No one on the face of our beautiful planet is immune to the destructive side effects of the chemicals that exists in our air, food, and body care products. Our bodies have an amazing ability to process and eliminate some of the many chemicals that enter our body but unfortunately not all. The rest are simply stored in the liver, lungs, kidneys, fat cells, intestines, bloodstream, and even skin.
Serveral of our chronic illnesses are a result of the accumulation of waste and toxins in the body. This makes it especially important to always eat organic foods and to have a daily or weekly regimen that includes taking tonic herbs to cleanse and detoxify the body. By creating a regimen you can help to prevent illness or a disruption of the body’s normal functions and so that you may stay in the best health possible.
When it comes to Tonic herbs there are three main types that we typically think of, herbs for cleansing, herbs for balancing, and herbs for regenerating. There are many types of tonic herbs. The first type of tonic herbs are those that cleanse and detoxify. These types of herbs help support our liver, lymphatic system, bile, urinary tract, and skin by cleansing and preventing the buildup of toxins, impurities, and waste in the body.
Tonic Herbs known for cleansing and detoxifying are:
There are several herbs used for cleansing and detoxifying but we’ve put together a few of the most popular or well known herbs used today. Learning your personal archetype will go a long way to assisting you when choose the best herbs for your specific needs.
Dandelion – studies have shown that dandelion root enhances the flow of bile and proving conditions such as liver and congestion bile duct inflammation hepatitis gallstones and jaundice. Dandelion detox typically last for 3 to 10 days with the average being seven days. There is no increased benefit from going on a detox lasting longer than ten days. A dandelion root liver cleanse may cause a few unpleasant side effects. Some people experience a mild laxative effect
Turmeric Root – a common spice known to many kitchens around the world did you know that turmeric also accelerates the detoxification process in the whole body by increasing bile production and release. The production and release of bile is one of the ways that the body eliminate toxins like heavy metals and other chemicals. Turmeric root is well known to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and it helps to improve circulation and prevent blood clotting. I bet you had no idea that the blood thinning drug Coumadin originated from turmeric!
Chrysanthemum Flowers – are traditionally used to cleanse the liver Brighton vision and neutralize toxins but studies also show that chrysanthemums can lower blood pressure and cholesterol while balancing blood sugar
Hibiscus – does more than give your tea a lovely pink hue, it directly helps with weight loss by inhibiting the productions of amylase – an enzyme that helps your body break down carbohydrates into sugar. This means a lower absorption of starch and glucose. It can also help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety and depression.
Hawthorn Berry – a well-known cardiovascular tonic Hawthorne has been used in China to normalize heart function and coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure studies also show that it helps the body maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure potent antioxidants in hawthorn berry I thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties it is used to cleanse the blood of plaque and other toxins
Stinging Nettle – another plant that may seem bothersome in the wild, but actually contains powerful health benefits. Natural polyphenols in nettle leaves act as antioxidants to help prevent oxidative stress and accelerated aging. They have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties to help fight infections, and can help lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Milk Thistle – did you know that extensive research has shown that silymarin a component of milk thistle extract exerts both protective and restorative effects on the liver and can stimulate the growth of new liver cells to replace old damaged cells
Cleavers – known particularly as a lymph tonic. Your lymphatic system is like a drainage system for the body – moving toxins and endocrine waste away from the tissues and into the bloodstream to be filtered by the spleen. Cleavers also support the kidneys and help reduce water weight gain.
Mulberry Leaf – traditionally used to release heat and toxins from the skin and lymphatic system Mulberry Leaf has also been found to be useful and expelling impurities from the urinary tract and reducing triglycerides. White mulberry is often tried in order to help treat diabetes. It is also tried for treating high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, the common cold and its symptoms, muscle and joint pain such as from arthritis, constipation, dizziness, ringing in the ears, hair loss, and premature aging.
Citrus peel – citrus peel contains even more vitamins and minerals than lemon or orange juice. The pill or rhyme of lemons oranges and tangerines are extremely high in vitamin C and d-limonine, which helps detoxify the liver. It also has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps with a variety of metabolic functions, and even helps with weight management.
