3 gentle liver cleansing spring tonics

3 Gentle Liver Cleansing Spring Tonics

Message from Milly

Greetings to All,

It's already feeling like Spring here in Georgia, which gets me thinking about liver cleansing.

Although The Opening Channels Program or Colon Clear/Pure Body Clear are still my favorite full-body cleanses, I'm also a big fan of upping my intake of gentle liver-cleansing tonics.

In this newsletter, I'm sharing three of my favorite recipes made using real, whole foods, herbs, and spices.

You can take these any time of day, but I like them first thing in the morning because:

A: It helps unburden the liver after a hard night's work of detoxing.

B: I don't forget to make them (and take them) later.

C: I find they give me more energy to start my day.

For more helpful information on Spring cleansing, see our previous newsletters:

Cheers and blessings to all!

-Milly

Liver Cleansing Tonic Recipe 1: Apple, Turmeric, Lemon, Leafy Green Shot

This juice recipe is super easy to make, and a little goes a long way.

Here's a quick breakdown of its ingredients:

Turmeric: Revered for centuries in Ayurveda, Turmeric is a cholagogue, a type of herb that helps stimulate bile production in the liver.

It's also one of the world's most-studied plants, with research suggesting it provides protective, anti-inflammatory effects on the liver and other organs.

Apples: Red ripe apples are an underappreciated superfood for the liver, thanks to their hepatoprotective antioxidant bioflavonoids. They also make this shot taste delicious.

Lemon: Lemon's natural sourness helps purge the liver, and the skin contains limonene, an active plant compound shown to have liver-protective benefits.

If you can find organic, plan to juice the entire half, including the skin, which adds incredible flavor.

Leafy Greens: I recommend kale, spinach, collards, microgreens, or dandelion greens, all of which have liver-supportive nutrients and detoxification properties.

Apple, Turmeric, Lemon, Leafy Green Shot

1 ripe red apple of any variety
A generous handful of leafy greens
A half to one-inch piece of fresh turmeric
Half a lemon (skin on)

How To Make:

Run everything through a juicer in the order listed (it makes juicing the greens easier), then take a shot!

Note: This may make more than one shot depending on the size and juiciness of the apple. You can either take more or save the extra for later in the day.

References:

Liver Cleansing Tonic Recipe 2: Dandy Chaga "Coffee"

There are few herbs more frequently associated with liver health than dandelion.

Its naturally bitter properties help stimulate bile production, and studies suggest it can help protect against liver damage.

My advice: get as much as you can this Spring of the roots (earthy), leaves (crisp, slightly bitter, and astringent), and flowers (floral and golden).

One of the easiest and tastiest ways to do this is to drink a dandy coffee a few times a week.

I like pairing mine with sustainably sourced powdered chaga mushroom for a double hit of plant-powered liver support.

Dandelion coffee comes from roasted dandelion root, a powerful liver cleanser, with a pleasant, earthy, coffee-like flavor.

You can find it premade, either on its own or mixed with other caffeine-free coffee substitutes, such as chicory, carob, and roasted barley.

I really like Dandy Blend, which you can find in natural foods stores or online.

Chaga Dandy Coffee Recipe

1 teaspoon instant Dandelion coffee blend
1 teaspoon Chaga mushroom powder (it's important to look for sustainably-sourced Chaga)
Your favorite organic cream or dairy-free creamer
Raw honey or coconut sugar (optional)

How To Make

Combine the dandelion coffee mix with the chaga powder.
Add 1 cup of boiling water.
Add cream, creamer, and/or sweetener if desired.

This is also a wonderful coffee alternative for those looking to cut back or eliminate caffeine.

References:

As always, the information in this newsletter is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice or care of your medical provider.

All the links to products are provided for educational purposes and are not affiliate links.

Liver Cleansing Tonic Recipe 3: Dr. Patricia's Liver Cleanse Drink

This recipe is an oldie but a goodie and comes from the classic natural health book, "The Detox Solution" by my friend and colleague, the late Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald.

I know she'd be happy for me to share it!

Liver Cleanse Drink

Ingredients:

One cup citrus juice (orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, and/or lime)
1-2 cloves fresh garlic
1 small piece of fresh ginger
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil

To make:

Blend everything together and drink immediately.

As noted in the book, she recommends doing this first thing in the morning, followed by two cups of a cleansing tea, such as dandelion (dandelion coffee would be fine too).

Regarding frequency, she recommends doing it for five days in a row, then repeating with the seasons or whenever you feel you need it.

If the olive oil is too off-putting, reduce the amount or eliminate it; you'll still get the benefits.

This newsletter does not include affiliate links.