History Of Detoxification

History Of Detoxification Through The Ages- Part 3
Today we are discussing the history of detoxification, ancient methods, herbal remedies, foods, why and how these methods work.

 

Copyright: <a href=’http://www.123rf.com/profile_radiantskies’>radiantskies / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

 

In this five part series, we are going to discuss all aspects of detoxification.

PART 1: We will start with: what, why, and how to start a detoxification process for your body.
PART 2: What are the 5 major factors that impact your body? What are the modern day toxicants to be aware of and how to remove them from the surrounding environment?
PART 3:History, ancient methods, herbal remedies, foods, how and why these methods will enhance the detox process.
PART 4: A 21 day challenge- How to properly clear the toxins out of your detox pathways.
PART 5: Reintroduction of foods and how to maintain a constant natural chelating process.

 

History of Detoxification
Detoxification is an ancient process that dates back as far as the Roman, Greek, Native American and Indian Cultures. Traditional herbal medicine is cross cultural. It was and has been a ritual in many societies. The premise surrounds around the process of purification and cleansing. Many effective techniques are still sound ways to rid the body of toxins. Saunas, fasting, rebounding, dry brush, herbs, rest, water, meditation, exercise and a variety of body work are some examples.

Photo Credit bybeautybets.com
The history of Hippocratic medicine dictated the first principles of scientific medicine. The belief was that medicine depended on an equilibrium of four humors: bile, phelm, yellow bile, black bile and blood. Those treatments today, are still sound ways to detoxify. Massage, enemas, emetics, baths, fasting, counter-irritation, and bloodletting which focused on cleansing and balancing techniques to reestablish humeral equilibrium.
Ancient Methods
Ayurveda
This approach believes that the fundamental cause of disease is toxins in the body. Two approaches are used for eliminating toxins.

1. Pancha Karma:
Physical elimination processes such as purgatives and medicated enemas.
Five actions are part of this method. They include: therapeutic vomiting, purgatives, medicated enemas, nasal administration, blood-letting.
2. Pallliation:
After the elimination of the most serious toxins, the process of palliation is administered to neutralize the toxins. The next steps are to either fast to stimulate digestion or by adding products to stimulate digestive fire to burn away toxins in the intestines. Internal use of heat, pungent herbs, exercise, sunbathing and sitting in fresh air are further steps taken.

Native American
This approach to purification ritual included:
1 Sweatlodges:
These are similar to a sauna to induce steam to help release the toxins.
2 Fasting:
A purification process used before ritual ceremonies
3 Smuding:
Smoke from burning sage is waved around the energy field of a person to rid negative energy.

Photo Credit : www.eyeontarot.com

There are many religious traditions that bring rituals of cleansing into the equation. Some examples are:
~Judaism
~Christianity
~Islam
~Hinduism
~Shinto
~Buddhism

Traditional Herbal Medicine- Cross Cultural
“The traditional belief is that the failure of the eliminatory functions leads to the conversation from acute to chronic stress. Therefore, chronic illness is treated by gently opening up the channels of elimination.” Many approaches are taken under this method to induce a diuretic or laxative effect, or to increase circulation (blood flow or drainage.)
Other techniques are dry brushing, hot and cold wet packs and oil pulling. All very useful techniques in bringing own fevers, swelling, inflammation and reducing toxic load.
Herbal Remedies
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture- over two thousand years old, this method seeks to restore and balance the flow of the energy through the body.

Traditional botanical herbs and traditional foods go hand in hand. Before the era of chemistry our ancestors used plants for foods as well as medicine.
“Our ancestors relied on nature alone for all of their needs. The earth was their supermarket. Foods, medicines, clothing, housing and tools all came from the environment around them. Humans, animals and plants evolved together, and all of humankind’s needs were met the safe way through nature.”
Professional herbalists have the best known quality of herbal products available to them by sound companies strictly regulated. Knowing that the sources are so carefully controlled for optimal quality is of utmost importance. It is important to have pure and safe raw material in which to heal. This is much wisdom to be gained from our ancestors. Luckily there are some amazing Professionals to learn this important gift from the past from.
Understanding the terminology of the botanical medicines is crucial.

Known as Herbal Actions

The terms often referred to are as such:
Adaptogens, Alternaives, Analgesic, Antifungal, Anti-catarrhal, Antacids, Antibacterial, Anthelmintic-Parasiticides, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-lithic, Lithotriptics, Bitters. These are just a few examples. Included in this group are hypnotics, laxatives, nervines, nutritive, tonics and much more.
Plant Constituents
Knowing a little about the chemical constituents of a plant is helpful in deciding the method of preparation required to extract the plant material. A plant is not only its constituents. Plants cannot be standardized which keeps them from being an exact science.

Foods That Enhance Detoxification
It is widely known that lacto fermented foods are helpful to gently detoxify the body from harmful items like heavy metals and many made chemicals. By incorporating these foods on a daily basis, we can improve our detoxification pathways. Here is one recipe I love for a liver, gallbladder and blood purifier. It is a traditional recipe from Russia called, Beet Kvass. One of the easiest recipes to make, it is a favorite in many households.
Try mine Here.

Specific root vegetables such as spanish black radish and herbs such as ginger, garlic, oregano, turmeric are extremely useful for an ongoing chelation and drainage process. When combined with lacto fermentation it creates a healing food source. Specific juicing combinations that use beets, greens and garlic on a daily basis is a great way to gently rid the body of heavy metals. As in the GAPS, Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride protocol, the specific primary combinations fermented foods, juicing and bone broths provide an environment of gentle detox for the purpose healing and sealing the gut. Contact me as a CGPS Practitioner HERE.

Other fats, such as coconut oil which I use for oil pulling, is so useful to the detoxification process. Did you know that coconut’s are a medium chain fatty acid? The anti bacterial and antimicrobial properties are so important. Other good fats are leaf lard from pastured pork and tallow from grass fed cows along with ghee and grass fed butter. Of course using olive oil, extra virgin organic only in a non cooking capacity is best. I use specially in dressings or or condiments for foods.

How And Why Do These Methods Work?
There are so many foods to try, I highly recommend purchasing Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morrell.
Experimenting is part of the process of learning what you like when it comes to the art of fermentation. The body needs to maintain homeostasis. It is the way the body heals itself naturally and always has. But there are many problems now in this modern world that inhibits this process. Now more than ever it is imperative we implement this process. As we have discussed, the world is far more polluted than ever and our exposure to toxins is more extreme than ever before in recorded history. Health related issues can be directly related to specific toxins. In order to facilitate this, we need a period of time for the body to rid itself of toxins. The good news is, these ancient methods are extremely beneficial to us the key, is to initiate the practices more frequently, under careful guidelines. Contact me HERE.

Why These Methods Are Effective-

There are many levels at which detoxification occurs. Looking at the various ways the body deals with it through mind, body and spirit is extremely effective for the entire picture of health.

Emotionally-
Aids in uncovering and expressing feelings, particularly anger, resentments, frustrations, and fear and replace them with love, joy, hope and forgiveness.
Spiritually-
Experiences of clarity and enhancement of life’s purpose often becomes apparent.
Physically-
Helps aid the body in illnesses, clearing congestion, and disease potential, along with restoring energy.
References:
A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient By Kerry Bone
Herbal Compendium By Kerry Bone
Introduction to Traditional Botanical Medicines By Rachael Jean Harper, CN, NTP Quoted references by her.
Advanced Herbal Solutions Seminar by Lee Carroll
The Energy Seminar by Drs. Jeanette and George Birnbach
Balance Hormones Balance Health Seminar by Dr. Rhonda Nelson