3 Quick and Easy Concoctions By Our Experts For A Natural Cleanse

How often do you feel tired, sluggish, and low on energy? Has your sweat started to stink more than usual? Do you experience unexplained headaches, brain fog, migraine, or insatiable cravings? Does your skin feel dull and pigmented and is prone to breakouts, rashes, and allergies? Do you carry excess weight or have recurring digestive issues and bad breath?

These are all signs that your body needs a cleanse or detox.

Detox or cleanse have become buzzwords across the health space on the internet. If you were to type this into your search bar, you will be bombarded with millions of results on foods, exercises, drinks, and recipes that claim to do this.

But did you know your body is intelligently designed to cleanse itself with five eliminatory organs – lungs, liver, kidneys, bowels, and skin? So if you are already living a balanced and healthy lifestyle, it is rare that you will need to put in external efforts to get rid of toxins.

But it is also true that times have changed. Today we are exposed to toxins in everything – from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the cosmetics and personal hygiene care products we use, to the side effects of certain medications and ongoing treatments. And this calls for some help to assist your body to carry out this process.

In our line of work, we believe that cleanses come in various forms. You could practice an intermittent fast, do vegetable juices, or even engage in an emotional detox where you focus on journaling, forgiveness, acceptance, and letting go. And remember that there is no magic pill, food, drink, or exercise to heal you magically. These can only assist the process. It takes time and a deep focus on your overall lifestyle to help your body cleanse naturally.

Here are three easy-to-make concoctions that can cleanse your system naturally with readily available star ingredients. You can consume them once a day.

1. Star Anise, Cumin, and Cinnamon Water

Steps to follow:

• Take a glass of water.
• Add 1-2 star anise, 1 tsp cumin (jeera), and 1/2 tsp Sri Lankan cinnamon.
• Infuse them in the morning, and have this drink 30 minutes after dinner.

Benefits

This concoction boosts gut health and improves libido(sex drive) too.

• Star Anise: One of the most potent antivirals in the world, the star anise has a calming effect on your digestive system. It is gastroprotective and can ease digestive issues like acidity, indigestion, flatulence, bloating, and constipation. Star anise is linked with boosting your libido or sex drive. It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B and is loaded with antioxidants to neutralize free radicals that create inflammation in your body. It is also antifungal and helps break down excessive candida growth in our bodies. Always use the Chinese variety or the star anise that grows in India, never the Japanese variety (this is toxic).
• Cumin: It is an essential spice in every Indian home. It activates your salivary gland and facilitates the primary digestion of food in your mouth. Its compound thymol stimulates the glands that secrete bile, acids, and enzymes that aid digestion in the stomach and intestines. Cumin is also known to lower bad cholesterol, stoke metabolism, aid fat loss, and cleanse the liver.
• Cinnamon: It helps your body flush out toxins naturally. It is rich in antioxidants and also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. A much-adored ingredient in herbal tea or detox waters, it enhances metabolism and aids digestion. It is considered to purify the blood, boost circulation, and promote better skin health. Always choose Sri Lankan or True Ceylon Cinnamon.

2. Lemongrass and Clove Infusion

Steps to follow:

• All you need to do is take 2 glasses of water.
• Add a handful of lemongrass and 2-4 cloves.
• Boil and reduce to half.
• Have this in the morning 10 minutes before you start your breakfast.

Benefits:

• Lemongrass: A 2001 study showed that infusing lemongrass stimulates digestion and acts as a diuretic. By increasing your urine output, it flushes out unwanted toxins. Citral, essential oil in its twigs and leaves, boosts metabolism and effectively fights obesity and accumulation of abdominal fat. Lemongrass is also rich in antioxidants.
• Cloves: These are loaded with antiseptic properties. These have been used in traditional medicine across countries. They are rich in antioxidants (especially eugenol), get rid of toxins, and are also considered hepatoprotective. They are highly antimicrobial and promote good oral health by killing harmful bacteria. It is also another reason why we recommend those with bad breath to suck on cloves. Studies link clove extract to increasing gastric mucus and protecting against stomach ulcers.

3. Hibiscus, Lemon, and Mint Water

Steps to follow

• Boil water. Turn off the flame.
• Add a mix of dry hibiscus petals and dry mint powder in equal quantities.
• Let it steep for 7-10 mins and then strain and have it.
• Once it cools a little, add a few drops of lemon juice, as per taste.
• Drink this tea in the morning. You can even opt to have it 30 minutes before or after breakfast.

Benefits

• Hibiscus: It has hepatoprotective properties. It protects and promotes liver health. Hibiscus extract is linked with increasing drug-detoxifying enzymes and reducing liver damage and fatty liver. It is loaded with antioxidants. Other benefits include lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure and bad cholesterol and triglycerides in those with diabetes or other metabolic syndromes.
• Lemon: It is not only refreshing and hydrating but also serves as a natural way to cleanse and regulate liver function. It works as a diuretic to flush harmful toxins. It aids digestion, stokes metabolism, aids fat loss, manages/prevents kidney stones, and improves skin health, energy levels, and mood. Packed with Vitamin C, lemon is a natural immunity booster and also highly anti-inflammatory, thanks to the flavonoids present in it.
• Mint: Infusing mint may help ease digestive issues like constipation, gas, and bloating. Studies suggest that menthol found in mint is effective in managing irritable bowel syndrome. Mint also helps regulate your body temperature and blood pressure and maintains electrolyte balance. It enables a natural detox and also energizes you. It is low in calories and keeps you hydrated. Drinking mint-infused water can also soothe stubborn colds and clear your nasal passages. Mint is antimicrobial. It kills harmful bacteria within the mouth and relieves bad breath.

Tell us how these worked for you.

Disclaimer: If you are allergic to certain ingredients avoid the same. Keep your healthcare provider in the loop before adding anything new if you have a medication condition or are on any medications.

Looking for a holistic and personalized cleanse plan that revolves around you?

Join our 14-Day Rejuvenation and Cleanse Program under You Care Wellness here.

Want to set up a one-on-one session with our integrative experts? Speak to our wellness consultants by calling 1800 102 0253 or write to us at info@lukecoutinho.com.

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