Detox Morning Tea
The first step in your morning routine should be to rehydrate, and there is no better way to start your morning than with a cup of Morning Detox. By the time we wake, we have been fasting for between 8-10 hours, and our body is in desperate need of hydration. This tea has been specially blended to provide you with what you need first thing in the morning. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver does most of its detoxification work between the hours of 1am and 3am, so first thing in the morning is the optimal time to rehydrate and supply nutrients to help complete the flushing out process.
Coriander has been used for centuries in ancient medicine to help with a range of conditions. It is the presence of an essential oil component called linalool, which is responsible for the medicinal benefits of coriander. Coriander supports liver detoxification by improving blood circulation, and up-regulating the liver cell production of detoxification enzymes. These two factors help to move detoxified substances out of the liver quickly, avoiding unwanted substances from being reabsorbed and allowed to recirculate in the body.
Nettle is a prickly leaved plant that grows like a weed across most of Western Europe, it promotes detoxification in the body due to its high level of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants, and it has the ability to bind to metals and carcinogens in the body. Once bound these substances can be excreted from the body. Nettle leaves are also incredibly nutrient dense, providing beneficial doses of; lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene, which are forms of vitamin A that are essential for maintaining great eye health.
Ancient Ayurvedic medicine suggests that the digestive system is at the centre of our health, and a healthy digestive system will equate to good overall health. Ayurvedic medicine talks about a concept known as digestive fire, this translates to the strength of the digestive system, and is believed to effect energy, mood, concentration and immunity. It is even thought that when a person’s digestive fire is strong that they will also be able to tackle the day’s challenges with ease. Ways in which to boost digestive fire is with warming foods, and herbs and spices like; ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and cloves.
Both cinnamon and lemongrass provide such an amazing flavour in this tea, and both help support blood sugar levels. After breakfast, blood glucose levels are high, and this tea can help with the effective storage of glucose into the cells. Effective storage and utilisation of sugars results in even blood sugar levels helping you to feel energised as you start your day.
Green tea is well known for its antioxidant properties. It supplies the body with much needed antioxidants which work to neutralise free radicals inside the body. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an atom, when this happens the molecules become very unstable and have the ability to cause damage and inflammation in the body. Free radical damage is one of the main causes of ageing, so a daily serve of antioxidants is fantastic way to support our health.
Starting your day with a cup of Morning Detox Tea is a great way to support all body systems and promote balance, clarity of mind, and warmth within the body.
Words on Wellness by Jessica Gilijam-Brown
New Zealand based Holistic Nutritionist (BSc) @wellnessbyjessica