Q. Dear Terry, “I usually do a cleanse in the springtime. I’m wondering what you recommend for a good cleanse?” – Charlie V., Lexington, KY

A. Dear Charlie, There are many cleansing and detoxification formulas out there and it can be very hard to find one that is right for your specific needs. I think ridding the body of excess toxins is incredibly important, especially since we are exposed to so many chemicals that are foreign to our body. When it comes to daily digestive support, one of our primary ways of detoxification, I think a simple time-tested approach is best.

In the traditional medicinal system of India – known as Ayurveda – there is a combination of herbs that have been used for thousands of years to support digestion and disease prevention. Some of the ingredients you may have heard of, like ginger and turmeric, while others may be new, like boerhavia and Indian tinospora.

Each of these herbs has been individually studied and recommended for centuries. They are powerful on their own, but when combined, have even greater health benefits. These herbs help to fight inflammation, stop stomach and digestive disorders, soothe and relax intestinal tissues, bolster the ability of the liver to detoxify, and much more. In addition, all of these herbs have other health promoting properties aside from the ones directly related to cleansing or detoxification.

Ideally, you will use these herbs in conjunction with dietary changes that will limit processed and sugary foods, and keep your caffeine and alcohol intake at a sensible level. These are not requirements – just possibilities.

I would take 800 mg of a combination of turmeric, greater galangal, andrographis, boerhavia, Indian laburnum, gotu kola, cyperus, licorice, East Indian sarsaparilla, long pepper, chebulic myrobalan, Indian tinospora, ginger, and curry tree each night before bed.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally