Detoxification

Natural Remedies For Cleansing The Body

By Ron Trevor, R.P.Hom

At one time in history, the human body completely cleansed itself of unwanted toxins and substances. However, with a dramatic increase in toxins added to our food, water, air, the body has become overloaded. This overload makes it difficult for the body to purify itself from all the poisons that may eventually manifest themself in many forms of sickness and disease.

Our bodies are prone to all sorts of toxins and poisons. For instance, the air we breathe contains all sorts of chemicals (carbon dioxide, etc.) that may potentially destroy our lungs. The foods we eat are full of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and so on. These can have alarming effects on the entire organism including the liver, kidneys, and colon.

To combat this barrage of poisons, many people in the natural health field are supplementing their diets with natural detoxification products. These products are our body’s friends. They help to assist in the body’s own process of elimination and stimulate greater health and well-being.

In the war against accumulated toxins, are a wide variety of herbs, clay, vitamins, and homeopathy believed to affect a wide range of body poisons. The following is an abbreviated guide to natural remedies used in cleaning the body as well as a short description of the different effects each supplement has on the body.

MONTMORILLONITE CLAY

The use of Montmorillonite clay internally is incredible. When you become aware of what the clay does and what it contains, eating it doesn’t seem so strange after all. First, the mineral content, particularly of calcium, iron, gold, silica plus, and the trace minerals is impressive. Second clay is considered to be the greatest toxin eliminator in the world! It absorbs poisons from the intestine without removing vitamins from the intestinal tract. It enhances or expands its potency. It will even enhance enrich the bloodstream as well as cleanse it. Rymond Dextriet, the author of OUR EARTH, OUR CURE, says, “In cases of organic disorders its intense activity destroys unhealthy cells and activates the rebuilding of healthy ones” It not only cures diarrhea and constipation, but it also acts on all the organs and the whole organism.

There is much to say about this amazing dirt. Start with one heaping teaspoon in water, keep up this treatment daily, and you will see the results yourself. Montmorillonite clay is indicated in anemia, bowel disorders, skin problems, toxic overload, low energy, and more.

PSYLLIUM HUSK AND SEED

This herb acts as a colon broom, lubricating the intestinal tract and sweeping out the old matter that doesn’t need to be there. Good for chronic constipation and speeding up bowel movements.

MILK THISTLE

This herb is one of the best liver tonics around. It stimulates the production of bile which explains its effectiveness in digestive disorders. Milk thistle protects the liver and is regenerative against the most virulent toxins known.

GARLIC

We call this herb the “Stinking Rose.” Chinese doctors have been in awe of this herb since 3000 B.C. Garlic increases immune system activity and protects cell membranes against oxidative damage.

NUX VOMICA

Nux Vomica is the Latin name for the poison nut. But don’t let the poison part scare you. A homeopathic remedy is free of toxins and has no side or after-effects. Nux Vomica is good to get rid of the stubborn poison that has lived in the system for a long time. The remedy is believed to stimulate the elimination of toxins from bone marrow as well.

Detoxification Procedures

By Lawrence Wilson M.D.

LIGHT SAUNA THERAPY

How Often? One may use a sauna twice a week to twice a day. If one is very debilitated, begin with once a week. Work up to daily use as one is able. When beginning, many people do not easily sweat. Instead, their bodies overheat and tolerate less time in the sauna. In a few weeks to a few months, as the body acclimates and is more able to regulate its temperature, sweating becomes easier. Also, the more one relaxes, the more one will sweat.

Before a Sauna Session. Avoid heavy meals two hours before a sauna session. Avoid alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Drink eight ounces of water before entering a sauna. Add sea salt and two tablespoons daily of kelp to one?s diet, especially if one?s water is mineral-free. Remove metal jewelry before entering the sauna, as it may become very hot.

Before entering a hot air sauna, preheat to 150? F. With a far infrared sauna, enter as soon as one turns it on or just preheat to 100? F. Warm up with the sauna. When it reaches 115-120 F., open the door 1/2″ so the elements or bulbs remain operational but the sauna stays at this temperature.

During a Sauna Session. Light clothing may be worn in a hot air sauna but is not as good in one heated by infrared. Use a small towel to wipe off the sweat. Sit on another towel. Have a third towel on the floor to avoid slipping. Talking or working are not recommended while in a sauna. Meditate or relax.

To enhance the effects of a sauna session, visualize absorbing the heat and energy. Deep, slow breathing and good posture are very helpful. Sound therapy such as listening to low tones is also excellent. Aromatherapy is also very effective during a sauna session.

