Claudia Keel

EarthFlower.org | ArborVitae.com
Considering Detoxification Protocols
Sources of Environmental Toxins: The sources for environmental toxins are nearly limitless in our industrialized world.
Visit the environmental working group’s website www.ewg.org for detailed information about toxins present in foods,
household products, skin care products -- and also what foods and products are safe and non-toxic.
Air contamination: from electrical and coal plants and radiation for nuclear power plants, motor-cars trucks and machines
with exhaust (even with lead free fuel). Paints, varnishes, particle board furniture, synthetic and treated rugs and fabrics. Air
born molds that proliferate from leaky pipes behind walls and modern poorly ventilated homes are often hidden sources of
toxins.
Water contamination: polluted through pesticides, antibiotics and pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, fluoride and chlorines in
ground water, municipal and pipes supplies
Soil contamination & Food contamination: various toxins passed up the food chain. GMOs Food packaging such as plastic
and Styrofoam is a common source of toxins like BPA, arsenic, xeno-estrogens among others.
Building contamination along with furniture, fabric and rug contamination;
Household & building contamination: Most of household cleaners and products are composed of toxic chemicals that we
absorb through air and skin.
Body care and skin products: This made be the most insidious source of toxicity in modern life. Our skin absorbs the chemical
preservatives and toxins, and this provides an entrance into the lymph and blood of our bodies without the opportunity to be
detoxified through our liver and other pathways. (See the accompanying article by Chris Kresser on common toxic ingredients
in household and skin care products to avoid.)
Related Symptoms of Environmental Toxicity: Chronic fatigue, headaches, memory and cognitive dysfunction, multiple
chemical sensitivities (MCS), allergies, skin ailments, hormone disruption, behavioral and learning disorders, cancer and
much more. But more often than not, our body’s toxic load is not obvious, while it causes symptoms of chronic diseases and
lays the ground for cancer formation.
Quick Fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged environmental pollution as the underlying cause in
nearly 80% of all chronic degenerative diseases

C au tion:
D et oxi fic ation protoc ols ar e c on trai ndic ate d in pre gnanc y & before conc ept ion!
(However detoxification are important preparation for pregnancy to prevent toxins being passed on to child)
D et oxi fic ation protoc ols ar e c on trai ndic ate d for d eplete d & w eak con ditions!
(However specially designed detoxification protocols may be indicated for particular ailments even if one is weak.)
Supporting our body’s natural detoxification pathways are always indicated.
We can do by reducing our toxic burden in our home environment body products and
foods, gently supporting our organs of elimination, eating vital whole foods that provide
nutrients needed to detoxify and seeking peace in one’s mind and heart.

To Start: Reduce one’s toxic burden

by lim iting exposure in one’s hom e, skin & body care products, water & food
If our body is not consistently taking in toxins and of general good health it will naturally detoxify from past exposure.

To Start: Support the organs of elim ination

with alterative herbs & holistic practices
Liver & digestive herbs: lemon water in the morning; spring herbs include: Burdock, dandelion, yellow dock, many bitters
also later in season milk thistle,
Lymph and Skin: dry skin brushing, exercise & movement, particularly mini trampolines; spring herbs include: cleavers,
violet, chickweed, red clover
Kidneys: drink more water than usual when detoxing (but not too much as this a taxes and weakens the kidneys as well) ;
spring herbs include: nettles
Lungs: deep breathing exercises. Ayurveda and Yoga has finely developed detoxification breathing exercises ‘pranayama’
for particular conditions.
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 2

