Welcome Spring!

Spring is the season when Earth is revitalized, brimming with blooms, new-born life, warming temperatures, and fresh invigorating breezes!

Spring is the blooming season for humans, too. We emerge from hibernation, becoming more active and social, feeling alive and inspired, excitedly making plans. Though these changes are welcome, they can also feel unpredictable, intense, and even overwhelming.

But we can prepare our body, mind and spirit to welcome Spring’s energy and promise while staying grounded and balanced.

Diet. The first step.

Spring is the ideal season for cleansing our bodies, helping our vital organs to work more efficiently. The bright green signature color of Spring motivates us to eat “greener.” Chlorophyll-rich green vegetables embody the essence of spring and have the power to detoxify and de-stagnate our bodies in this season of renewal. Spinach, nettles, parsley, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radish and so many more are packed with vitamins and trace minerals that support our body’s natural detoxification processes and also provide the extra energy boost that our system needs this busy season.

Fresh fruits are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber and are naturally low in fat, sodium and calories. This makes them perfect for detoxing. Many fruits are sources of under-consumed nutrients like potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folate, all of which help revitalize and cleanse the body.

Fiber-rich foods include not just fresh fruits and vegetables but also beans, whole wheat and other whole grains, nuts and seeds. Fiber binds to toxins and carries them out of the body through our stool. Having regular bowel movements lessens the time that harmful compounds hang out in our intestinal tract.

Hydration

Drinking enough water is a crucial component of good health that many of us neglect. The simple act of hydrating can have incredible detoxifying effects and reduce unwanted symptoms like bloating, poor or slow digestion, acne, dull skin, and fatigue. Start your day with a glass of water to activate your digestion and metabolism, and continue drinking throughout the day to feel the benefits. Adding a slice of lemon or a squeeze of lemon juice to your glass offers a refreshing alternative and boosts your intake of vitamin C. Using the juice of a whole lemon throughout the day can provide half of daily vitamin C requirements for adults.

Can herbs support us?

Certain herbs support our body’s elimination of metabolic waste products. Traditional western herbal medicine recognizes six major categories of plants that promote detoxification depending on which organs and systems they affect:

• Diuretics promote elimination by increasing urine production. Common herbs in this category are nettles (Urtica spp), dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinalis), and horsetail (Εquisetum arvensis ).
• Diaphoretics promote elimination by inducing perspiration. Common diaphoretics are Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ginger (Zingiber officinalis), and Elderberry berries and flowers (Sambucus nigra).
• Laxatives promote elimination by stimulating bowel movement. Common laxatives are burdock (Arctium lappa), yellow dock (Rumex crispus),and senna (Cassia angustifolia).
• Bitter tonics activate digestion and increase bile production. Common bitter tonics are artichoke (Cynara scolymus), milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum), and gentian (Gentiana lutea).
• Alteratives, also called “blood purifiers,” alter the body’s metabolism, opening channels of elimination and enhancing the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste products. Common alteratives are cleavers (Gallium aparine), burdock (Arctium lappa), nettle leaves (Urtica spp), and dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis).
• Hepatics support proper liver function by decongesting as well as supporting bile flow. Common hepatics are dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), yellow dock root (Rumex crispus), turmeric root (Curcuma longa), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

Myrro’s natural tincture formulas are designed to target the organ systems of the body in specific ways while maintaining its internal balance. They are easy to incorporate in your daily routine, and you can use them alone or in combination.

Myrro’s Detox Tincture contains highly cleansing, hepatoprotective and bitter tonic herbs that protect and restore liver & kidney function and promote lymphatic drainage. They can lower the lipid/cholesterol levels in blood, stimulate bile production and act as mild laxatives.