If one’s sauna uses infrared heat bulbs, turn every few minutes to heat the body evenly. Sit on a stool or a chair without a back. Face the bulbs, turn to the side and around to the back. Avoid touching the hot bulbs. Looking at the bulbs is okay according to the manufacturer, but not recommended. Do not let water, a towel or clothing touch the hot bulbs. One will not get a tan in an infrared sauna, though the skin may redden for an hour afterwards.

Finishing Up. How long one remains inside a sauna depends on one’s condition. Body temperature should not increase more than four degrees. The pulse should not increase more than 50% of the resting pulse. Begin with 15 minutes if one is ill. If the heart begins to race, sweating stops or one feels very faint, end the session immediately. Sixty minutes is a maximum time.

When finished, take a shower, warm or cool but not hot. Avoid soap if possible as one should be very clean. Soap leaves a film and clogs the pores. Wipe off sweat with a skin brush or loofa. Brush all over, even face and hair. Painful at first, it soon feels wonderful. Brushing enhances the cleansing effect. Use shampoo and conditioner only if needed. Most contain chemicals toxic to the body. Also skip most oils, lotions and creams. These also contain chemicals that may clog the pores. Rinse off the towels used to wipe off sweat in the sauna and hang them to dry.

After a sauna session drink eight ounces of water. Sit for at least 10 minutes. These simple steps allow the body to reap the full benefit of the sauna experience.

Healing Reactions. Healing reactions are temporary symptoms that occur as toxic substances are eliminated and chronic infections heal. Symptoms vary from mild odors, tastes or rashes to periods of fatigue, bowel changes, aches, pains or headaches.

Many people have chronic infections, often treated with antibiotics that killed most of the bacteria but did not eliminate bad tissue and all the organisms. These may flare up as they are healed due to repeated sauna use. Most healing symptoms are benign. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner if any cause concern.

Emotional healing also takes place. Memories may arise consciously or in dreams. Temporary anxiety or other emotional states may occur and usually pass quickly. Some are directly related to elimination of toxic substances. Others are associated with emotional clearing.

Supervision and Safety. Saunas are safe for most people providing one follows the rules here described. Always move slowly and carefully in and around a sauna. Accidents often occur due to slippery surfaces.

Supervision is always best, especially if one has a health condition. If debilitated or very heat-sensitive, begin with less time in a sauna. The presence of an attendant or friend is also most helpful.

Consult a health professional if one has any serious health condition. Those who have used LSD or other psychotropic drugs require an attendant close by, as removal of drugs from tissue storage sites may cause flashbacks and even full-blown LSD trips.

Pregnant women and children under five should avoid saunas. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. Continue prescribed medication while taking saunas unless directed otherwise by the prescribing physician.

For Acute Infections. If one has an acute infection with fever or other acute symptoms, more frequent, shorter sauna sessions are better until the infection subsides. Most people can use the sauna 15 minutes about 5 times a day during infections. Always check with someone knowledgeable if you are unsure about sauna use, although in general saunas are quite safe. For medical references for saunas, see the Sauna Therapy article.

GENITAL BATHS

This simple procedure, borrowed from the hydrotherapy literature, is often effective for alleviating vaginal, bladder, uterine and even prostate difficulties. Bladder and vaginal infections in women often respond very well to this procedure. Men can use it as well for urinary and penile difficulties. The genital bath is probably effective because the cold water causes a reaction that greatly enhances the blood flow to this area. This in turn assists the healing process. The procedure is as follows:

* Sit on the side of the tub facing into the bathtub, or sit on a stool placed in the bathtub. One can wear a shirt or sweater, as the water will be directed only at the genital area.

* Splash cold water on the genital area only, using a wash rag or a flexible shower attachment.

* Continue the procedure for 10 minutes, and repeat it three times per day.

* The genital bath can be repeated for as long as necessary with no ill effects.

COFFEE ENEMAS

Why in the world would someone use coffee in an enema? That is the question I asked when my health practitioner suggested I do coffee enemas. Yet when I got over my initial resistance, I quickly saw the benefits of coffee enemas. I have since recommended them to over a thousand patients. Many have told me how wonderful they are. Several said coffee enemas saved their lives. Indeed, they are most helpful for many types of conditions. The procedure is also inexpensive and can be done at home without special equipment.

Enemas are an ancient form of hydrotherapy. They have been used for hundreds of years for mechanically cleansing the colon. Enemas and colonic irrigation used to be routine procedures in hospitals. There are many types of enemas used for varying purposes. Coffee enemas were first popularized by Max Gerson, MD, author of A Cancer Therapy – Results of 50 Cases. Dr. Gerson pioneered nutritional therapy for cancer and other diseases with excellent results. His therapy combined coffee enemas with a special diet, juices and other supplements. The enemas were an integral part of the therapy.

