen the bladder and support kidney function. Additionally, parsley contains alpha-linolenic acid, the omega-3 fatty acid that may help prevent cardiovascular disease and arthritis. With all these benefits, you will want to put parsley in everything from juices to spice mixes.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has appeared regularly on “Dr. Oz,” “The Doctors,” and “EXTRA.” Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to also founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com.
