It’s the beginning of a new year. Chances are, after holiday eating and a long, stressful year, your body could use a good cleanse. Toxins build up from the chemicals and pollution around us, which can really overwork your liver. You may need a cleanse if you have the following symptoms: skin breakouts, bloating/stomach pain, food cravings, trouble sleeping, constipation, headaches, fatigue/sluggishness, irritability, or congestion. There are several essential oils that help to clean and detoxify the liver and lymphatic system and give digestive support:
- Fennel
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Roman chamomile
- Blue tansy
- Helichrysum
- Tea tree
- Melrose
- Hyssop
- Juniper
These can be diffused in the air or diluted and applied to the liver area or pulse points to aid your body’s cleansing process.
Another aspect of cleansing includes getting plenty of sleep so your body can rest and repair. Moving your body is also important. Sweating releases toxins, and exercise can inspire a sluggish lymph system to get going. It is very important to drink plenty of water while cleansing. If you are in need of a thorough cleanse, you can try fasting from food and drinking a lemonade concoction in place of food. This cleanse can be done for 3–10 days, but be sure to adjust for your body’s needs and consult an expert if you have concerns.
- Add 2 Tbsp. (25 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 10 oz. (300 ml) distilled water.
- Mix in 2 Tbsp. (25 ml) pure maple syrup.
- Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Drink 6–12 glasses per day in place of food.
Lemon converts to an alkali in the body and eliminates toxins from the bowels and bladder, and cayenne pepper is a thermal warmer that dilates the blood vessels. An herbal laxative tea may also help with elimination during your cleanse. When you’re done with your cleanse, phase back into food with freshly juiced produce and then thoroughly chewed vegetables and fruit.
It is a good time to press the reset button and take out the trash in your body. If you make the effort to cleanse, you’ll find renewed energy and health moving into the new year.
See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how to cleanse your body for optimum health and disease prevention.
Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, pp. 196–97, 396–97.