Simple methods of cleansing the body help support the immune system, speed up healing, rid the body of toxins, and even promote healthy circulation.  In this article we will explore effective, low-cost ways to detoxify the body in the privacy of your own home.

Juice Fasting

Simple juice fasts are a great way to quickly purify the body and prepare it for healing. The three-day juice fast will clean mucus out the body and provide you with nutritious, vibrant foods and supplements that rebuild the system and facilitate healing.

Freshly extracted, raw, organic juices are ideal because they contain high amounts of valuable enzymes that not only help you digest the juice, but also exert a powerful healing influence on the body. If, however, you do not have access to a juicer you may use pure, organic, bottled juices that are purchased from local health food stores.

Do not use frozen concentrates or juices with added sugar. Use one juice for at least three days. Choose a favorite juice (apple, carrot, citrus, tomato, barley grass, grape etc.), but use only one for at least three consecutive days.

Do not eat anything during the three days if possible. If absolutely necessary, the matching fruit or vegetable from which you are making juice may be eaten. For instance, if you are drinking apple juice, then eat only apples if you feel the need to eat.

Take steps to prevent constipation. When you stop eating foods that contain bulk and fiber, the bowel may stop moving. Toxic mucus being eliminated from your system can also cause constipation. To prevent these issues from occurring, take 16 ounces of prune juice first thing upon arising in the morning. You may also take an herbal bowel cleansing formula each night before bed and throughout the day as needed.

If you are still having problems, you may introduce colon cleansing through the use of enemas.  Chew your juice for proper digestion. Dr. John R. Christopher, noted herbalist, taught that we must eat our drink and drink our food. Chewing juice ensures proper digestion by mixing it with enzymes found in the mouth. Swish each mouthful thoroughly.

On the fourth day, introduce vegetable organic juices and raw fruits and vegetables. After the fourth day, you may also introduce steamed foods.

You will experience cleansing symptoms on your juice program. You may notice aches and pains, headaches, weakness, and other symptoms as your body eliminates toxins and poisons. Be strong since these symptoms result in faster cleansing and healing.

If these symptoms are unbearable, eat a small amount of food to slow the cleansing process.

Sweat Therapy — A Healing Bath

This detoxification process is for people with strong constitutions who want to deepen their cleansing experience. When you become ill, you often develop a fever. This sweating technique combines hydrotherapy with herbal therapy to induce an artificial fever that helps rid your body of toxins and also boosts your immune function.

Prepare a hot bath with added herbs that are known to help a person sweat. Yarrow flowers and ginger are ideal choices. Fill a cloth bag or cheesecloth with dried or fresh yarrow flowers and leaves and a three-inch piece of grated ginger. Drop the bag into a bath tub and fill with water as hot as can be stood without burning the skin.

This hot bath will induce fever-like symptoms, including sweating. Stay in the tub for at least 20 minutes, but ideally 45 minutes.  Make sure there is someone in the house who can help you out of the tub, as this type of therapy often causes the body to feel weak.

As you soak in the hot water, you will sweat. This sweating will greatly increase thirst. Refrain from drinking cold drinks as this will inhibit perspiration and the necessary increase in body temperature. Instead, drink hot herbal teas.  This will help to open your pores even more to eliminate toxins. If you feel faint, have a helper place a cool washcloth on your forehead.

After getting out of the tub, quickly dry off.  Get into bed and sweat all night. Prepare the bed by putting a plastic sheet on the mattress. Cover the plastic with a cotton sheet. Cover yourself with natural cotton sheets and blankets. Do not use synthetic fibers since they do not allow the body to breathe.

Lie as still as possible. Sweating will continue as long as you remain covered. The sweating will eliminate many toxins that cause chronic conditions.

You can expect to sleep soundly all night. Upon arising in the morning, you will feel refreshed and invigorated. The sheet covering your body may be stained with toxic residue secreted from the body.  Be sure to shower thoroughly.

After this cleanse, eat only fruits and vegetables and drink pure distilled or spring water for a day or two. This may be a good time to start your three-day juice cleanse.

Healing Additions for a Therapeutic Bath

Variations of relaxing and healing baths are created by adding different ingredients to the bath. All are added to water as hot as possible without causing excessive discomfort. Stay in the tub as long as you can stand it. Choose one, or create a mix from the following ingredients that best suit your individual needs, or as directed by your health care provider.

Celtic Sea Salt: Most Powerful Detox–1 lb in the bath feeds and nourishes cells with sea minerals; induces sweat and is very healing.

Epsom Salts: Powerful Detox — 1 cup in the bath helps open pores to release toxins; improves circulation.

Plain Chlorox: Increases Circulation — 1 cup in the bath is very refreshing; (no additives or perfumes).

Hydrogen Peroxide: Releases Toxins — 1 cup in the bath oxygenates the cells.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar: Most Gentle Cleanse — 1 to 2 cups in the bath aids in releasing lactic acid buildup; excellent after strenuous exercise or work.

A Natural Detox Treatment for Your Overworked Liver

Ancient Romans and Greeks often used the herb, milk thistle as a remedy for liver problems.  Many modern medical practitioners also believe milk thistle is one of the most effective herbs for relieving liver disorders and related problems.

Your liver is like a “traffic cop” for many activities that occur in your body.  For example, it eliminates or neutralizes toxins in the blood.  It also plays a role in controlling infection.

Milk thistle contains a chemical substance called silymarin, which is believed to help:

• Cleanse and detoxify your liver
• Relieve inflammation of liver cells (hepatitis)
• Treat symptoms of a scarred liver (cirrhosis) from excess alcohol consumption

Research suggests milk thistle may also help protect your kidneys from damage caused by chemotherapy medications.¹ It can even play a role in protecting your prostate from abnormal cell growth!²

References

1. http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_100405/page6
2. http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_100405/page6

[Ed. Note: Michael Cutler, M.D. is a Board-Certified family physician with more than 17 years of clinical experience. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Tulane Medical School.  Dr. Cutler's practice focuses on integrative solutions to health problems, and behavioral and nutritional medicine. For more information visit www.truehealth.com.]

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