Winter Detox Tips

Herbs

Put a parsley plant near your front or back door, and break off a stalk every time you walk past it. It will provide you with extra minerals and nutrients, and will freshen your breath. Renowned natural expert, Dr. H. C. A. Vogel recommends a garnish of raw parsley on your meal helps stimulate your kidneys (if you eat it, that is).

Make your own herbal teas by picking some freshly grown herbs from a window box (preferably your own) and infusing them in hot water for five minutes. Experiment with different types. Thyme tea is a good antibacterial and immune boosting herb. Many herbs can be separated and replanted, so grow your own and share cuttings of your plants with friends, rather than buying them.

Body Brush

Invest in a stiff, long-handled body brush, as stiff as you can bear, and brush yourself before your shower. Move in long, strong strokes towards the heart. You’ll be surprised how much dead skin you remove, especially during the winter months when rugging up is crucial.

Sunlight

Okay, I know it’s cold, but you really need to get some sun whenever you can to maintain your vitamin D levels. Open the blinds and let the sun shine in. Roll up your sleeves at every opportunity. Sit outside during your breaks and soak up some mild winter rays.

Also, air your bedding (doonas, pillows and blankets) in the sun for a few hours each month, and it will help to kill the micro-squatters, who come for the warmth and stay for the fun.

5 Minute Internal Cleanse

Here’s a great tip. It’s quick, easy and very effective, and if you choose to do only one thing on this list, make it this one. Drink a glass of body temperature water first thing in the morning. For even better effect, add the juice of half a lemon to the water. Then wait half an hour before eating. When you haven’t got time to do a full internal detox, this method is great.

Banish Mould

Any mould is bad mould. If you find it, remove it. Use warm, soapy water to wipe it off, and if needed, a weak solution of bleach. To prevent it coming back, use a water-absorbing product like Dampsorb. These are available at all hardware stores.

Wash your Carpets

If you can get a day when the weather isn’t too bleak, have your carpets washed. Dry cleaning is okay, but steam cleaning provides a deeper, more effective clean.

Move your Body

Get your lymphatic system going with a brisk walk. Every time you reach for the car keys, consider if you could walk instead. Walking helps move the toxins out of your lymphatic system, and you will breathe deeply, re-energising your whole body.

If you have the money and the time, go to a gym or do an aerobics class. It will make you feel instantly better, and in time, could change your shape.

Dust Mites

These little creatures are everywhere there’s dust, so wash and dry blankets, soft toys and pillows regularly, vacuum carpets and rugs often, and have them professionally cleaned once a year.

Onion

The humble onion can be very powerful in the battle against coughs and colds. Simply put half an onion next to your bed when sleeping, and each night, cut off the dried section. The vapours help to clear up mucus. If you’re worried about the smell, try it once and I think you’ll find it’s not as bad as you’d expect. Thanks again, Mr. Vogel.

Choose Cleaners Wisely

Replace chemical cleaning products with less harmful ones. Bicarb Soda is a fantastic cleaner and has many applications. Soda water and wool mix are both great for removing carpet stains, and vinegar and lemon juice can be used for odour control and antibacterial applications. Linda Cobb, the author of “Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean” has a wealth of healthy cleaning tips. Google her for some good advice.