To Start: Support the body with food nutrients

that are needed for natural detoxification
Ensure that one has plentiful whole nutrient-dense foods in the diet that offer the vitamins and minerals the body uses in its
detoxification. Along with optimizing nutrient dense foods, it is wise to avoid processed largely empty nutrient foods and
refined flours and sugar that inflame and often as a source of toxins.
Vitamin A: Works alongside Vitamin C& E, provides co factors for toxin breakdown and Consider possibility of MTHFR
removal from the liver via urine. gene mutation preventing one’s
Vitamin B12 and B9 (Folic Acid): Provides crucial co factors for toxin breakdown and body’s ability to detoxify. If so,
removal. supplement with methylated folate
B Vitamins play a major role, acting as cofactors for many enzyme systems including those of (such as ‘methylguard’) and
liver detoxification. turmeric. Methylated folate
Vitamin C: prevents free radical formation Vit C depletion also impairs the detoxification (instead of its synthetic form as
process folic acid) is indicated for
Vitamin D: inhibits the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase and increase glutathione pregnancy if a person does not
levels, suggesting a role for the hormone in brain detoxification. Studies have demonstrated methylate well or does not have
that vitamin D helps remove mercury from your body safely by radically increasing the amount this nutrient generously in the diet.
of intracellular glutathione. Genetic testing is available
Vitamin E: a cofactors for glutathione peroxidase activity (see selenium below) as well as a through www.23andme.com and
powerful antioxidant. (Vit. E also works synergistically with selenium and vit. C.) interpretation is available through
Selenium: a trace mineral with an important role in detox. It is a co-factor for the production of apps and websites
glutathione peroxidase, a form of glutathione that enhances the antioxidant protection against
free radical damage. Selenium also makes zinc more effective and works closely with vitamin Bieler Mineralizng Healing Tonic
E. It assists in the detox of heavy metals by enhancing the activity of lymphocytes and Henry Bieler MD recommended
macrophages. Diets todays are very low in selenium due to the depletion of the soil of this vital this broth for energy and overall
mineral. health. He felt this combination of
Zinc acts as a cofactor for many enzyme and detoxification systems; works to protect tissue vegetables restores acid-alkaline
with the sulphur component of the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Zinc and sodium-potassium balance so
also works as a cofactor for alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that works in the liver to essential to healthy organs and
detoxify ethanol, methanol and other alcohols. (Therefore anyone who drinks alcohol should glands, including the adrenal
ensure they have optimum amounts of zinc in their diet.) Zinc is important in the productions glands which support us during
of proteins making it very important for the immune system and wound healing. stressful times.
Magnesium: Support initial breakdown of toxins by neutralizing toxic by-products and reactive • 4 medium squash (zuchinni,
molecules. yellow or summer)
Co Enzyme Q10: necessary throughout detoxification. Often called the "rejuvenation" nutrient, • 1 pound string beans,
CoQ10 provides nutritional support to "spark" the breakdown of fats, sugars, and amino acids • 2 sticks celery, chopped
to help increase oxygen flow and cellular uptake, improve your metabolism, support increased • 2 bunches parsley
stamina and vitality.
• Fresh herbs such as thyme,
Probiotic foods & drink: supports healthy micro biota in the GI tract. Detoxification processes
tarragon, rosemary
can be halted by inflammation in the gut, which can be caused by unhealthy bacteria. Our
• 1 quart filtered water
beneficial micro biota fight pathogenic bacteria and aid elimination of toxins, while
Place water, vegetables and herbs
minimizing inflammation.
in a pot. Bring to a boil, lower heat
Omega-3 Fatty acids are beneficial for the liver and turn off inflammation in our body.
and let simmer on low heat,
covered for about half an hour. Eat
as a soup or blend into a thick soup
To Start: Seek to ‘detoxify’ one’s m ind and spirit in the blender and enjoy!
Engage in practices that develop peace in one’s m ind and Recipe from Nourishing Traditions
heart.
Many traditional cultures and religious traditions set a time(s) of year for fast, special limited diets and purification, but they
are also accompanied with special prescriptions for time set apart for reflection, prayer and meditation and often times of
forgiveness. Our stress response prevents our natural detoxification pathways. Detoxification protocols should not be
engaged it during busy, stressful times and optimally includes a mental fast from modern communication (cell, computer, TV,
news media and other media) This helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, where healing and relaxation takes
place.
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 3

Ayurvedic ‘Detox’ form ula: “W ise W ater”

