The Cleansing Weed

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Written by Lisa Saslove, MS, RD
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Health

With the recent rains the hillsides have turned from drab browns to beautiful shades of green.  Cows and horses are happily munching their spring tonic…grass.  While grass helps to cleanse animals digestive systems, Mother Nature also provides humans with an abundance of spring tonic herbs that assist the body in cleansing as well.
The most important organ involved in cleansing is the liver.  The liver has over 500 things to do, including making bile, cholesterol, and enzymes, and assisting in regulating blood sugar levels.  However, its main function is detoxification.  Unfortunately, we are constantly bombarded with toxins from polluted air, contaminated water and substances we knowingly and unknowingly ingest on a daily basis.  For many of us, the liver is struggling to do its job, either due to toxin overload or because we lack the specific nutrients the liver needs to properly detoxify. 
 Most experts agree that spring is an excellent time to begin a cleansing program.  Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, comes to the liver’s rescue by providing us with specific herbs and plants to help rejuvenate the liver just when it needs it the most…right before allergy season hits.  Many cultures have cleansing routines built into their everyday lives.   For example some Native American and Finnish cultures make a practice of sweating (through sweat lodges and saunas) to purify the body and reduce heavy metal toxins. This gives the liver a much-needed break by sending toxins through the skin rather than the liver.  For many of us in western culture, however, such practices are largely absent or completely forgotten.  As a practitioner, I encourage my clients to cleanse two to three times a year, preferably at the change of seasons.  Common benefits include renewed energy levels, substantial reduction in pain, and significant weight loss.
One of my favorite liver tonics is dandelion.  What many consider to be a nuisance weed actually has wonderful properties to help rejuvenate our livers.  Dandelion greens are an excellent addition to salads, which when eaten at the end of a meal helps stimulate bile secretions due to their slightly bitter taste.  Dandelion root can be decocted (slowly simmered), and makes a delicious beverage with a taste similar to coffee. Rather than depleting the body’s mineral supplies like coffee, this drink is rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium and trace minerals that are essential for a properly functioning liver. 

Dandelion Green Salad

  1 bunch dandelion greens
  2 eggs hardboiled and sliced
  1/3 cup walnuts -- toasted
  1 large leek 
     Dressing
  1 clove garlic
  ¼ teaspoon salt
  1 shallot, diced
  4 teaspoons lemon juice
  5 teaspoons olive oil
  white pepper to taste
 
Wash and cut dandelion greens into bite-sized pieces.
Slice 2 hardboiled eggs.
Sauté leek in butter or grapeseed oil until crispy.
Mash together garlic with salt and combine with all other dressing ingredients.  Place in pan and heat gently until warmed.  Pour over dandelion greens.  Toss gently.  Top with egg and toasted walnuts.

The Equinox Detox is a non-fasting cleanse class.  Participants will determine their toxicity score, be provided with the basic cleansing protocol and will form alliances to support each other. Class will meet on three consecutive Wednesdays beginning March 17th.  To participate call Lisa Saslove, MS, RD at 305-0774.