Myrro’s Detox Tincture is made from the following gentle yet powerful detoxifying natural ingredients

• Organic Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinalis) stimulates the digestive system, especially the liver, and is indicated for inflammation and stasis of the liver and/or gallbladder, including cholelithiasis, metabolic toxicity and jaundice. Dandelion root is recommended for chronic toxic conditions that manifest as eczema, acne, arthritis, chronic gastritis and enteritis. In modern herbal medicine, dandelion root is considered a gentle plant, particularly suitable for detoxification. The Arab healers of the 10th century referred to it as a laxative and diuretic, but mainly as a tonic for the liver. Also, in the folk medicine of China, India and Russia, it was used to support the liver.
• Organic Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum) promotes the regeneration of diseased liver cells and protects them against some poisons. Research has shown that it plays an important role in chronic liver diseases, especially those caused by alcohol, drug, or dietary abuse. In modern herbal medicine, milk thistle is considered a gentle and non-toxic plant, which has a complex effect on the liver. The ancient Greek doctor Dioscorides states in his medical writings that the seeds of the plant are effective for purifying the blood, treating snake bites, and treating jaundice and liver diseases. Eclectic medicine in the USA of the late nineteenth century made use of milk thistle to treat congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys.
• Organic Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the most widely applicable plants we have. It strengthens and supports the whole body. Throughout Europe it is used as a spring tonic and general detoxifying remedy. Nettle increases urine output and the removal of uric acid. Its diuretic action makes it useful in the treatment of edema, arthritis with swollen joints, and congestive heart disease. It is specific for nervous eczema and will strengthen and support the whole body.

Myrro’s Skin Tonic Tincture supports the cleansing action of vital organs, helping skin become clean and vibrant and renewing skin cells from within. Our formula is based on mineral-rich herbs that enhance the action of the lymphatic system to decongest and cleanse our outer skin and inner epithelial tissue, including the lining of the gut. Eighty percent of our outer skin health depends on the health of that lining. At the same time, these herbs enhance the body's natural collagen production and promote cell renewal.

Myrro’s Skin Tonic Tincture consists of the following herbs:

• Organic Burdock (Arctium lappa) has been used for centuries to aid digestion, heal skin, purify blood, and cool internal heat. In much of Asia, burdock is eaten as a vegetable and it has an earthy, crunchy texture similar to lotus root. Studies show that burdock contains phenolic acids, quercetin, and luteolin, which are powerful antioxidants. Burdock also contains Arctiin, which dampens inflammation and protects the skin from subclinical and chronic inflammation. Most interestingly, its anti-inflammatory action targets cells where inflammation is induced through sun exposure, which is directly responsible for the breakdown of collagen. Burdock stimulates connective tissue metabolism through collagen and hyaluronic synthesis to regenerate and build the skin structure.
• Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is recognized by Ayurveda medicine as having the power to boost the body’s natural production of collagen. It contains triterpenoid and asiaticoside compounds that, according to research, help the body naturally synthesize collagen proteins. Research has found that brahmi supports the type of collagen production that maintains the health of arteries in the circulatory system. Similar research findings have revealed that constituents in brahmi stimulate the body’s natural production of brain-cleaning enzymes. It is also known to boost memory and cognitive function, promote mood stability, and support cardiovascular health and the health of the intestinal and respiratory systems inner skin.
• Organic Horsetail (Equisetum Arvensis) is a rich source of naturally occurring calcium, magnesium, potassium and other valuable nutrients (including silica crystals). Many of the medicinal properties of horsetail can be attributed to its high silica content, which is easily absorbed by the human body. Silica is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in the development, strengthening, and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Silica also restores weak connective tissues in blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, and collagen — the body glue that helps hold our skin and muscle tissues together. Silica speeds the healing of bone fractures, helps rheumatism and arthritis by improving the elasticity of the joints, and is recommended to athletes for sprains, pulled hamstrings and torn ligaments. It improves connective tissue strength and elasticity, as well as removes uric acid, lactates and residual toxins from the extracellular matrix. It promotes renal function, and cleanses and repairs connective tissues,. improving both collagen and elastin.
• Organic Nettle (Urtica Dioica) is a highly nutritional plant. It contains high amounts of calcium, silica and sulfur, which enables it to boost collagen receptors. Sulfur is not only necessary for the synthesis of glutathione (one of the most important antioxidants and detoxification agents in the body), but also supports collagen production. Nettle is restorative and is best known for its antiseptic qualities. For centuries, it has been used to prevent hair loss, promote healthy shiny hair, and nourish the scalp. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B5, C, D and E, its astringent properties help with tightening the skin, possibly preventing eczema, protecting our collagen receptors, and much more.