This is an excellent tea to go along with most any cleanse, as well as a daily drinking water. As it aids in digestion, it is
particularly good to follow a meal with this tea. Ayurvedic tradition recommends to drink ‘Wise Water’ consistently for 3
months helps to completely clear the system from ama / toxins (including heavy metals).
Coriander: Helps eliminate toxic chemical and wastes through your kidneys
Cumin: Helps one absorb and use nutrients
Fennel: Helps reduce gas and bloating and normalizes digestion
Boil 1 ½ quarts of water. In a non-plastic, non-aluminum thermos, pot or vessel add ¼ teaspoon each of whole coriander
seeds, fennel seeds and cumin seeds. Let steep for at least 15 minutes before drinking. Drink through out the day.

M orning Lem on W ater

The fresh juice of ½ to 1 lemon in mineral or filtered water first thing in the morning is very gentle, non-invasive and simple
way to assist detoxification. The liver flushes toxins out of our bloodstream while we are asleep - in fasting mode. Lemon
water aids the flushing of the toxins and free radicals from the liver. Warm lemon water is soothing to digestion but cold
lemon water is fine. Important note re squeezing lemons: Squeeze all you can out of the part of the lemon you are pressing
and compost the remainder. Do not re-squeeze juice out of the previously pressed part later as the squeezing action activates
reactions that changes the nature of the juice making it less healthful (If one pays attention. the later squeezed juice tastes
different) If one isn’t pressing a whole lemon cut off half or a quarter of the lemon to be pressed and put aside the rest of the
lemon un-squeezed.

Herbs to assist the Detoxification of Heavy M etals

Lead: 2 parts Ground Ivy, 1 pt. Yellow Dock & 1 pt. Eleuthro dose: 30-60- drop 3x a day for 60 days
Mercury: 2 parts Cilantro, 1 pt. Yellow Dock & 1 pt. Eleuthro (or eat cilantro pesto along with herbs) dose: 30-60- drop
3x a day for 60 days
Binders with any chelation protocol: (These are needed to help bind with release and excrete rather than reabsorb
toxins) seaweed, apple pectin (some also use ground flax seed or ground barley)
Llc magnetic clay baths: see various versions below (Can add clay elixir to bath, from deltagardens.com) (See below)
Hot castor oil packs over liver (See below)

Detoxification Baths
Detoxification baths should be warm but not too hot! It is helpful, but not crucial, to precede all baths with dry skin brushing:
Long strokes using a dry, natural bristle, long-handled brush over your skin, excluding your head and face, in a direction
toward the heart. End all baths with an energetic soapy loofa or washcloth scrub, and rinse clean under a shower.
Epsom Salts and Ginger Bath: This bath opens pores, decreases toxins and pain. Boil freshly sliced or grated ginger root
and steep for ten minutes. Mix ginger water with one cup of Epsom salts and add to a tub of comfortably hot water. This bath
can help to relieve the ache that accompanies flu or strenuous exercise.
Salt and Soda Bath: This bath can help with the effects of radiation, whether from diagnostic x-rays or CT scans, therapeutic
radiation or atmospheric fallout, as well as general detoxification. Add one cup of baking soda and 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to
a tub of comfortably hot water.
Vinegar Bath: This bath is useful for restoring acid/alkaline balance and for conditions associated with excess uric acid
resulting in painful joints (arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, gout, etc.). Add 1-2 quarts of 100% apple cider vinegar to a
comfortably hot tub of water.
Aura Balancer: (recommended by Katinka Locasio: www.earthandskyhealingarts.com )
2 cups Epsom Salt 2 cups Dead Sea Salt 2 cups Baking Soda 1-2 droppers flower essence
Aromatherapy bath: Draw a warm bath as normal and enter in. Then add @7-10 drops chosen detoxifying essential oil to
bath surface, being careful not to use those that have any skin irritant properties. This in-bath release of the volatile oils allows
one to gain the benefit and breath in the fragrance at the moment they enter the water.
LL Magnetic Clay (with herbs), Detoxification Baths www.magneticclay.com
also the producers of magnesium oil: www.ancient-minerals.com & therapeutic grade probiotic: www.prescript-assist.com_
“When always recommend to first-time customers to start with the Environmental Detox bath as it is a "first layer" detox, if
you will, that addresses the generalized exposures we all encounter including inorganic and organic chemical residues,
nicotine, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, industrial pollution, food preservatives, phthalates (plastic residues,
artificial fragrances), PCB’s, VOC’s, PFOA’s (non-stick surfaces), radiation exposures (nuclear, medical, food, etc), various
carcinogens, and more. Once you complete the environmental 5lb box, you can then go onto the clay bath that best addresses
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 4

