You might think that you need a bunch of funky herbs and supplements and go on a complicated detox program, but the truth is, most of the herbs and spices we use in everyday cooking can have a supportive role in the detoxification process. They are filled with beneficial antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals that greatly enhance your health and help you body combat toxins. To get the full benefit of culinary herbs and spices, make sure you date your containers so you have the most nutrient dense and flavourful supply. I prefer to use organic spices, which are grown without pesticides or chemicals and are not irradiated or fumigated.

Here are the top 6 everyday herbs and spices to help detoxify the body:

These common herbs and spices can be used liberally while cleansing and in everyday cooking to help improve digestive function and detoxification.

1. Cayenne pepper:

  • Helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation
  • Helps increase circulation and has thermogenic properties (helps speed up metabolism)
  • Helps rebuild the tissue in the stomach and increase the peristaltic action in the intestines(increases elimination)

2. Ginger:

  • Reduces cramping of the stomach and bowels, as well as menstrual cramping
  • Useful for motion and morning sickness
  • The fresh root contains enzymes which enhance digestion
  • Neutralizes toxins in the digestive system
  • It aids in digestion, absorption and assimilation of food
  • Aids in circulation

3. Cilantro (leaves) and coriander(root):

  • Has carminative properties which help to enhance digestion
  • Binds to heavy metals in the body
  • Source of antioxidant vitamins  A and C

4. Parsley:

  • Has diuretic properties to help flush kidneys
  • Rich source of vitamins B, A and C, all essential to detoxification

5. Cinnamon :

  • Helps balance blood sugars
  • Help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including Candida

6. Turmeric :

  • Major antioxidant properties to help protect the liver
  • Increases detoxification systems and bile flow
  • Potent anti-inflammatory
  • Helpful for cancer protection, cardiovascular health and Alzheimer’s

This beautiful healing hot beverage is a great way to get some of these antioxidant rich detoxifying spices into your diet. If you’re a newbie with using spices like turmeric, this is the perfect way to start! You can substitute the raw honey, which has antibacterial properties, with another low glycemic sweetener. Maple or coconut syrup would work great!I used walnut milk, but you can easily switch to coconut milk, because it is high in anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids. Any milk choice will work just as well.

Anti Inflammatory & Detoxifying Ayurvedic Tea

  • 1 cup walnut milk
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp cardamom
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp raw honey

How to make:

Heat up milk in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat as soon as you start to see some steam rising from them milk to ensure you won’t overheat or burn it.

Add the milk, along with the rest of the ingredients into a blender and buzz until smooth. You can also just whisk all the ingredients while the milk is in the sauce pan but you’ll get a smoother consistency when you blend it.

Makes 1 serving.

Enjoy!

 

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Could you benefit from a cleanse? Download my free Detox 101 Guide ~ what anyone thinking about doing a cleanse ought to know. DOWNLOAD YOUR GUIDE HERE.

In this guide, I explain who should and shouldn’t do a cleanse, how to choose the right detox plan for you, and how to avoid the top sources of toxins.