Natural Ways to Cleanse Your Life

    We are not completely done with snowy weather but longer days and the first sight of crocus in the yard reminds us that spring is almost here.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is the time to nourish the liver and support your body with detoxification.  In this newsletter we hope to motivate and inspire you to do some spring cleaning in both your home and your body.  These simple practices can provide fertile ground for new, robust growth throughout the season.

    Choose Chemical-Free Cleaners

    Before you reach for those cleaning products – STOP! Look at the label and consider the ingredients. Are they really “clean” or are they full of chemicals that may be harmful for your health? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has listed phosphorus, nitrogen, ammonia and other VOCs as the worst environmental hazards in household cleaners. These chemicals are found in dishwasher detergents, degreasers, sanitizers/disinfectants, and floor cleaners.
    What is the real problem with VOCs? Not only are they harmful for your physical health, they can impact the health of your pets and when we wash these chemicals down the drain, they then enter the waterways. While most are removed in water treatment facilities, they can impact wildlife. Physical health effects of VOCs can include: irritation to eyes, nose, and throat; headaches, nausea; damage to nervous system, liver and kidneys and may even contribute to cancer. (source: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality)

    Artificial Fragrance / parfum / Eau de parfum

    This ingredient often contains phthalates, a man-made chemical that has been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental problems. Yes, this includes scented candles, air fresheners, fabric sprays, perfumes and body care! Read your labels carefully to find the source of the fragrance. If the company is not transparent about sourcing fragrance from non-phthalate sources, or from essential oils, throw it out.

    Avoid Triclosan

    While this was banned by the FDA in 2018, we want you to check your old products for this ingredient to make sure you’re not inadvertently using it. Triclosan is an ingredient that was added to antibacterial soaps, personal care products, and disinfectant cleaners up until 2018. It has been linked to disruption in hormone production including testosterone, thyroid, and estrogen. It is also degraded into dioxin, which is considered a carcinogen. Watch out for any other sneaky names for this pesky ingredient, including: Microban, Biofresh, Irgasan DP-300, Lexol 300, Ster-Zac, and Cloxifenolum. Read more about the FDA ban here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/fda-finally-bans-toxic-triclosan-antibacterial-hand-soaps

    Review Your Cookware and Food Containers

    Clear out any non-stick or teflon coated cookware, ESPECIALLY if the coating is damaged. Get rid of plastic food containers and NEVER put hot food or heat food up in these containers. Replace non-stick cookware with enamel, cast iron, or stainless steel. Replace plastic food containers with glass. Get rid of any plastic cooking utensils, which can leak endocrine disrupters into your food during the cooking process. Do not use plastic water bottles for warm liquids. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead.

    Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner

    Homemade! It’s amazing what water, vinegar and a few drops of essential oil can do for sprucing up your space. Here is a simple recipe for an all-purpose cleaner that includes these three simple ingredients. Combine these ingredients in a glass spray bottle:
    1 cup filtered water
    1 cup white distilled vinegar
    10 drops essential oil of your choice
    Thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender are anti-microbial
    Orange, lemon, tangerine, and basil are uplifting and energizing
    Branch Basics fragrance free concentrate – This is a system that includes reusable bottles and concentrated cleanser that you mix with water at home, reducing plastic waste.
    ECOS all purpose cleaner by Earth Friendly Products
    Seventh Generation Disinfectants that use anti-microbial herbs
    Use Natural Laundry Detergent
    ECOS Oxo Brite by Earth Friendly Products
    Cleaning Upholstery & Carpets
    Sprinkle baking soda lightly around the area you’d like to freshen. Let this sit for 30-60 minutes then vacuum up the baking soda and breathe in the scent of fragrance-free freshness.
    Air Fresheners
    Open windows (check the air quality first!)
    Diffuse 100% essential oils
    Use a simmer pot on the stove top: fill a large pot with water and add aromatic kitchen scraps such as fresh orange or lemon peel and rosemary for an invigorating blend or a cinnamon stick for a cozy feeling. Keep an eye on the water level, refilling as needed to continue keeping the scent flowing throughout your home.
    When in doubt check the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or MadeSafe.org for help on identifying cleaning and household products that are truly clean.

    Start Your Spring Detox!

    Don’t forget about your physical health! Spring is an excellent time to swap out the heartier meals of winter for lighter meals with leafy greens that are rich in nutrients and chlorophyl that also support your natural detoxification processes.
    Check out our favorite smoothie recipes to help you get a jump-start on your spring detox plan.
    Here are some of our favorite articles from our blog that discuss more natural ways to detoxify.
    Spring is also a great time to get a health tune up, check on blood work, and review your list of supplements with your provider. Detoxification can help with cholesterol issues, balance blood sugar levels, improve energy and focus, and support weight loss.
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