your specific concerns.

The Tox-Away bath is a general detox for all metals, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, tin, and more - and it also
has herbs that assist in liver detoxification. The Clear-Out bath assists in eliminating Mercury, lead, arsenic, and aluminum.
(the most common heavy metals). Here's how it's different from Tox-Away: This bath's herbal components also assist in
addressing issues of allergies, digestive disorders, anxiety, mood, memory, and more. Clear-Out also relieves muscular and
joint pain, increases circulation, enhances digestion, calms the nerves, and brings about general health and overall
youthfulness to the body.
And lastly, we absolutely DO NOT recommend using our magnesium bath flakes together with the clay bathes as the
clay pulls out toxins and the magnesium flakes have a "pulling in" action.”

Saunas, far-infrared Saunas & Sweat Lodges

Concentrated heat and sweat therapy through saunas, far-infrared sauna and sweat lodges are ancient forms of purification and
a very effective way to remove toxic metals, toxic chemicals, chronic infections and other blockages in the body. Heat
mimics our natural fever response and our sweat carries out toxins lodged in the tissues. For this reason it is important to
rinse after a sweat. Many sauna practices include challenging the body with cold (or ice!) plunges, which invigorate
circulation (and more detoxification). But consider a person’s strength to endure temperature changes extreme heat and cold –
can be too depleting for weak conditions.

Coffee Enem as
The introduction of coffee infused water (not ground coffee itself!) into the colon stimulates the liver to release toxins that
are then excreted through the colon with the aid of the enema. They are a potent and effective jump-start to detoxification
protocols and often indicated for more serious diseases that can be connected to toxins such as cancer.

Fresh Pressed Vegetable & Fruit Juices

Freshly prepared vegetable juices and some fruits can be an important adjunct to detoxification protocols.
They greatly aid the body in detoxification and chelation and also improve our better cellular communication and electrical
functions (by clearing toxic blockages, so that electrical and chemical processes can happen more efficiently)
The most important thing about juicing is to only consume your juices freshly pressed and raw. Store bought juices
(unless they are juicing it right in front of you at the organic cafe) are damaged with pasteurizing, added sugar &
preservatives. Optimally you want to drink within 20 minutes for the best nutrient content, as the juice will start to oxidize
and lose nutrients. If you DO refrigerate, store it in a mason jar with lid screwed on tight, and try to drink it the same day.
(For example, you could juice enough for 2 glasses in the day, consuming one fresh, and one later from the refrigerator).
Start small (remember they are detoxing!) and work up to 2 glasses a day. 1 glass a day can be consumed for maintenance
of good health, while 2 up to 4 glasses a day can be consumed during therapeutic detoxification regmes.
Drink on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning and in afternoon before dinner
Use a 3:1 ratio of veggies to fruit, or at least 50/50 of tasty to therapeutic ingredients. Tasty ingredients would be carrots,
apples, pineapples, while therapeutic would be tender leafy greens, parsley, beets, cucumbers, celery etc. Beets are
wonderfully therapeutic and great for the liver and gallbladder. Keep the beets close to a 5% portion of your juice. Avoid
Kale and brassicas in juices

