According to Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, the beginning of spring is the ideal time to do a cleanse. Just as spring is the “season of mud,” the body must be cleansed of its own internal sludge that has accumulated during winter.

In addition to the specifics for each of the three major kinds of cleanses listed below, consider these basic guideline for any cleanse:

• The ideal timeframe for a cleanse is one to three weeks;
• The ideal diet during a cleanse is one that gives your digestive system a break. Be sure to eat lots of alkaline-rich vegetables, limit grains and do not consume red meat, dairy, sugar, caffeine or gluten.
• Drink at least half your weight in ounces of fresh, purified water;
• Keep a journal and practice EFT to help with the normal process of emotional clearing that may happen during a cleanse.
• Make a point to slow down, meditate, or do yoga doing your cleanse. A few minutes of deep-belly breathing can be a great detoxifier as well. Elements you can add to your cleanse include sauna, ionic foot baths, skin brushing, massage and castor oil packs.
• Always consult with your health care practitioner before beginning a major cleanse, especially if you are taking medications.

Liver Cleansing

The beginning of spring is a great time to detox the liver since the liver also has the job of processing allergens caused by springtime pollens.

#1: Coffee Enemas

Coffee enemas can be used to open and stimulate bile ducts and is a powerful detoxifier since it will stimulate the gallbladder. When done with quality organic coffee, enemas can also supply the body with kahweol and cafestol phytochemicals, which activate cellular detoxification as well as the production of glutathione.

#2: Lemon-Olive Oil “Shots”

This infusion is easy to do and will especially help your gallbladder:

1. 1 organic lemon
2. 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3. Dash of cayenne
4. 6 oz. purified water
5. Chop the lemon (including rind) into pieces. Add water and oil. Blend at high speed. Strain and drink.  Wait at least one hour before eating. For a gentler cleanse, drink a few ounces at a time throughout the day.

#3: Dr. Clark’s Liver and Gallbladder Flushes

I have used Dr. Clark’s cleanses for years because of the consistent quality and strength of the herbs. Clark has a couple kinds of flushes designed to for liver and gallbladder; the Quick Cleanse is a more gentle cleanse; the Original is more comprehensive. Be sure to read the instructions included with each cleanse.

Colon Cleansing

Think of your colon as your body’s “sewer system.” We all know what happens when a toilet backs up. The same thing can happen to your digestive system, with dangerous results.  Also, no cleanse will be effective unless the pathways through which toxins are eliminated are clear.

#1 Colonics and enema

Enema is an effective way clear out debris as well as internally “massage” the colon.  Besides coffee, you can also use a combination of organic lemon juice or aloe vera and diluted purified water. Colonics is another way to go and should be administered by a certified practitioner.

#2 Wheatgrass implants

Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, a known detoxifier and cell regenerator. It also contains high levels of vitamins and minerals.

#3 Parasite cleanses

Performing a regular parasite cleanse is a must-do for anyone on a healthy-breast journey.  Two herbs that are toxic to parasites and their larvae include black walnut (be sure to get the green hulls) and wormwood. Other herbs that are effective are Pau d’ Arco and clove. I also recommend Dr. Clark’s  Parasite Cleanse.

Kidney Cleansing

The kidney is located along the posterior of the abdomen. It is a super-detoxifier as well as a regulator of blood pressure and the proper absorption of Vitamin D.

#1 Hydrate to flush the kidneys.

Besides ample purified water, the following fluids will assist with flushing the kidneys:

• Unsweetened cranberry juice helps break down calcium oxalate, which contributes to kidney stones.
• Lemon juice will increase the levels of citrate in your urine.
• Beet juice contain the phytochemical antioxidant betaine, which can help to clear calcium phosphate and struvite from the kidneys.

#2 Consider these kidney-cleansing herbs

Most of these have a diuretic effect, so be sure to drink a lot of purified water if you use them to prevent dehydration:

1. Hydrangea Root
2. Horsetail
3. Chanca Piedra
4. Goldenrod
5. Celery root
6. Uva-Ursi
7. Marshmellow
8. Dandelion (helps to detox the liver as well)
9. Parsley (helps digestive system as well)

#3 Try a quick lemon kidney flush.

Squeeze 4-5 lemons in a quart of cold water and drink. You can also squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of hot water for a tea.

In our modern world where toxins can be found everywhere, periodic cleansing is needed now more than ever.  Conducting a simple cleanse as cold weather gives way to spring sunshine puts you in line with the cycles of nature and gives you a fresh start for a vibrant and healthy new season.