Home Detox Drink

Some people around me are already getting into "cure" mode.

There are many ways of "detoxing" oneself - whatever you put into this word; the core of detoxing, however, lays in HOW you do it, and which intentions motivate you.

Purifying and wholesome drinks are a great add-on during these times. More than offering benefits, you actually take care of yourself through the ritual of making yourself a drink at home, knowing it is good for your body, and taking the time to make it. That is, as I believe, one of the secrets of good digestion.

So, while we are at it, why not sharing a few recipes from my ayurvedic detox week - not all, of course, I still keep my professional secrets hey - some clients pay for it. But this blog is not yet about following a specific programme - yet - it is about sharing some recipes that you can experiment around.

And here you go!

Purifying Jamu (for 2)

3 non-treated limes / 1-2 lemons, zest + juice

½ L water

2 lemongrass stalks (or 2 flat tbsp dried lemongrass)

2-4 tbsp grated ginger or galanga

2-4 dates or 2-3 tbsp raisins*

2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (1 tbsp dried mint)

2 tbsp fresh nesstle leaves (1 flat tbsp dry)

1 tsp turmeric (freshly grated or 1/2 tsp organic powder)*

zest of 1 organic orange, about 1 tsp

Bring the lemon zest, the freshly grated roots, the crushed lemongrass and the dates/raisins to a boil. Let simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the herbs, turmeric powder, orange zest. Let the tea infuse for 5-10 minutes, add more mineral water to taste. Now the drink should be warm, not hot - then you can filter and add the juice of 1/2 lemon per cup upon serving. 

Keep the leftover filtered tea in a thermos to keep it warm, and add freshly-pressed lemon juice only upon serving.

You might prefer to drink this heartwarming tea without added lemon juice; or only with a few drops - especially if you have sensitive teeth. In that case, you might want to keep the lemon juice for a ginger-lemon dressing on your grated carrots or add it in a homemade apple or berry jam/compote.

Of course if you have no time to gather all these ingredients, keep it simple - ginger-lemon will do - but keep going!

     Lemongrass tea

     - get rid of toxins and excess fats; diuretic

     - antioxydant

    - calming effect

     Nettle tea

     - vitamin A and K

     - lowers blood sugar

     - helps with join pain, eczema and anemia

*use gloves if you are cutting fresh turmeric!

*traditional Jamu is served with honey. If you are not vegan, feel free to skip the dates and add a teaspoon of honey in your cup after pouring; make sure you don't heat up the honey over 40°C. If you don't have dates, you can also boil a handful of raisins instead.