Fasting
Fasting is an ancient purification practice that often accompanies spiritual purification practices in many cultures. By giving
ones digestive organs a rest it allows for them to turn our digestive cleansing capacities to more deeply help toxins. Also
For detoxification purposes fasts are best accompanied with supportive herbs teas, and vegetable juices to aid the liver and
organs of elimination to detoxify. For an excellent overview of fasting protocols and approaches see The Transformational
Power of Fasting: The Way to Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional Rejuvenation by Stephen Harrod Buhner (the 1st edition is
titled The Fasting Path: For Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Healing and Renewal)
A detoxification fast (as recommended by herbalist William LeSassier):
Prepare for a 3 or 5 or 7 day fast with light eating at least one day before with vegetables and broths.
Fast from food for chosen amount of days but drinking freely of alterative and liver tonic herbs teas
On odd fast days (days 1, 3, 5, 7) drink a fresh pressed vegetable juice (celery, carrot, beets, parsley, tender greens (not kale))
On even fast days (days 2, 4, 6) drink pomegranate juice, which aids liver detoxification.
If needed, include teas laxative herbs such as yellow dock, senna or casara sagrada
End the fast with a day of light eating with vegetables and broths, as one did before one began the fast.
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 5

Cupping
The ancient art of fire cupping -- the creation of a vacuum suction on particular part of the
body under cups -- is most popularly known through TCM practice but it is an ancient
Egyptian, Greek and European technique as well. Cupping certain parts of the body can
aid in detoxification of organs, muscles and tissues. Please see the accompanying article
The Setting of Cupping Glasses –An Ancient Therapeutic Art Revisited for more
information.

Castor Oil Pack

Materials:
Castor oil - preferably cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, about 16 - 32 oz.
Flannel cloth - wool flannel is preferred, although cotton may be substituted in the case of wool allergy
Castor Oil Pack Holder - or plastic wrap /sheet & towel or large elastic bandage & safety pins
Hot water bottle or electric heating pad, or other heating element, optional
•

You can boil or launder the flannel to remove any impurities that may be in the fabric. Fold the cloth into three or four
thicknesses, creating a pad of a size adequate to cover the area to be treated.
If you do not have a Castor Oil Pack Holder, you can improvise with using plastic wrap and a towel (or other binding). If
using plastic wrap, cut a somewhat larger piece than the folded flannel. A plastic garbage bag normally works fairly well, but
avoid using plastic grocery bags, as the printed store name ink usually dissolves and spreads when exposed to castor oil.
Place the cloth on top of the Pack Holder or plastic wrap and saturate it with castor oil. The cloth should be wet but not
dripping. The saturated cloth should then be placed directly on the skin with the plastic wrap on top of it. If you are applying
the pack to your back, you may find it easier to lay the plastic on the bed, put the flannel on top of it, and roll over onto the
flannel in such a way as to position it at the area that needs to be treated. Make sure that your plastic covers the entire exterior
of the flannel pack, as castor oil is likely to stain any fabric it touches!
Then, if indicated, a heating pad is placed over top the plastic wrap on either a low or medium setting, or more if it is
comfortable. The heat will promote absorption, increase circulation, and help the body to relax. This is generally left in place
for approximately one to two hours. Heat should not be used in conditions where it is normally contraindicated, as in the
treatment of appendicitis, diabetic neuropathy, or over the abdomen during pregnancy.
An alternative is to apply the pack without heat, using the Pack Holder or a towel wrapped around the body (with safety pins
to hold it in place). This can be left on overnight or for an entire 24 hour period.
Afterward the skin can be cleansed, if desired, with a solution containing a teaspoon of baking soda per pint of water. The
flannel pack may be used repeatedly and may be kept in a plastic container between usages, although this is not usually
necessary as castor oil is very resistant to spoilage. The flannel pack should be replaced periodically - especially when it
appears soiled, as may happen when the area being treated is particularly toxic.
External castor oil packs are one of those rare remedies that can be used frequently. Normal application is for an hour a day -
for 3 consecutive days in a week - this frequency and duration may be exceeded in order to bring better and faster relief. If it is
known that there is a critically high degree of toxicity in the body, or a significant difficulty in eliminating toxins (such as with
kidney failure), then it is best if the packs are used on alternating days for the first week. After that, usually the packs may be
used on consecutive days from that point on.
Castor oil pack treatments should always be gentle and with no real side effects. The most common side effect is a rash that
may occur at the site of the pack. This typically only occurs during the first few applications of the pack, and may be relieved
by using the baking soda wash. Rashes and other reactions are rare, and if they occur they usually indicate that the elimination
of toxins through the system are not good, and perhaps the pack should be used on alternate days for the first week of use.
Cleaning the Pack If you absolutely must clean the pack, begin by soaking the pack in a solution of baking soda and hot
water, using four ounces of soda to two quarts of water. After soaking the pack for at least 20 minutes, wring it out thoroughly
and allow it to air dry.