The major benefit of the coffee enema, he said, is to enhance elimination of toxins through the liver. Indeed, endoscopic studies confirm they increase bile output. A patient was given a coffee enema while an endoscope monitored the entrance to the common bile duct. Within minutes of administering the enema, bile flow increased. Increased bile flow also alkalinizes the small intestine and promotes improved digestion. Coffee also acts as an astringent in the large intestine, helping clean the colon walls.

A common contributor to ill health is the production and absorption of toxins within the small and large intestines. If food is not digested properly, sugars ferment and protein putrefies or rots. Both processes generate toxic chemicals which are then absorbed into the liver. The coffee enema enhances digestion by increasing bile flow and removes toxins in the large intestine so they will not be absorbed. Most people with health complaints suffer from impaired digestion and production of toxic substances in the intestines.

Coffee enemas are particularly helpful for slow oxidizers. Their liver activity is more sluggish and digestion is usually impaired. Fast oxidizers may have more difficulty retaining the enema. The procedure described below is really a coffee implant rather than an enema, because it involves only two to three cups of water. Using a quart of water may be more difficult to retain for some individuals. However, the use of a quart of water, and making sure the water reaches most of the large intestine, is more helpful for cleansing the colon of accumulated waste material. If one suspects severe bowel toxicity or in cases of serious illness, quart enemas are preferable, at least to start with.

Dr. Gerson recommended the coffee enema up to 6 times daily for severely ill cancer patients. His patients continued them for up to several years with no ill effects. I usually suggest one enema per day to assist detoxification or to enhance liver activity. Two enemas daily may be taken during a healing reaction if needed. For those who are very ill, several a day may are best for at least several months. For best results, a program of coffee enemas should be carried on for at least a month. They should not be needed for more than two or three years, although many people have continued to take them for a number of years without problems.

The best time to take the enema is after a normal movement. One will get a slight rush from the caffeine, but it is not like drinking coffee, which I do not recommend. Coffee enemas taken in the evening may interfere with sleep. If performed properly, coffee implants do not cause habituation, constipation or any rectal problems. In over 23 years of practice, I have not seen important negative effects of coffee enemas in those who need them. Difficulties occasionally arise if one has hemorrhoids. In these cases, extra care is needed in inserting the enema tip.

Some people with hemorrhoids find the enemas irritating

A small number of people are unable to retain even a cup of water for the required 15 minutes. One can start with less coffee or less water in these cases. There seems to be no harm if one wishes to retain the enema longer than 15 minutes. While enemas may seem uncomfortable, many clients report the procedure is so helpful they soon forget the inconvenience.

Step 1. Materials

* Buy a 2-quart enema bag with a clamp. This is sold at drug stores. The enema/douche bag combination is easier to use.

* Buy any brand of regular coffee – regular grind or flaked, non-instant and not decaffeinated, or grind your own coffee. Organically grown coffee is best, though any coffee will do. Organic coffee is available at natural food stores. Store opened coffee containers in the freezer for maximum freshness.

Step 2. Preparation of coffee

There are two methods. The first is best.

* Place 2 to 3 cups of purified water and two to three tablespoons of coffee in a saucepan and bring to a boil (or use a coffee maker).

* Let it boil 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool. One or two ice cubes may be added to speed the cooling process. You may make a larger quantity and use it for several enemas.

* Wait until the water is comfortable to the touch. If the water is too hot or too cold, retaining the enema will be more difficult. Strain the liquid through a fine strainer or coffee filter paper into a clean enema bag. Screw on the top of the enema bag. The enema is now ready.

The alternative non-boil method:

* Place 1 cup of ground coffee in a container with 2 cups of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly and allow it to soak overnight. (You may make a larger quantity if desired.)

* In the morning, filter the liquid through coffee filter paper or a fine strainer. Place in a jar for storage in the refrigerator.

* To prepare an enema, pour 2 cups of purified water into the enema bag. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of the coffee liquid from the jar.

Step 3. Preparing to take the enema

* Be sure the plastic hose is pushed or fastened well onto the enema bag and the thin enema tip is attached to the other end.

* Remove any air from the enema tube the following way. Grasp but do not close the clamp on the hose. Place the tip in the sink. Hold up the enema bag above the tip until the water begins to flow out. Then close the clamp. This expels any air in the tube.

* Lubricate the enema tip with a small amount of soap or oil. (Too much lubrication will cause the tip to fall out of the rectum, creating a mess!).

Step 4. Taking the enema

* The position preferred by most people is lying on one’s back on a towel, on the bathroom floor or in the bath tub.

