Week 1 March Challenge: Nearly a Week Left to Get Your Entries In!

We're a week into the montly challenge and we've already got three great entries that respond to the prompt DETOX. We hope you enjoy this summary post that aims to give you food for thought. There's a week to go so feel free to get YOUR thoughts in - the original challenge post is also pinned to our communit page! Whether it's just random thinking, an experience or a scientific paper, we love to read about your journeys into herbalism, whatever shape they take!

Coming out of winter, @traisto is preparing for the season ahead. She talks about Cistus cretica, or rock rose (ladania in Greek).

According to @traisto's research, rock rose:

It has anti-inflammatory properties (it is used in cases of rheumatoid arthritis), antibacterial and antiviral properties (it has been proved to be effective against H1N1 and H7N7, I wonder if there was a research about covid as well), it eases anxiety and helps people dealing with insomnia, it is a great expectorant and so many more. It also has very important detox properties. It is highly effective in destroying the free radicals from the body, but also removing toxic heavy metals from cigarette smoke, dental fillings and environmental pollution.

What was also fascinating was the contraption used to collect the sticky substance on the plant - you have to check out her post here if you haven't already - certainly an innovative tool!

We also loved what she says about what we need to detox from:

What is so toxic that we need to detox from? From improper food to environmental pollution, but also the stress that we experience daily, this inquietude that doesn't leave any space or time to the brain and the body to live in the Now, the present - the only time that exists. Everything is moving so quickly, not to mention the images and life styles that bombard us daily trying to make us feel unworthy, not enough. I can only imagine how many toxins we produce and how hard we make everything, from the work of the leaver to the poor mind that never rests.

It's always great to see Indians post on herbs as they often have an ayurvedic knowledge we are happy to learn from. @hindavi wrote about CCF tea, which is an ayurvedic detoxifying & rejuvenating decoction.

THey write:

CCF is a mixture of coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds. When combined, and decocted to release their nutrient-rich, volatile oils.CCF tea makes for a powerful elixir supporting the body's natural detoxification process and helps rejuvenate the digestive fires. these three spices create a balanced, effective, natural gut cleanser. (In Ayurveda, most imbalances begin in the gut), it not only supports nutrient absorption but also maintains vibrant health. Ayurveda always comes back to the root-digestion. What we cannot digest leads to ama or toxins-whether it's physical, emotional, or mental. we are referring to toxins that have accumulated in the physical body.

If you're familiar with ayurveda you might be familiar with 'ama'. To see what else they added to the decoction and a few other handy detox herbs in Ayurvedia, head over and read their post here.

here. It's also used for snakebite!@tydynrain wrote about another Indian medicinal plant, the very pretty and purple rainbells. They list a study which talks about the medicinal properties of Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, verifying its anthelmintic (dewormer), antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. You can read the post and see lovely pictures of the plant

We particularly liked their comment about herbal study which was that they 'get a nudge..research....then experiment'. We think many herbies do the same and it certainly works for many of us listening to the plant medicines around us.

environment with plants was a really important thing to do. Read her post here.@umarais shared her tea she uses for detox. Ginger is certainly a popular plant and definitely one in my kitchen first aid kit! What I really liked about this post was her thoughtfulness as she suggested detoxing the

here. Doesn't it look gorgeous with the primroses? And just you wait to see her soup and her salad - both containing primroses!@blackberryskunk always shares amazing plant based recipes, and her smoothie with rosemary is definitely a detox delight. You can read her recipe

We always like to award the first week winners with a little beneficiary - this week it's @hindavi and @tydynrain. Thanks for joining in!

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