Quick Castor Oil pack alternative: While a flannel soaked with castor oil as described above is more focused concentrated
detoxification action, one can also rub a thick film of castor oil over a particular area, and cover it with a thin cloth and warm
heating element such as a hot water bottle (or lots of wool covers). Plastic directly over castor oil is not recommended.
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 6

Aruvedic Seasonal Home Cleanse

Note: this is a rice or grain based cleanse and is contraindicated for those with difficulty digesting grains
The following is an Ayurvedic practice of cleansing the body of impurities (‘detoxification’). As one eats a light diet in this
regime, the metabolism does not lower to a fasting mode and one tends not to be hungry, nor weak. This cleanse can be done
seasonally, while fasts are undertaken in the spring or fall. During a cleanse / fast, focus on quiet, meditative activities while
limiting work and social activities. (See also ‘Recommended Daily Routine’ below.) As with all forms of detoxification, one
should consult with a qualified health practitioner, especially if there is any ill health, before undertaking the regime.
Step One & Two – Oleation
The purpose of oleation is to loosen impurities lodged deeply in the cells and tissues. This process requires the consumption of
ghee (clarified butter). Ghee loosens the impurities and acts as a solvent to dissolve and mobilize the impurities so the can be
eliminated in the laxative phase of the therapy. In step two, the external oil massage stimulates and loosens impurities held in
the lymphatic system.
As the goal of the cleanse is to move impurities held within the body into the digestive tract where they can be eliminated, it is
important to eat light, easy to digest foods and supplement with digestive herbs. Kitchari is very easy to digest as well filling.
Eat Kitchari 3 times a day with no food in between meals. (See recipe below.) Eat lightly and sip generous amounts of water,
preferably warm water, but not cold. (Lemon is good to add to the water.) Herbal teas are also recommended. (See
”supplements” below.) Except for the ghee in the oleation and kitchari, consume no other oil or fat, with no sweets, no meat,
no cheese, and light on salt (only unrefined sea salt). Root vegetables and bananas should be consumed sparingly if at all.
Seek to eat increasingly lightly as the cleanse progresses. It is recommended to make the kitchari fresh for each meal, but at
most prepare kitchari for the day. Do not consume leftovers from the previous day.
Take one tablet of Trikatu (or ¼ teaspoon) in warm water in the morning to keep the digestive fire string as well as one tablet
before each meal.
Every night before going to bed drink ½ -1 teaspoon Triphala mixed with a cup of hot water. This is a mild laxative.
Step One - Internal Oleation Days 1-4
Ghee is measured by the teaspoon (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon) and taken in liquid form on an empty stomach first thing in the
morning. Gently melt the ghee in a warm cup of milk with a pinch of cardamom and ginger (also cinnamon and raw sugar if
desired). Whisk to blend and drink. (This makes it easier to ingest the ghee.)
Ghee can be heavy to digest and may cause slight nausea and dullness. If there is heaviness or nausea, drink ginger tea
afterwards. After the system is flushed of the toxins through the laxative therapies, you will feel light again soon.
Organic Ghee from pastured cows is recommended. Likewise organic milk from pastured cows is recommended, preferably
raw if available, but not ultra-pasteurized.
Day 1: 2 teaspoons ghee Day 2: 4 teaspoons ghee Day 3: 6 teaspoons ghee Day 4: 8 teaspoons ghee
Step Two – External Oleation Days 5-7 (or 8)
The external oleation can be done for 3 or 4 days according to preference. If you have the time before oiling and bathing you
might want to do some exercise, walking, stretching, or gardening.
Do a complete body self massage every morning before food. Use Seasme Oil for Vatta and Kapha, and Sunflower or
Coconut Oil for Pitta. Warm the oil by placing the oil bottle in a pot hot water (or warm by putting the oil in a squeeze bottle
and run under with hot tap water) Use a generous amount of oil in the self-massage.
You can start the massage with a brief shower to clean and open the pores. Begin the self-massage with the top of the head
and face and neck. Then move to the limbs, starting with the hands then the arms; then the feet and the legs. Use long strokes
on the limbs and circular motions around the joints. Continue and do as much ot the back as you can then finish on the front
doing circular (left) motions on the belly starting from the navel out, then several strokes from the top outer edge of the hip
down the groin. The strokes should be vigorous and strong. The entire massage should take about 20 minutes.
Follow the massage with a hot bath, shower or steam. (Patchouli or sage essential oil could be added to the bath water if
desired.) No soap should be used other than a bit of hair shampoo if needed. Just pat yourself dry, as it is good for the oil to
remain on the skin. The oil massage often offers a sense of comfort.
Eat breakfast after the self-massage. During step Two, have a strict kitchari diet (with ghee and spices added), not eating
anything else. Continue with the Trikatu before meals and Triphala before bed.
Another option: If you are able, have an Ayurvedic massage (or each day) during this phase of the cleanse. It is best to have
the massage in the mourning, but always do the massage at least 2 hours after eating.
Step Three – Purgation Phase Day 8 or Day 9 - morning
The purpose of the laxative is to cleanse the body of the impurities loosened by the oleation.
In the early morning, take 6 teaspoons castor oil. (One can take less – between 2 - 6 teaspoons – if you tend towards loose
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 7

