PURIFYING AND CLEANSING HERBAL TEAS DO-IT-YOURSELF

Many of our habits can fatigue our liver, the main organ which detoxifies the body, some of which are unhealthy such as heavy eating, or others that may be necessary like taking drugs for prolonged therapies. Diuresis is also important, as our body is able to filter the blood and eliminate excess liquids and waste.

The following mixture of medicinal plants can help in the change of seasons, following a treatment with traditional drugs and in all those cases in which the symptoms of accumulation of waste in the body or with malfunction of the elimination organs. These symptoms frequently include: bad breath, tongue covered with whitish patina, intestinal irregularities, bloating, excessive sweating and unpleasant body odors, due to the accumulation of liquids and the development of cellulite, persistent tiredness and sore head.

The preparation’s ingredients are:

Milk thistle seeds and burdock roots, liver-protective and detoxifying drugs for the liver, to optimize its functionality.

Horsetail and Fennel, which stimulate urination by helping our body to purify itself and lighten further.

Mint and Anise, which provide a pleasant aroma, as well as being useful against swelling bowel.

In order to take full advantage of all the beneficial effects of this mixture of plants it is necessary carry out a correct extraction in water, subjecting it to a first cold steeping (important to extract the principles constituents from Burdock and Milk thistle, very leathery, and to be able to then enjoy the hepatoprotective effect) followed by a short and a longer decoction infusion.

(Read also: herbal teas, infusions and decoctions: the differences and the methods of preparation)

INGREDIENTS: (per 100 g of herbal tea)

• Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) root, 20 g
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) fruits, 20 g
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Fruits, 20 g
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) leaves, 15 g
• Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) fruits, 15 g
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) leaves, 10 g

PREPARATION: Quantity for 4 servings

Take 40 g of the mixture, which already contains all the ingredients. Steep in a pan for 2 hours in 1 L of water at room temperature.

After the steeping, put the preparation on a heat source and bring it to a boil, then turn off then the heat and let stand for 15 minutes, covering the pot with a lid to avoid the loss of volatile active ingredients.

To emphasize the flavor of Anise and Fennel, it is possible to boil for 2-3 minutes before removing from heat and let it rest.

Drink in 4 portions during the day: after the main meals and before bedtime.

Excluding cases of renal failure, severe hypertension, simultaneous drug intake of hypoglcymic agents or sensitivity to one or more of the constituents, in which this mixture is contraindicated; this herbal tea can be taken for short-term treatments to stimulate detoxification of your body, or even simply as needed to encourage tired or difficult digestion.

 CELESTE MELCHIORI

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