Detox the proper way. Adapt it to your personal traits and needs.

Traditional herbal medicine practices can be used to detoxify our bodies in a healthy, balanced way, and to avoid misleading and potentially dangerous practices that are too often promoted on social media platforms and in advertising of supplements and other wellness products. For example, alterative herbs are used in traditional medicine for very specific conditions such as fluid congestion, stagnation in the joints and in the skin (acne, eczema, dermatitis), headaches, digestive stagnation, and liver stagnation. These conditions indicate that our metabolism can’t tolerate metabolic waste products because our organs are blocked and cannot move toxins out of the body. Alterative herbs can be used to help alleviate these conditions and their symptoms. However, there is no scientific evidence that these herbs detoxify us from pesticides, heavy metals, environmental pollutants or GMOS, as is often claimed. It’s important that we choose herbal remedies supported by scientific research and long-term traditional use, that we use them properly, - and that we tailor them to the needs of our personal constitutions.

Ayurveda medicine teaches that our constitutions are made up of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics (the three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) each associated with specific combinations of nature's elements. Vata consists of air and aether; Pitta consists of fire and water; and Kapha consists of earth and water. Doshas influence our physical, mental, and emotional states, and understanding them can help us choose natural remedies that are appropriate, and to use them in ways that are safe and effective.

For example, those who have a dominant Vata dosha should avoid long-term detoxification protocols that rely on alterative herbs, which can push Vata out of balance. Vata dosha individuals tend to be thin, cold, and dry; alterative herbs are cooling, drying, and draining. They aggravate the ether, or air elements. Individuals with dominant Vata dosha that regularly ingest these herbs will over time experience loss of energy, dryness in the mucosa, coldness in the digestive system, increasing nervousness and tension, and profound weakness. Therefore, long-term detoxification is not for everyone.

In contrast, individuals whose primary dosha is Kapha, with dominant elements of earth and water, tend to be sluggish, heavy and moist, and might benefit from an extended detoxification plan. The same goes for people governed by Pitta dosha, with dominant elements of water and fire. These individuals tend to be active and muscular. Pitta individuals naturally have an excess of heat, and any detoxification protocol needs to be carefully designed to avoid generating too much additional heat in their system.

To conclude, there is no one-for-all magic recipe for detoxification. We each need to follow a protocol that’s appropriate for our individual needs and characteristics.

What makes detoxification successful after all?

Another thing that is often overlooked in modern uses of detoxification is what we do AFTER a short or long period of detoxification through diet and herbs.

Traditions are here again to show us the way. Traditional Chinese medicine doesn’t use the term “detoxification,” but instead identifies toxins that accumulate in the body as causing an imbalance, like a stagnation of the liver, and correcting that imbalance with QI energy tonic plants that increase physiological energy production. These plants are not stimulants. Instead, they help the body to function optimally, resulting in a natural increase in vitality. 

This is an aspect that we need to take into consideration. Detoxification always needs to be followed by rejuvenation and nourishment treatments in order to replenish our bodies and give them vitality and strength.

Herbs for rejuvenation

Adaptogens are a popular category of rejuvenating herbs (see article “Adaptogens: A holistic approach to stress and fatigue.”) Their action is one that improves the body’s adaptability, enabling it to avoid collapse or over-stress. Adaptogens can have an overall tonifying effect or provide benefits to specific organs in the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems.

Once again, misuse of these herbs can lead to depletion of our body’s natural reserves. We need to use them with moderation, for specific periods of time and always in alignment with our dominant dosha or constitutional type.

Myrro offers a range of formulas using adaptogens as core herbs that can restore balance and increase vitality:

• Immunity Tincture is a blend of adaptogen and immunomodulating herbs and is the foundation for a preventative approach to health and well-being. If you want to improve your body’s adaptability, enabling it to avoid reaching a point of collapse, this might be the remedy for you.
• Mood Boost & Energy Tincture is a means of finding emotional balance as well as physical and mental vitality during difficult or demanding times.  The adaptogen and nervine herbs that it contains have an overall tonic and uplifting effect. They strengthen the nervous system, combat persistent stress, and have antidepressant action. They also improve endurance and energy levels and can boost and improve sexual desire.
• Male Vitality Tincture is made from adaptogenic and tonic herbs that can increase levels of male reproductive hormones, increase physical energy and endurance, stimulate sexual desire, and relieve chronic stress. They can also decrease high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol, and sugar levels by supporting kidney and liver function.

