Spring Cleaning: Tips for Natural Detoxification

By Dr. Hannah Lollar

As the winter frost melts away and nature bursts into bloom, spring brings a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. It's the perfect time to embrace the concept of detoxification and revitalize our bodies after the long, stagnant winter months. Let’s explore why spring is an ideal season for detoxification and how it can significantly benefit your overall health and well-being.

​​Detoxification is a natural process that occurs in our bodies, primarily facilitated by organs such as the liver, kidneys, and skin. However, due to the modern lifestyle and excessive toxin exposure, our bodies often need extra support. Naturopathic detoxification aims to enhance this process by promoting the elimination of toxins and rejuvenating the body's innate healing capabilities.

Here are just a few of the many symptoms that you may be experiencing if your body needs help with detoxification:

• Headaches
• Bloating
• Acne, eczema or skin rashes
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Low libido 
• Hair thinning or loss
• Brain fog, poor concentration or memory
• Slow metabolism and weight gain
• Women: Breast tenderness and/or irregular or heavy periods

However please don’t think that you need to wait for these symptoms for a gentle spring detox.  Below we will list some of our favorite practices to support the body’s natural detoxification pathways. 

Herbal Therapies 

From a naturopathic perspective, herbs play a crucial role in supporting the body's detoxification process. Herbs possess a wide range of medicinal properties that can aid in cleansing and rejuvenating the body. Certain herbs, such as milk thistle and dandelion root, have hepatoprotective effects, supporting liver function and promoting the elimination of toxins. Other herbs like burdock root and nettle leaf have diuretic properties, assisting the kidneys in flushing out waste products. Additionally, herbs like ginger and turmeric possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and supporting overall detoxification. Harnessing the power of herbs in a targeted and individualized manner can enhance the body's natural detoxification pathways, promoting optimal health and vitality.

At Four Moons we have a bespoke collection of herbal teas. “Reclamation” is one of our favorites to help support the liver and overall detoxification. Listed below are some of these herbs, and why we love them! 

• Milk thistle can enhance liver detoxification processes by supporting the activity of enzymes involved in the breakdown and elimination of toxins
• Milk thistle has been found to stimulate the regeneration of liver cells. It can promote the synthesis of proteins, RNA, and DNA, which are essential for cell growth and repair.

• The liver produces bile, which plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of fats. Burdock root has been traditionally used as a "bitter" herb, which means it can stimulate bile production and flow. Improved bile flow helps optimize digestion and the elimination of waste products, potentially benefiting liver function.

• Research has indicated that dandelion root may have protective effects on the liver against toxic substances and oxidative stress due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Flower Essences 

Flower essence remedies are a natural and holistic approach to emotional healing. Made by infusing flowers in water, these remedies harness the energetic properties of the flowers to address emotional imbalances. They work on the principle that emotional well-being influences physical health. By using flower essence remedies, we can gently restore emotional equilibrium, promote self-awareness, and support personal growth. Dr. Hannah’s “Vitality” flower essence blend is a helpful tool to kick start your detox journey. Read below to see why! 

• Hornbeam: This flower helps us to stop procrastinating. It’s useful for when life feels like “too much” mentally, physically and spiritually. This can be used when you are feeling overwhelmed and overworked, leading to avoidance behavior. It can also be helpful when you don’t believe in your abilities, or you think there is something you “need” before starting. 
• Olive: This is for when you are at your wits end and you feel like you have nothing left to give, lack of energy, fatigue. 
• Larch: Helpful when you need a boost of confidence, you feel like you’re not good enough, or you start to compare yourself to those around you leading to feelings of inadequacy. Can be helpful when you are experiencing fear or failure or success. 
• Oak: When you feel like you are trudging and fighting on, but you have lost hope. Can be an overachiever and powers through but not feeling satisfied with the results. Overworked and exhausted. 

Nutrients to support detox 

• Phosphatidylcholine (PC) supports detoxification by enhancing liver function and aiding in the breakdown and elimination of toxins. It helps emulsify and transport fats, facilitating the elimination of fat-soluble toxins. PC also provides choline, a nutrient that supports liver health and toxin metabolism. Including PC-rich foods such as eggs, organ meats and soy or considering PC supplementation can support detoxification processes in the body.
• Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in detoxification. It helps eliminate toxins, heavy metals, and free radicals, reducing the burden on the liver. Glutathione also defends against environmental toxins, supports the immune system, and protects cells from oxidative damage. While our bodies produce glutathione naturally, supplementation or consuming glutathione-rich foods can help maintain optimal levels and support detoxification processes. At Four Moons, we offer Glutathione IVs. This is a great way to boost glutathione levels! 

 Foods 

• Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, aid in detoxification. They contain compounds that stimulate liver enzymes involved in detox, activate detox pathways, provide antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, and offer fiber for healthy digestion and toxin elimination. Including these vegetables in your diet supports natural detoxification processes in the body.
• Bitter foods offer unique benefits for detoxification. The bitter taste stimulates various digestive processes, promoting optimal nutrient absorption and supporting liver function. Bitter foods, such as arugula, dandelion greens, and bitter melon, stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, aiding in the breakdown and elimination of toxins. They also enhance liver detoxification pathways, helping to metabolize and eliminate toxins more efficiently.
• Soluble fiber aids in detoxification by promoting regular bowel movements and eliminating toxins from the body. It acts as a sponge, absorbing and carrying out toxins along the digestive tract. Soluble fiber also supports a healthy gut microbiota, which plays a role in detoxification. Consuming foods rich in soluble fiber, like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, can enhance overall detoxification processes.

Lifestyle practices 

• Castor oil packs aid detoxification by promoting circulation, supporting liver function, reducing inflammation, relieving stress, and enhancing lymphatic flow. Applying a castor oil-soaked cloth to the desired area and applying heat can provide these benefits.
• Clean beauty products. Avoid the following:
• Aluminum
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Synthetic Fragrance
• Sauna. Sweating is a fantastic way to help mobilize toxins out of the body. Did you know we have a sauna here at Four Moons? Book the sauna, add on a soak in our beautiful outdoor tub, and relax in one of the day beds while getting a glutathione IV for the ultimate luxury detox experience. 

• Lymphatic drainage. We want our lymph system to be a river- not a swamp. Daily practices such as dry brushing is a great way to get the lymph pumping. You can also book a Lymphatic Drainage Massage with one of our fabulous massage therapists here at Four Moons. 

If you have any questions regarding this blog post or any other health-related topics, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with one of our doctors.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The content is based on general knowledge and understanding of naturopathic principles. Each individual's health circumstances are unique, and it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or naturopathic doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health regimen. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific needs and medical history. The information provided in this blog does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

About: Dr. Hannah Lollar, ND received her B.S. in Biology from San Diego State University and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She has also received advanced training in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Applied Kinesiology, Regenerative Injection Techniques, Homeopathy, Flower Essences, and Advanced IV Therapy. Areas of interest include women’s health, integrative dermatology, stress management, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine disorders and anti-aging medicine.

Work with Hannah here.