stools or feel sensitive) The castor oil can be taken with a cup of warm milk and some spices (ginger, cardamom, cinnamon,
maple syrup etc.) in a blender or whisked together (as with the ghee in step one). This helps the castor oil to be more palatable
and easy to digest.
If you wish, it is soothing g to take a 15-20 minute hot tub bath to increase the circulation and loosen the impurities in the
body before the laxative takes effect. Do not bathe right after the evacuations, wait till later in the day.
If you have several evacuations in a row, it is good to drink an electrolyte solution like lemon juice, unrefined sea salt, honey
in warm water.
On the day of the Castor oil, eat a light food diet. It is preferable not to eat until you feel the oil has done its work, which could
be late in the day. Drink herbal teas or warm water with lemon. Take it easy this day in particular, plan for this day to be a day
off from work and obligations.
Step four – Laxative Phase Day 8 or Day 9 - evening
Basti (enema): 100ml warm sesame oil. Do in the evening before bed. You may release it or retain it. Do what your body says,
do not force anything. When you have purged, continue with a light and mostly kitchari diet for the next 2-4 days, building up
to your normal routine.
Kitchari Recipe (@ 2 servings)
Ÿ ¼ cup organic basmati rice Ÿ 1/8 cup yellow mung dhal (split mung beans) Ÿ 2 cups water
Ÿ 1-2 teaspoons ghee, (or coconut oil) Ÿ ½ t unrefined sea rock salt (like grey Celtic Sea Salt)
Ÿ ¼ teaspoon each: turmeric, cumin, ginger (dry or fresh), and/or mixture of other spices according to preference: fennel,
black mustard seed (whole) ajwain seed (whole), asafetida, cayenne pepper, cardamom
Ÿ optional: Cilantro leaves, vegetables, coconut milk, quinoa
Ÿ optional: For breakfast kitchari: chopped apples, rhubarb, pear, or any seasonal fruit and use other spices like cinnamon,
cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, etc.
Rinse and soak the rice and mung dhal (optimally soak in separate soaking bowls for rice & beans and overnight)
In a heavy bottomed pot, heat the ghee and spices, adding whole and fresh spices first then turmeric and salt, then other
spices. Sautee briefly – around 30 seconds, or until lightly browned and aromatic.
To the ghee and spice mixture you can add some chopped carrots or zucchini, celery, wild greens, or even a little
tomato (or whatever longer cooking vegetable you have). Sir to coat the vegetables. If adding fruit for breakfast
kitchari add in the same manner as vegetables.
Then add the strained rice and mung beans. Stir to coat the rice with spiced oil,
Add water, cook uncovered over medium high heat until boiling then reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook until
done, about 30-45 minutes.
Optional: Add tender greens (such as watercress, arugula, spinach, parsley, dandelion greens, etc.) to the pot in the last
minutes of cooking.
Optional: Add coconut milk or traditional home made stock along with or instead of the water for a richer kitchari.
Kitchari should be the consistency of porridge. As you make this you may develop preferences. It can be made soupy or a
little firmer, spicy or not. The fruit and vegetables for this cleanse should be cooked with the kitchari, though tender greens
and soft fruit can be added in the later part of the cooking. During the cleanse, eat kitchari three times a day or at least for
lunch and supper, with a light breakfast.