From a holistic point of view

Herbs can lead to proper and effective detoxification. But are they the only way to detoxify? Well, the answer is no. Think of it like this. Nobody accumulates toxins because they lack a certain herb. What we need to focus on are our daily habits that affect our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Get Moving

Exercise is a great way to sweat out toxins, but during a detox, you don’t have to go for intense workouts. Gentle exercise is just as effective for getting your body moving and releasing stored toxins. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of activities like yoga, pilates, walking, light stretching or whatever kind of exercise makes you happy. This will help improve circulation and give your body the support it needs during your detox.

Unplug from Technology

Another part of the detox process is taking a break from the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and phone calls. Technology can cause stress. Try a digital detox by turning off unnecessary notifications or scheduling specific times to check your phone. Even just taking a weekend to go tech-free can do wonders for your mental clarity and stress levels.

Take care of your skin

Detoxing is not only about what we eat and how we exercise, but also about how we take care of our skin. Your skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a vital role in the detoxification process. By nourishing and cleansing your face and body with the right products, you can help your body release toxins and promote healthy, glowing skin.

One way to enhance your Spring detox is by incorporating Myrro Skincare products into your daily routine. These products are designed to work with your body's natural rhythms to cleanse and nourish from the outside in:

• Body Scrub Oil, with its high content of minerals, is ideal for exfoliating the body and for detoxifying massage. It balances sebum secretion, removes oiliness and cleans pores. It enhances lymphatic decongestion by removing accumulated toxins, stimulates local circulation, and removes dry and rough skin, while moisturizing and revitalizing the skin. It makes your skin ready to absorb the benefits of the other products you are using.
• Detox & Firm Body Oil is ideal for rejuvenating your skin and stimulating detoxification. Packed with natural ingredients, it deeply nourishes the skin while supporting your body’s internal detox process. By using this detox oil, you can improve your skin’s texture and elasticity, leaving it feeling fresh and smooth. It contains grapeseed oil, which is rich in polyphenols and provides astringent action that tones and firms the skin. White birch extract detoxifies and tightens the tissues. Organic grapefruit essential oil reduces fat packs and is also known for its naturally uplifting and energizing properties. Organic lemon essential oil promotes lymphatic drainage and removes accumulated toxins. It improves skin texture. It also reduces stress and makes you feel more energized. Organic patchouli essential oil has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, regenerating skin cells. It leaves a subtle earthy and spicy aroma on your skin, balancing your emotions and improving your mood.
• Face Scrub Cream provides gentle exfoliation for your skin, removing impurities and revealing a fresh, radiant complexion. The gentle but effective formula promotes skin regeneration and helps you get rid of the buildup that can clog pores and lead to dullness. Specifically, our Face Scrub Cream, when used regularly in your skin care routine, can help remove the top layer of dead skin cells, promoting a healthy glow. Frequent exfoliation can also have anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production and sloughing away pore-clogging bacteria. This rich cream is ideal for deep cleansing and removal of blackheads, sebum and dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.

Practice meditation

Detoxing is also a mental process. Meditation is a great tool to clear your mind of stress and negative thoughts. It can help you stay focused, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference in how you feel.

Spend time outdoors

Spending time outdoors not only promotes emotional and mental well-being but can also enhance the body’s detoxification process. By providing stress-reducing and nutritious fresh air and sunshine, nature provides a natural and effective environment for detoxing both physically and mentally. Time spent in natural environments can also boost your immune system, making it more efficient at clearing toxins from the body. Enjoying the outdoors can also increase your body’s natural killer cells, which fight off infections and disease, thus enhancing detoxification.

By taking these simple steps, you will be setting yourself up for a Spring full of energy, clarity, and radiance. Start with small changes and let the season’s natural rhythms guide you to a healthier, refreshed you.