Cleansing Tea
Soothe Digestive Tract and Promote Healing
Combining the healing properties, antioxidants, Vitamin C and digestive cleansing in Ginger, Lemon and Parsley make this tasty concoction a great tool in a journey towards total wellness.
This tea is an excellent way to help get back on track after a vacation or weekend of eating out. Adding it to a bi-weekly or monthly plan of healthy eating will aid in healing properties on your wellness journey.
Parsley
Parsley has been studied in its ability to promote blood sugar control. Loaded with antioxidants, it helps defend your cells against damage from free radicals. (1.0) (1.2) This helps to protect the body from chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Parsley contains several vitamins such as Vitamin A (100% of RDI), Vitamin C (About 20% of RDI), and Vitamin K (500% of RDI). These vitamins assist in bone health and collagen production (1.3)
Adding parsley into your diet on a regular basis can help boost liver function and protect it from damage. (1.4) It’s not just a garnish, make it apart of your well-balanced diet.
Lemon
Lemon is refreshing, high in Vitamin C and a great addition to water. It also supports weight loss, the antioxidant compounds in lemon can also improve insulin resistance.
Lemon also aids in digestion and can be used to prevent constipation. The citric acid found in lemons may help prevent kidney stones. A component of citric acid is Citrate which can make the urine less acidic and allow the break up of small stones. When sipping lemon, it is recommended to drink through a straw or brush teeth after drinking as the acid can breakdown tooth enamel. (2.0)
Ginger
Ginger, a plant with origins from China is related to turmeric and cardamom. The amazing plant has a long history around the world for its healing properties. A known remedy for nausea, as effective as a prescription. (3.0) It also aids with indigestion
The anti-inflammatory properties are also known to lower blood sugar and improve cardiovascular function. (3.1) Ginger’s anti-cancer properties are from a substance in raw ginger call 6-gingerol. (3.2)
Dandelion
From the roots up to the flower, dandelion is full of nutrition. For this tea, the focus is on the leaves, full of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E and trace amounts of vitamin B and several minerals needed to ensure proper hydration. (4.0) The leaves also contain properties that assist in blood sugar control. Typically found in Spring Mix lettuce varieties, most organic produce departments do not always carry them in bundles without combining with other forms of greens.
Dandelion leaves have been suggested to protect the liver from medicine such as acetaminophen. The antioxidant properties also contribute to the reduction of fat within the liver tissue in lab rats. (4.1)
Finding Time Outdoors
Creating a way to de-stress in life is a necessity. We have to make a conscious effort daily for self-care time. Even 15 minutes outside can help with that. (Dress accordingly) Having the luxury to walk in the woods is a great joy for me. Seeing the mighty pines that defy gravity and hearing the wildlife go about their business melts away emotions and anxiety faster than anything you place in your body. This article from Heart.org provides excellent insight into the healing effects of the great outdoors. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to “take a walk” even sitting outside can help.
Cleansing Tea
Ingredients
- 6-8 cups Water filtered
- 2 inches Ginger, organic peeled and shredded
- 1 bunch Parsley, organic
- 1 bunch Dandelion leaves, organic Can substitute with 2nd punch of parsley
- 2 tsp Turmeric, ground Can substitute with fresh, peeled and grated
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 medium Lemon, organic peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 bottle Apple Cider Vinegar cold pressed, with 'The Mother' strand
Instructions
- Bring water, parsley and dandelion to a boil. Cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off heat, add ginger and allow to sit covered for an additional 10 minutes
- Strain water to remove parsely, dandelion, and ginger. Cool to room temperature before continuing.
- Meanwhile, slice lemons in preparation for final steps.
- Pour water into a pitcher, adding cayenne, turmeric and lemon slices.
- Allow to cool in refrigerator for 8 hours.
- Add ½ Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to 8 ounces of water.
- Drink 1 cup in the morning and 1 before dinner for 3 days.
