Detox for life, not just for New Year. Busting the myth of the quick fix detox.
An over-indulgent holiday season, the nagging need to make new year’s resolutions and the urge to melt away some body fat are motivators for a ‘quick detox’.
There’s no wonder that detox diets and rapid-acting miracle products spring up at this time of the year. Many of them with promises of weight loss, lightness, perfect skin and eternal youth at the drop of a pill, or a juice regime.
It is easy to get pulled in, but it’s worth remembering the adage that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Anything that you can accomplish in 10 days is probably not sustainable, and, in some cases, can strip the body of essential nutrients resulting in a worse state of health.
Detoxification is essential to protect your health and improve your overall wellbeing. When we say the word “detox”, we refer to the detoxification function that your liver and kidneys undergo each day as they process and flush everything that you eat, drink, absorb and breathe. This process happens naturally and occurs without any active effort, much like the heart pumping blood through the body. When your body is able to detox properly, you may feel the benefits of:
- more energy
- improved digestion
- a boost in metabolism (required for weight management)
- healthy immune function
- healthy circulation and lymphatic function
- restful sleep and balanced mood
- hormonal balance
- clear skin
There is only so much the liver can effectively detoxify from the body. The liver is a pivotal organ that carries out more than 500 bodily functions and we take it for granted. Modern lifestyles, exposure to chemicals and toxins put our detox system under immense pressure.
Any leftover wastes and toxins that cannot be dealt with by the liver will build up, which may cause unwanted symptoms such as sluggishness, or skin problems, as toxins can treat the skin as an ‘emergency exit’ if the liver is at capacity.
Healthy habits – the essentials of a healthful diet, exercise and rest – are the foundation for good detox function. And for a sustainable approach, add nourishing plant remedies, consumed daily.
It is essential that proper elimination takes place daily as toxins that aren’t processed are stored into fat tissue and generate free radicals which cause damage, some of which is irreversible.
Specific cleansing herbs are traditionally known to tone the main detoxification organs, the liver and kidneys, and support the body’s natural ability to create an internal environment where it can naturally repair and restore. Artemis Liver Detox Tea is an expertly formulated tea remedy which is best taken before breakfast as physiologically this is the most effective time for detoxification - the liver detoxes best on a fasted body.
St. Mary’s thistle (Silybum marianum), globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) in the certified organic tea remedy provide specific nutrients that support the liver in detoxing fat-soluble metabolic wastes as well as clearing taxing substances such as alcohol, spent pharmaceutical drugs, food additives and environmental toxins. Bitter herbs stimulate all digestive enzymes in the body, activate the gut and cleanse the liver from toxins metabolised overnight.
Then support the flushing action of the kidneys mid-morning with a cup of Artemis Kidney Cleanse Tea to eliminate the toxins. This potent plant formula includes golden rod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail (Equesitum arvense), birch leaves (Betula pendula), nettle (Urtica dioica) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus), all of which are traditionally used to support healthy kidney function and help clear the body of water-soluble metabolic wastes and toxins, excess sodium, uric acid and inflammatory by-products.
This powerful combination of Detox and Cleanse is known as a daily ‘internal shower’ for the body.
Tea remedies bring their own benefits. In tea form, the plants’ active constituents are easy for the body to absorb and utilise (as they are liquified), meaning the body can get more of the available beneficial compounds and nutrients, faster.
Artemis tea remedies are 100% pure as there is nothing in the formula other than the whole, organic plant, and water. Plus, a tea remedy counts towards your daily water intake, improving hydration and helping the kidneys to flush out the toxins.
For extra support, and if it suits you at the turn of every season, a short burst of concentrated consumption of cleansing herbs and foods enhance detoxification and allows the body to eliminate hidden toxins stored in fat cells. But remember, to feel your best, a 10 day ‘flash detox’ is not the answer to great health.
But integrating a daily dose of wellness via simple routines could make all the difference to how you feel every day this year, and for life.
Artemis Brands Limited, Dunedin. Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your health professional.
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Your Natural Defence - A Herbal First Aid Kit for Summer
We asked our Artemis medical herbalists and friends about their top tips for using plants as we come into summer to help with the niggles and to encourage people to build their own herbal first aid kit.
Bug bites, scrapes, scratches and rashes.
These little inconveniences are a normal part of life and inevitable if you are going to enjoy the great outdoors that Aotearoa offers. Are you familiar with the plants that can be helpful for these irritations? Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a well-known plant that is lovely and soothing to put on any (cleaned!) cuts and scrapes. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is cooling on hot, irritated skin, and Nettle (Urtica dioica) can help to soothe irritation. You’ll find these plants expertly combined in the Artemis Itch Calm Cream, a steroid-free, antiseptic cream that soothes insect bites, sunburn, rashes or bee stings. Instantly cooling and soothing, this cream is ideal for the family first aid kit. A must-take on your summer tramps, beach visits and picnic.
Summer immunity
Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean our immunity doesn’t need support! We naturally associate ills and chills more with winter, but it’s summer when we tend to be out and about more (especially this year!), so keep your immune system primed for a summer of fun and have support on hand for when you need it.
Being proactive means you won’t need to make a special trip to the pharmacy or health store when you’d rather be at the beach. Our personal favourite things to have on hand at all times are a herbal throat spray and an immunity spray. By targeting and protecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and adding a quick boost to our immunity, we can ward off ills & chills with some rapid immune response to stay well.
Artemis ThroatRepair Spray and Artemis ViroGone Spray both include ThymeMed – a scientifically researched fresh plant extract of Central Otago Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). This powerful natural support for the body's immune defences and respiratory system is combined with other powerful plants for rapid action.
Muscle aches and pains
Overdid it with the backyard cricket?
Most families will be needing something on hand over summer – but what about something all natural and plant based for bruises and aching muscles?
Herbs have been used for centuries to support rapid recovery for skin and muscles and can be used topically in a cream and are suitable for almost everyone – adults and children.
Arnica (Arnica montana) is one of the most well-known plants for helping with bruising and supporting healing and recovery after injury.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) supports new tissue growth and scar-healing. It has been extensively researched and helps with joint function.
Many people know about St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) for helping with low moods and depression, but did you know that it is also a powerful support for nerves and skin and is used post-surgery to support healing and recovery.
Artemis Tissue Repair Sports Cream is a high strength rapid response cream that is suitable for adults and children to support muscle recovery. So you can get back out there to have your summer fun.
Get out and enjoy summer with confidence that Artemis has you covered for powerful, natural family health solutions that are proven by tradition, backed by science.
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