Detox Tools: Cheap, easy and good for you

Planning a spring detox?* As well as a clean diet, together with herbal or nutritional support for your detox biochemistry, these tools are truly synergistic. And they’re even enjoyable!

CASTOR OIL PACKS

Castor oil has been shown to increase circulation, reduce inflammation and enhance the healing process. The application of the pack stimulates the release of metabolic toxins in the tissues and can reduce abdominal adhesions. It is particularly effective at being absorbed into lymph circulation, and has traditionally been used for improving immune function, digestion and reducing swelling in injured joints and extremities. Castor oil packs are especially useful over the abdomen for constipation, and over the liver for menstrual problems.

Materials:

• Castor Oil

• Flannel cloth (approximately 1 cm thick) large enough to cover the area

• Hot water bottle or heat pack

• Clean towel (may be stained by castor oil so use an old one)

Method:

Buy a bottle of natural castor oil at any health food store. You will also need a soft flannel cotton cloth (a diaper or receiving blanket is ideal).

Fold the cloth to two or three thicknesses, so it measures about 8” x 12”. This is the approximate size for abdominal application, although you may need to adjust the size for other areas of the body or for children. Soak the cloth with the oil, so it is saturated but not dripping. Gently warm the oil before applying to the cloth or heat the oil-soaked pad in a warm oven for 5 minutes. Apply the cloth to your skin, over the area to be treated. Cover with a clean towel and place a hot water bottle or hot pack (not an electrical heating pad) over all.

Rest comfortably with your feet up, or go to bed. Keep the pack in place at least one hour (or overnight). You could repeat for three days, and then stop on the fourth day and repeat this 4-day cycle as often as necessary, or do it weekly for ongoing help. The frequency is up to you.

You can keep this castor oil pack in a plastic bag or glass container in the fridge for future use. It need not be discarded after one application.

Do not use on abdomen during pregnancy or heavy menstruation.

DRY SKIN BRUSHING

This technique moves the superficial circulation and lymph, and removes dead skin cells, leaving you soft and smooth.

1. Use a natural bristle brush, loofah or, if your skin is very sensitive, a natural sponge.

2. Starting from the fingers and the toes, moving upwards to the torso, brush in small circles over the whole body, always moving towards the heart.

3. Take your brush and brush up the back, and brush the tummy in a clockwise direction.

4. Brush gently over the breast towards the armpit, avoiding the nipple.

Do this for a few minutes before you shower or bathe.

HOT AND COLD HYDROTHERAPY

Hot and cold showers really get the circulation moving, because hot expands, and cold constricts.

At the end of a nice warm shower, alternate hot and cold water aimed at the abdomen for general health, or any area of aches and pains, to assist healing.

Use water as hot as you can tolerate for approximately 1 minute, then switch to cold water for approximately 30 seconds. Repeat 3 or 4 times.

If a hand or a foot needs to be treated, place it alternately into bowls of hot and cold water, or under hot and cold running tap water, for the same time cycles.

Always end on cold: this ensures blood doesn’t pool in the area, and feels tonifying and invigorating.

REBOUNDING OR TRAMPOLINING

Bouncing up and down helps your muscles move your deep lymph fluids ** aiding in detoxification.

We have heard the theory that you can’t jump on a trampoline without smiling, and that can only do you good too!

If you don’t have a trampoline, you can step up onto your tippy-toes and down again repeatedly.

SAUNAS

Both infra-red and wet saunas help us eliminate toxins via our skin, and can be so enjoyable.

EXERCISE

All movement helps move your blood and lymph, and sweating helps you offload toxins, so exercise that makes you sweat is ideal.

Of course these tools are in addition to eating a really clean and nutrient-dense diet and drinking plenty of clean water, and they complement any detox program you may have from your naturopathic doctor.

*Want to know more about spring detox, click here

** To learn more about your lymph system, click here