STRAWBERRY GINGER WRAP FOR CELLULITE

Cellulite is actually pockets of fat stored under the skin and is unfortunately the vain of just about every woman over the age of 25. Cellulite is mainly caused by having poor circulation that can slow down the removal of any toxins or fluids stored within the body.

By warming your skin blood rushes to the surface enabling the ingredients from this homemade body wrap to reach the blood stream more efficiently. This helps to flush out the toxins and any other impurities from the body that are responsible for the cellulite, water retention and other common skin problems.
The ginger, strawberries and clay blended together makes an excellent circulation stimulant.



Ingredients
2 ginger roots (10 cm long each)
4 tbs (60 ml) Kaolin clay powder *
15 large strawberries
Directions
Put all ingredients in a blender and whiz for a minute. If the mixture is too runny add more Kaolin powder until desired consistency is achieved.
Application
Apply the wrap to affected areas (cellulite or poor circulation), then wrap in metal foil. Lie down in a warm room for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove foil and rinse with warm water. Turn the water to cold for the last 15 seconds of rinsing. Pat skin dry.
Note
* Kaolin clay powder is a fine, natural clay from Mt. Kaolin, China, known for its drawing properties. Look for this product in your local health food store.

Your Detox Program

"Cleansing is the first step on the road to health and sometimes it is the only step you need to take to feel better again."

Before starting any detox program, you should check with your health care provider to ensure the herbs you are using do not interact with other medicines you may be taking and are not contraindicated for any illness you may have. Depending on your individual needs, and the advice of your health care provider, you may wish to make your own custom formula using any of the herbs listed above.

Whatever formula you use, the tea should be taken between meals. Drink one cup of detox tea per day for 3 days, then 2 cups per day for one week, then 2 -3 cups per day until mixture is finished.
Avoid sugar, dairy, processed foods, fatty foods, flour and caffeine during your cleanse. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean protein foods (beans, lentils, fish, organic chicken, nuts), whole grains and healthy oils (flax, olive, hemp or a combination blend such as Udo's Choice).

Side Effects
When your body is cleansing itself of toxins there may be some uncomfortable side effects. Although they can vary greatly from person to person, some examples include: loose bowels, fatigue, skin rash and headaches. To control side effects you can drink fewer cups of tea per day, lower the amount of tea mixture used per cup of water or interrupt the cleanse for a couple of days. If side effects persist or are bothersome, speak to your health care provider.

Preparing the Tea

This tea is simple to prepare, costs less than most detox kits and lasts for five to six weeks (more than twice as long as most kits). Simply combine all herbs in proportions listed in a jar. Store tightly covered in a cool dry place away from direct light.
To use: bring one and a half cups spring or distilled water to light simmer on stove (water should be moving but not bubbling). Use a non-metal pot. Add two teaspoons of mixture and let simmer for about 10 minutes, keeping lid on pot. Strain into cup.

Heavier herbs may settle to the bottom of the jar so stir well before each use. To save time you can make enough tea for two days. Store in a tightly covered glass jar in the refrigerator. You can drink leftover tea cold or warm depending on your preference. If you choose to reheat, avoid use of microwave, and do not allow to boil.

Total Body Detox Tea

Spring and Autumn are the best times of the year to do an internal cleansing. The following 17 herbs are known for their excellent detoxifying properties. You can combine all herbs listed for a thorough detox formula in the following proportions:
4 tbs dandelion leaf (kidneys)
3 tbs dandelion root (liver, gallbladder)
2 tbs burdock root (blood, liver, gallbladder)
3 tbs milkthistle seed, crushed (liver, gallbladder)
3 tbs speedwell (stomach, skin, lungs, general tonic)3 tbs knotgrass (kidneys, colon, lungs)
2 tbs sheep sorrel (blood, kidneys)
3 tbs cleavers (lymph, kidneys)
4 tbs lemon balm (digestive tonic, nervine)
4 tbs pau d'arco (blood, parasites)
4 tbs horsetail (kidneys, skin)
5 tbs red clover (blood)
2 tbs chickweed (lymph, colon)
2 tbs angelica root (liver, digestive tonic)
3 tbs yarrow herb (liver, gallbladder, blood, gen. tonic)
5 tbs nettle leaf (kidneys, blood, general tonic, nutritive)
4 tbs plantain (skin, lungs, gastric system, internal healer, antiseptic)

Cleavers Herb Tea

Cleavers (Gallium aparine) is used both internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The dried or fresh herb is alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary.

A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer.

The plant contains organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid.

It is mildly laxative and stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown benefit in skin related problems.

An infusion of the herb has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever, tonsilitis, hepatitis and cystitis. The infusion is also used to treat liver, bladder and urinary problems.

The plant contains the valuable constituent asperuloside, a substance that is converted into prostaglandins by the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels. Much more scientific research is being done on the plant it is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Cleavers main use is to help detoxify body tissues by supporting the lymphatic system, the system that washes the tissues of toxins, and as a mild diuretics. Toxic buildup is thought to be an underlying cause of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne as well as autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Use cleavers tea as a bath additive or skin wash to treat skin damage from sunburn, rashes and cuts. It makes a good hair rinse for dandruff and dry scalp.

Parts Used: Leaves

Herbal Detox Tea

4 Tbs dandelion leaf (kidneys)
3 Tbs dandelion root (liver, gallbladder)
2 Tbs burdock root (blood, liver, gallbladder)
3 Tbs milkthistle seed, crushed (liver, gallbladder)
3 Tbs cleavers (lymph, kidneys)
4 Tbs lemon balm (digestive tonic, nervine)
4 Tbs pau d'arco (blood, parasites)
4 Tbs horsetail (kidneys, skin)
5 Tbs red clover (blood)
2 Tbs chickweed (lymph, colon)
2 Tbs angelica root (liver, digestive tonic)
3 Tbs yarrow herb (liver, gallbladder, blood, gen. tonic)
5 Tbs nettle leaf (kidneys, blood, general tonic, nutritive)
4 Tbs plantain (skin, lungs, gastric system, internal healer, antiseptic)

To make tea: bring one and a half cups spring or distilled water to light simmer on stove (water should be moving but not bubbling). Use a non-metal pot if possible. Add two teaspoons of mixture and let simmer for about 10 minutes, keeping lid on pot. Strain into cup.
Whatever formula you use, the tea should be taken between meals. Drink one cup of detox tea per day for 3 days, then 2 cups per day for one week, then 2 -3 cups per day until mixture is finished.

 It is advisable to limit or avoid sugar, dairy, processed foods, fatty foods, flour and caffeine. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean protein foods (beans, lentils, fish, organic chicken, nuts), whole grains and healthy oils (flax, olive, hemp or a combination). Remember to drink plenty of water everyday to help flush your system of the toxins you are liberating from every cell.