So many people are obsessed with Spring cleanses. I enjoy a good cleanse, but I think it is often misunderstood and steeped in the idea that we are “dirty”, “unclean” and “impure.” I disagree with this notion (and think our patriarchal religions have contributed to this way of thinking.)

A Spring cleanse is important when we have been eating heavy or fatty foods that are needed in the Winter to keep us warm and nurtured through the long, cold months. A cleanse should be a nice break for the liver, which has to process everything we take into our bodies, including emotions.

For me I like my cleanse to last about a week. For 2-3 days I just eat simply. I like to have steamed vegetables and greens, well cooked rice or quinoa, and I drink only water and an herbal tea of dandelion flowers & greens, violet leaves & flowers, milky oat tops and horsetail. Then for 1-2 days only I will have only water, herbal tea, and diluted fruit and vegetable juice (my favorite juice is carrot, beet, kale, ginger and lemon). If I feel I need more sustenance, I will have one or two servings of steamed vegetables. Then another day or two of eating simply. That’s it! 

I don’t condone a cleanse that requires a ton of supplements. That is not giving your liver a much needed break. Which is the point of a cleanse! Be gentle with yourself, go slow and observe how eating simply feels within your body.

Lovin’ Myself Like Spring Tea

1 tbsp Dandelion flowers & greens

1 tbsp Violet leaves & flowers

1 tbsp Milky oat tops

1 tbsp Horsetail 

If using fresh herbs, use 3 tbsp instead of 1 tbsp 

Add all herbs to 2 cups of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. The tea will get bitter, but try to drink without sweetener. If it is too bitter, steep for only 5 minutes. Strain herbs and drink throughout the day. Try to have at least 2-3 cups of herbal tea each day during your cleanse.

With love,

Jessica 

when energy flows, wellness grows