Herbal Supplements
General recommendations (Check with practitioner before taking.)
Triphala: 2 caps or ½ tsp. before bedtime with warm water or herbal tea. This ancient formula helps to remove the toxins
form the GI tract as well as promote a strong environment in the entire digestive system.
Turmeric Formula or a good ‘Blood Purifying’ formula (such as Dandelion/ Burdock / Yellow Dock): 2 caps or ½ tsp.
powder or tea with all meals. This formula helps in digestion and also cleanses the blood and liver (the organ that works to
clear impurities from the body).
Trikatu or Digestease or Strong Ginger tea: These are to help with digestion, keeping the digestive fire strong. Take before
meals. Digestease (from Banyan Botanicals) is indicated for strong Pitta digestion that can be acidic. Another digestive aid
option before meals is to drink a ½ teaspoon of juiced or minced ginger (available minced in health food stores) mix with
lemon juice and a bit of raw honey and a bit of water.
Daily Routine Recommendations
The following are the traditional recommendations for a balanced, rhythmical life that supports the health of the body. While
modern life makes it difficult to follow these rhythms, during the cleanse, one can make the effort to incorporate and
experience the well-being that these routines offer.
Wake before the sun rises. Drink a glass of room temp water mixed with the juice of ½ a lemon first thing after getting
out of bed, then go to the bathroom. After a morning routine (tooth care, tongue scraping, exercise, breathing, meditation,
Claudia Keel Herbalist claudia@earthflower.org 8

bathing), have breakfast, around 7-8 am. Lunch at noon is the largest meal of the day. Have dinner before 6pm, and go to
sleep preferably by 10pm.
Do your most physical activity in the earlier part of the day. After lunch you can take a short nap lying on your left side.
Afternoon is a thinking, studying, less physical time of day and after dinner even less activity.

A yurved ic Clea n se Food & He rb Re sources

Herbs: Woodland Essence woodlandessence.com Banyan Botanicals banyanbotanicals.com
Foods:
Yellow Mung Dahl (split and hulled mung beans) and spices: available in Indian grocers & natural food stores. Whole mung beans are not
suitable for the kitchari during the cleanse.
Ghee: Pure Indian Foods pureindianfoods.com and many natural food stores in NYC. (They are a 5th generation ghee makers from the
highest quality pastured local dairy.)
Milk: have only pastured local whole milk (cow, goats or sheep) ideally raw, not ultra pasteurized. Farmers markets are good sources. Raw
diary in NYC is available from the Traditional Foods Club and Udder Milk. Upstate Hawthorne Valley Farm is an excellent source. Coconut
milk can be substituted for dairy if one is dairy sensitive