Seasonal Cleansing Made Easy!
I just got my first cold in years! Sneezing, runny nose and a scratchy throat, not anything serious, just a reminder to slow down and hone in on what my body needs (in this particular case, sleep!).
Thank you body, for reminding me to take better care of myself.
And just in time for my seasonal reboot!
It's so easy to get rundown or to fall into bad habits that deplete our energy, diminish our capacity to function optimally and eventually compromise our enjoyment of life.
Knowing when to rein it in is key.
Seasonal cleanses are my reins. I use them to re-set; to clear my mind, eliminate toxins from my body, and re-align myself with my essence. Which keeps me on track with the bigger picture of my life. Lining up with the natural rhythm of my environment, easing into the transition by simplifying the foods I eat, buying fresh, local, and in–season ingredients, eliminating anything refined, and incorporating some powerful medicinal foods to really get my body, mind, and spirit back on track.
In an effort to kick this cold, I'm starting my cleanse tomorrow. Along with eating fresh local produce, whole grains and legumes, fish, chicken, eggs and some healthy fats like nuts and avocados, I'll be amping up my diet with these four immune boosting powerhouses.
First up, one drop of doTERRA's pure therapeutic grade lemon essential oil in a glass of water to start my day. Here's why:
Boosts immunity
Cleanses and purifies the body
Helps kill off mouth bacteria
Elevates mood
Aids Digestion
Nourishes the skin
Promotes Weight loss
Decreases cholesterol
Second in line would be my favourite cold weather tonic – turmeric, lemon, and honey, with a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Such an easy drink to make and a powerful anti–inflammatory. Just a tablespoon of powdered turmeric, a teaspoon of honey and the juice of one lemon, with a pinch of black pepper in a mug, fill with hot water, et voila!
Reduces inflammation
Antibacterial
Alkalizing
Moderates insulin levels
Reduces cholesterol
Boosts Immunity
Prevents liver disease
Improves digestion
Third, and probably the most beneficial, would be bone broth. I just made myself a big pot of chicken bone broth and have been drinking it all day, I even added it to my dinner of sautéed veggies, short grain brown rice and coconut cream. If you haven't already read–up on the benefits of bone broths, here's the lowdown:
Boosts immunity
Maintains healthy skin
Boosts detoxification
Treats leaky gut syndrome
Helps overcome food intolerances and allergies
Improves joint health
Reduces cellulite
To make your own bone broth check out this recipe.
Lastly, but certainly not least, doTERRA's proprietary blend -– On Guard. It's a powerful protective blend of Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark/Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower essential oils. Just one drop in a glass of water a couple times a day or a drop on your palms anytime will keep your immune system protected. Great for back to school season!
Supports healthy immune and respiratory function
Protects against environmental threats
Supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses
Promotes healthy circulation
Has an energizing and uplifting aroma
But cleansing isn't just about what you put into your body, it's important to purify the mind and spirit as well. Making sure you get enough sleep, as well as incorporating some self–care rituals to rest and restore are essential.
Yoga, meditation, or detox baths are my go–to's this time of year. All three, one after the other, are ideal! I highly recommend trying it out.
Go to your fave yoga class then go straight home and run yourself a bath. Add a cup of epsom salts with 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of cedarwood (add the oils to the salts before they go into the water, that way the oils will diffuse in the salts instead of sitting on top of the bath water and potentially irritating your skin).
After your tub find a place to sit without any noise or distractions and focus your attention on your breathing for 10 minutes. Go straight to bed when you're done, and have the best sleep of your life!
If you want more detox bath recipes check out Hello Glow's top five.
Treat yourself to some delicious self–care, you deserve it!