Detoxify
Late winter, early spring every source of media start pumping out news about the latest spring cleanse and fad detox plan. Yes by all means once a year do a full on detox but NOT for the reason we see it plastered all over magazine covers (a flat belly). No; instead do it for you! For all the reasons the body needs a good clean out.
A total detox can be a horrible experience when we eat and do what we want the rest of the year! Cleansing the body that quickly will leave you feeling exhausted, sick, achy and encourage skin eruptions before you start to feel good, real GOOD! Why put the body and mind through this annual torture? If we add in some key plants to daily meals they will help to keep the system clean so that the “spring total” does not leave you drained.
Red Clover Blossoms – Bright and fresh these little “weeds” are quite tasty and pack a load of nutrients. Used throughout history as a blood purifier and lung tonic, we now toss the pretty little heads in salads to aid digestion and help keep cholesterol in check!
Calendula Flowers – This bright, summery, edible flower has been used for centuries to calm and soothe the digestive system. A skin tonic it can be used topically to soothe minor burns, stings and rashes or internally by cleansing the liver and kidneys.
Lavender Flowers – Perhaps my favorite of all the edible flowers this is a staple in my house for too many reasons! Flowers and leaves can be used fresh or dried. Benefit from Lavenders antibacterial, antiseptic and stress relieving properties by sprinkling some over salads, use in baking (lavender shortbread…yummmm), and add to lemon water for a refreshing drink! The leaves of this fragrant herb can be used in place of rosemary in most dishes; thus leaving you no reason not to enjoy this delicious summer flower.
Spearmint Leaf and Peppermint Leaves – Great for easing digestion
With summer in full swing it’s easy to find these yummies in markets and your own backyard! Adding a few of these to your weekly meals will help to keep the body clean and in great working order so that the springtime cleanse is not so rough. 🙂
Ingredients
1 cup Dandelion Leaves
1 cup Baby Spinach
1 small head Butter Crisp Lettuce
2 sprigs sliced Mint
1 cup mixed flowers (Red Clover, Calendula, Lavender, Violets or any others you like)
1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
Tricolor Pepper to taste
In a large bowl toss greens together. Squeeze the lemon over the salad and drizzle with olive oil. Season with fresh ground pepper to taste.
Up next: Funny things you find in your Summer CSA and what to do with them!
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#healingfoods #vegetarian #saladrecipe #HealthyLiving #detox #nutrition