Spring is the air and so are the seasonal changes in our bodies. In the winter, especially in colder regions of the world, we often consume heavier foods, less fresh fruits and vegetables, and participate in less movement overall. This can lead to stagnation within our digestive tracts and other pathways of elimination. Without proper elimination, we can experience digestive upset, lethargy, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, and much more. Spring is a great time to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways to help flush out unwanted “debris”, increase energy levels, and give your body the deep nutrition it needs.
Stepping outside, one of the first herbal signs of spring is the pop of vibrant spring nettles, feathery yarrow leaves, or wild onions like ramps. Spring herbs are an incredible ally to support the liver in doing its job to remove unwanted toxins, break down nutrients so they can be utilized by the body, or one of the other almost 300 key functions your liver performs.
Beyond herbs, including more sour and bitter flavors into your diet further supports moving waste along and out of the body. Some of my favorite sour foods include citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit, tangerine), ACV (apple cider vinegar), and naturally fermented sauerkraut or kimchi. Notable bitter foods include dandelion greens, radicchio, kale, arugula, broccoli, and even dark chocolate.
Key Herbs for “Spring Cleaning”
Herbs are key to supporting the body’s natural detoxification systems and helping to bring us back to balance. Spring is one of my favorite times of year for a “detox” reset so I can give myself the energy I need to manage the season's weather changes.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a nutrient-dense algae that contains a wide array of vitamins and minerals1. In particular, it contains vitamin D and B12, essential vitamins often absent in plants. In addition to their incredible nutrient content, seaweeds assist our detoxification pathways through heavy toxin removal2. Modern society comes with its fair share of heavy metal toxins exposure which can lead to an array of health risks—so better out than in3!
- Ingredients featured in: Clean Sweep™, Blue Me Away™, Slay All Day™, Your Wildest Greens™
Burdock + Dandelion Root
Two nutrient-rich roots that are considered excellent spring tonics are burdock4 and dandelion roots5. The roots were traditionally used as detoxification aids, digestive tonics, and liver restoratives6. They are both considered alternative herbs that improve our processes of elimination through the blood and other pathways like urination, skin, and bowels. Burdock and dandelion contain the prebiotic fiber, inulin, which feeds our good gut bacteria and helps get our digestive system back on track. Dandelion leaves grow abundantly in yards in the springtime and are often available at local supermarkets. They are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and thiamine as well as calcium, copper, manganese, and iron!
- Ingredients featured in: Clean Sweep™, Never Been Bitter™, You Dew You®, Your Wildest Greens™
Schisandra berry
Schisandra berry is an adaptogen that offers unique detoxification benefits beyond that of most adaptogenic herbs. Its sour and bitter properties help aid digestion and overall liver function. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been considered a hepatoprotective herb for nearly 2,000 years7. Recent studies have also shown its potential for protecting the liver from damage8. The berries' high antioxidant content can help to improve skin moisture and tone, aid in wound healing, and soothe irritations9. In addition, the high vitamin C content of the berries can help to stimulate collagen production in the body. Whether your liver needs a little extra love from alcohol use, hormone imbalances, or improper diet (like too much sugar) schisandra berries have your back.
- Ingredients featured in: Clean Sweep™, Firm Believer™, Releaf™, Rosé-Tinted Glasses™
If you are looking for a blend for detoxification, immune, and allergy support support, any of the herbal formulas above can help you out. Each formula contains powerful herbs you can take daily to optimize liver function and support a healthy metabolism. Enjoy these herbs or discover more in our Shop.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8232781
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523211
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427717
http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2011/burdock-the-purifying-root
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/#:~:text=It%20has%20several%20beneficial%20properties,%2Dinduced%20diabetes%20%5B127%5D
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20519172
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/106/table-of-contents/hg106-herbpro-schisandra
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X18306525
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/4/620/htm