Detoxifying & Healing Herb Bath Recipes

Toxicity occurs when the toxins we take in and those that our body produces can not be broken down and /or eliminated.  As we age the body's ability to eliminate toxic substances can slow down.  Damage to the body's immune system and the detoxification system can prevent proper detoxification and lead to toxicity.  Toxins can be recirculated into the bloodstream and stored in the liver, body fat or other parts of the body.  These types of buildups and problems throughout the body can contribue to the development of chronic symptoms, serious illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies.  Many chemicals are so widespread that we are unaware of them.  They can enter through the foods we eat, the air we breathe and through absorption through the skin.  The skin actually breathes, and as our largest organ can absorb a large quantity of chemicals and VOCs from the air around us, the water we bathe in and toxins from products used on our bodies and our clothing.  Proper function of the whole body is essential to encourage detoxification. 

Maintaining a healthy body can be promoted by the following:

• Drink lots of filtered water each day. Clean water is a priority for detoxification. Use a water filter (like a Brita) to filter your water and change the filter often. 
• Use a filter on your shower head and tap as well.
• Eat plenty of fresh (pesticide, additive and preservative free) vegetables and fruit.  To reduce the toxic load on the body it is important to reduce the chemicals in our foods, and consume organic and toxin/hormone free foods and meat products.
• Limit sugar and sugar derivatives, and compounds easily turned into sugar (i.e. processed & white grain products and alcohol).  Microorganisms and cancer thrive on sugar.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners.
• Eat unprocessed food.
• Avoid all preservatives, additives, artificial flavours and colours.
• Eat whole grain products. 
• Avoid genetically modified foods and eat organic foods if possible.
• Eat plenty of high fiber foods, both soluble and insoluble fibers.
• Have regular bowel movements. Fat-soluble toxins are secreted through the bile duct.
• Get plenty of fresh clean air.  Open the windows in your homes and at work and change the air often if the air quality where you live is good.  If the air quality is poor use an air purifier, plants and environmental air sponges to clean the air.
• Avoid using a microwave.  Avoid irradiated foods.
• Use only ‘toxin free’ or natural personal care, hair dye, laundry, clothing, footwear, household cleaning, lawn care, home renovation and building products.  Guide to Less Toxic Products, Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Association at www.lesstoxicguide.ca .  Check out what is in the personal care products you are consuming every day at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.  Check out what is in your fabric softeners at http://shop.sixwise.com/thetoxicdangeroffabricsofteneranddryersheets2805.aspx. Check out what is in your hair dyes http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/article/gorgeous-hair/.
• Eliminate accumulation of stressors and use stress reduction therapies to cope with stressors.
• Eliminate negative stressors.
• Get plenty of exercise. 
• Wear clothing made of organic or natural fibers, dyed using natural dye processes.
• Wear cotton socks and insert organic or natural insoles into your footwear.  Make your own using organic cotton batting ironed to iron-on interfacing. Toxic chemicals are used in footwear manufacturing processes including chemicals like antibacterials and formaldehyde used to set dyes.  Formaldehyde is re-released in the presence of moisture from humidity and perspiration. 

• Avoid storing food and drinks in plastic.  Use glass or stainless steel. 

http://www.nottoopretty.org/print.htm

Detoxifying Herb Baths for Improved Health

• Herbal Detoxifying Bath recipes are specifically designed to promote the body to eliminate the toxins. Years of accumulated toxins can be eliminated.
• There are individual herbs and other ingredients that are best suited to promote the removal of specific toxins. These recipes have been developed as the result of using neuromuscular biofeedback on clients with various conditions, occupations and exposures. Many clients indicated feeling better even before completing the series of baths. Keep in mind that detoxifying can be accompanied by unwanted symptoms depending on the quantity, type and interaction of toxins being eliminated.
• A series of detoxifying herbal baths at specific intervals will aid in promoting the body to eliminate the toxins slowly and safely over a period of approximately 6 to 12 weeks.  The baths will also promote healing. Keep in mind that in the holistic approach to wellness, treatment is not symptomatic, which means that symptoms may not be alleviated until further healing has been achieved. You may need to continue on with symptomatic relief until further healing has taken place.

It is important to be under the care of a qualified healthcare practitioner while you are detoxifying.  There should be 3 days between any type of detoxification therapy (eg. herb bath, sauna, internal detox).  Your body needs 3 days in between to make fine adjustments between therapies.  It can be very dangerous to speed up detoxification.  Certain types of detoxification may be contraindicated due to age, medications or other health conditions. 

For more information on a personalized detoxifying herb bath recipe go to the contact page . 

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