* With the clamp closed, place the enema bag on the floor next to you, or hang the bag about one foot above your abdomen.

* Insert the tip gently and slowly. Move it around until it goes all the way in.

* Open the clamp and hold the enema bag about one foot above the abdomen. The water may take a few seconds to begin flowing. If the water does not flow, you may gently squeeze the bag. If you develop a cramp, close the hose clamp, turn from side to side and take a few deep breaths. The cramp will usually pass quickly.

* When all the liquid is inside, the bag will become flat. Close the clamp. You can leave the tube inserted, or remove it slowly.

* RETAIN THE ENEMA FOR 15 MINUTES. See below if you have difficulties with this. You may remain lying on the floor. Use the time to read a book, meditate, etc. Some people are able to get up and go lie on a towel in bed, instead of on the floor. Walking around the house with the coffee inside is not recommended.

Step 5. Finishing up

* After 15 minutes or so, go to the toilet and empty out the water. It is okay if some water remains inside. If water remains inside often, you are dehydrated.

* Wash the enema bag and tube thoroughly with soap and water.

Hints regarding enemas:

* If possible, do the enema after a bowel movement to make it easier to retain the coffee. If this is not possible, take a plain water enema first if needed, to clean out the colon.

* If intestinal gas is a problem, some exercise before the enema may eliminate the gas.

* It is not essential but is helpful if the water fills the entire colon. You can assist by first lying on your right side for 5 minutes, then on your back for 5 minutes, and then on your left side for 5 minutes.

* If water will not flow around the entire colon, you may gently massage your abdomen. Some people attach a 30-inch colon tube to the tip of the enema tube, and insert the tube so the water will reach the right side of the colon.

* If the enema makes you jittery, reduce the amount of coffee.

* The enema may lower your blood sugar. If so, eat something just before or after taking the enema.

* If you have trouble holding the enema, here are suggestions.

1) Be patient. Practice makes perfect.
2) The water may be too hot or too cold. Be sure the water temperature is comfortable.
3) It may help to place a small pillow or rolled up towel under your buttocks so the water flows down hill into your colon.
4) If trouble continues, try reducing the amount of coffee or add 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses to the water.

LIVER-GALL BLADDER FLUSHES

The liver-gall bladder flush is a non-surgical method to help remove gallstones. It is not a substitute for surgery, but may help avoid the need for gallbladder surgery. It is also not a substitute for a complete healing program to restore normal activity of the liver and gall bladder.
It may help at the beginning of a nutritional program or if one is having gall bladder problems. I am not aware of complications or damage from this procedure, although occasionally someone remains nauseated for several weeks.

1) For 6 days, eat well, take your nutritional supplements and take 90 drops (30 drops three times a day) of phosphoric acid drops daily. I have these available if you cannot find them in a store. Some people recommend drinking as much apple juice as possible. However, this is not necessary and is too sugary.
Also take about 200 mg of magnesium (chelate, citrate or other quality product) three times a day, one tablet with each meal. The phosphoric acid and magnesium help soften stones and dilate the bile ducts.

2) At noon on the sixth day, eat a normal lunch with supplements, phosphoric acid drops and magnesium. Two hours after lunch, do a 1-quart coffee enema using 2 tablespoons of coffee, along with 2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup of Epsom salts in the enema. Retain this enema for 15 minutes.

3) At suppertime, have a normal dinner with supplements, and be sure to have fat with the dinner, such as 2 tablespoons of butter on vegetables or some real whipped cream as a salad dressing.

4) At bedtime, do one of the following:
a) Take 1/3 cup of olive oil followed by some lemon or other juice if the taste is objectionable.
b) Take 1/3 cup of olive oil blended with 1/3 cup of orange, grapefruit or diluted lemon juice.
c) Take 4 tablespoons of olive oil followed by 1 tablespoon of fruit juice every 15 minutes until one has take 1/3 cup of olive oil.

If nausea occurs during this procedure, it indicates stimulation of the gall bladder. Finish the procedure. If vomiting occurs, just continue and do not add more than the planned amount of olive oil.

5) Immediately upon finishing the oil, lie down on the right side with the right knee drawn up toward the chin for half an hour. This is to assist emptying of the oil out of the stomach.

6) If ill during the night, one may take another strong coffee enema with Epsom salts.

7) In the morning, if nauseous try to remain in bed until it passes. Upon arising, take another coffee enema with Epsom salts. If nausea continues after the procedure, eat lightly and skip supplements for a day or two.

Dr. Lawrence Wilson
P.O. Box 54
Prescott, AZ 86302-0054 (928) 445-7690       
Visit www.drlwilson.com for books, and audio tapes from Dr. Wilson.