In a book store I recently came across Purify Your Body by Nina J. Diamond (Crown Trade, 1997). In one chapter, Diamond reminds us of the natural toxins existing in herbs and foods we typically consider healthy. For examples hydrazines in uncooked mushrooms, aflatoxin in grains, nuts, oilseeds, turmeric and ginger, canavanine in alfalfa sprouts, lactose in peas, oxalic acid in the chenopods (spinach, beet greens, etc), goitrogins in the brassicas (kale, cabbage, broccoli, etc) and solanine in the nightshades. She lists herbs occasionally recommended for acute symptoms, and due to their potential toxicity, suggests avoiding them altogether: black and blue cohosh, senna, sassafras, pennyroyal, chaparral, goldenseal, ephedra, comfrey and even kombucha! She also discusses toxicity from overconsuming vitamins - in fact you can damage yourself by taking too much Vitamin E, A, D, B3, B6, K beta carotene, copper,selenium, iron and calcium. Everything we consume has the potential to help us or harm us. The buddhist approach of the "middle way" seems applicable here.
So I'm considering how to recreate balance in what I eat this new year, and for the heck of it I did a cleanse inspired by Diamond's "Everyday Antidotes". There were moments I felt yuck, however, these last couple days I've felt more spacious in my body, so my yoga practice has been improved, also I've felt more clarity in my senses. Twas all very fun, almost a game -- and why aren't I practicing this everyday?
1. Drink water (I added lemon)
2. Eat fiber ((fruits and veggies))
3. Take echinacea (I enjoyed some tea)
4. Eat antioxidants ((colorful fruits and veggies))
5. Take dandelion (again, tea blend I have on stock)
6. Meditation & relaxation
7. Exercise (took a hot yoga class!)
8. Bodywork (lucky me I was able to schedule a massage with Katrina Koleto)
9. Detox skin (citrus rub, dry brush and of course shower)
10. Detox hair (apple cider vinegar before applying conditioner)
11. Essential oils (rose, yay)
12. Vibrational medicine (very grounding group chant I was able to participate in)
Additionally I went through all formerly harvested plants stored in paper bags. Pictured below are calendula and yarrow flowers. Nearly clear of all former projects so I may begin anew.
More articles about potential toxins in health foods (better compare notes!):
"How to Live Healthy in a Toxic Environment" http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=474
"Eight Poisonous Foods We Commonly Eat" http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/photos/8-poisonous-foods-we-commonly-eat/eaters-beware
"Natural Toxins in Food" http://www.healthy-eating-politics.com/toxins-in-food.html
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