Cleansing the intestines will affect your overall health in a positive way by releasing harmful toxins present in the digestive tract and healing the lining of the mucous membranes. It will increase the capacity of the intestines to absorb important nutrients into the bloodstream, such as vitamins and minerals. Laxative teas can many times be harsh on the body and cause colic and abdominal pain, while depleting the gut of beneficial bacteria. Cleansing the intestines with a gentle laxative such as okra, reducing inflammation in the intestinal wall and eliminating harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of good bacteria is a more sustainable method for cleansing the intestines.
Eat Okra
Step 1
Boil filtered water in a small pot, and place a small bamboo steamer on top.
Step 2
Put 1/2 cup organic fresh okra pods in the steamer, and close the lid, letting the vegetable steam for 5 minutes or until slightly tender. Okra contains large amounts of the complex carbohydrate mucilage, which binds to toxins present in bile acid and cholesterol, aiding the cleansing process of the intestines, explains Holisticonline.com. The slimy nature of mucilage also acts as a gentle laxative that soothes the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, and its fiber acts as a probiotic, which according to the Mayo Clinic speeds up the healing process of intestinal infections by introducing beneficial bacteria to the gut.
Step 3
Eat the steamed okra once a day for breakfast or lunch, and include easy-to-digest foods along with it for variety and flavor.
Drink Aloe Vera and Garlic Milk
Step 1
Add 1/4 cup of organic aloe vera juice to a cup of warm milk, and mix in one organic crushed garlic clove. Aloe vera juice helps reduce inflammation in the intestinal walls, aiding in the passage of waste material through the intestines. According to the book "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, garlic is a strong vermifuge, which means it helps in the elimination of intestinal worms. It also works as an internal antiseptic. Nutritional counselor Phyllis Balch, in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," suggests that garlic can prevent ulcers in the gut.
Step 2
Let the garlic steep in the aloe vera juice and milk for 5 minutes, and drink it slowly at night. You can sweeten this drink with honey if you like.
Step 3
Repeat each step for a total of two weeks to complete a gentle yet effective intestinal cleanse.
Things You'll Need
- Organic okra
- Organic garlic
- Organic milk
- Organic aloe vera juice
- Honey (optional)
- Bamboo steamer
- Small pot
- Filtered water
- Measuring cups
References
- Holistic Online: Okra
- Mayo Clinic: Probiotics
- "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C.; 2002