What is the meaning of a Constitutional Archetype?
By using the five element network of constitutional archetypes as a guide you can identify your personality and health tendencies and determine your constitutional archetype understanding your constitutional archetype will help you make the necessary changes both physically and in mind and spirit enabling you to continuously improve your state of wellbeing. The five are constitutional archetypes are:
The Wood archetype is characterized by a facial structure that is typically rectangular, muscular, and with a slightly green complexion. These individuals have strong personalities and are highly motivated, often identifying as type A personalities. They exude confidence, intelligence, and decisiveness, making them natural leaders and managers who command respect. However, their strength can also lead to stubbornness and inflexibility, sometimes coming across as overbearing or controlling.
The health tendencies of Wood archetype people are more susceptible to conditions affecting the liver and nervous system, including the brain, throat, bronchial passages, esophagus, and stomach. They may frequently experience headaches, eye disorders, nerve pain, neck and shoulder pain, throat constriction, acid reflux, and high blood pressure. Interestingly, their health issues may be more prominent during the windy season of spring, which corresponds to the Wood element in traditional Chinese medicine.
Overall, the Wood archetype embodies a dynamic and driven personality with great leadership potential but must also be mindful of their health tendencies and potential for rigidity.
A person with a fire archetype usually has a triangular face that tapers towards the chin and distinctive features with a slightly reddish complexion. Their personality is marked by intense passion, excitability, sensitivity, and impatience. They are quick learners, detail-oriented, driven, ambitious, and persistent. However, they can easily get frustrated and have difficulty adapting to change. While they tend to be sociable and articulate, their strong ego may create challenges in getting along with others, leading to feelings of loneliness.
In terms of health tendencies, individuals with a fire archetype are prone to circulatory and cardiovascular issues like hypertension and heart conditions, as well as varicose and spider veins. They often experience problems like anxiety, insomnia, excessive worry, palpitations, stress, neck and shoulder tension, soreness, toothache, constipation, and mental health issues. For women with this archetype, summer is the season that affects their health the most due to the hot weather, which can exacerbate their fiery tendencies.
People with the earth archetype often have an oval, full, and slightly yellowish facial structure. Their personality profile is marked by being gentle, easy-going, giving, and nurturing, which makes it effortless for them to form friendships. They approach life in a conservative and methodical manner, preferring not to take the lead in initiating things. While they possess a vivid imagination, they may sometimes overthink due to their laid-back nature, making them susceptible to being taken advantage of.
In terms of health tendencies, earth archetype individuals are prone to experiencing digestion and intestinal issues. These problems may include disorders of the pancreas, stomach, spleen, and both large and small intestines. Common conditions they may face are stomach ulcers, inflammation of the intestines, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, water retention, weak muscles, and low energy levels. Their imbalances are often triggered during the late summer or monsoon season, which is associated with the earth element.
People with a Metal archetype typically have a facial structure that is round and wide, often with a prominent nose and fair complexion. In terms of personality, they are known to be intellectual, articulate, rational, meticulous, and highly organized. When they focus their energy on a specific task, they exhibit persistence and often achieve success. Their optimism and ability to see numerous possibilities can sometimes lead to excessive contemplation, making them prone to changing their minds frequently. This curious nature might cause them to spread themselves too thin and lose focus.
Metal individuals tend to push themselves to the limit and can be perfectionists in what they do, sometimes overextending themselves. They are easily swayed by the opinions of others, but their main motivation lies in self-improvement and personal growth.
Regarding health tendencies, people with a Metal archetype are susceptible to respiratory conditions like sinusitis, allergies, asthma, and laryngitis. They may also experience issues like colitis and upper back pain. Furthermore, they are more prone to catching colds, flus, and suffering from skin trauma. Additionally, they are sensitive to diseases affecting the mouth, teeth, skin, and bone marrow.
Metal individuals may experience imbalances or flare-ups during the autumn season, characterized by falling leaves and dry weather.
Individuals who embody the Water archetype often have a distinct facial structure characterized by a square shape, prominent features, and a dark complexion. They possess remarkable leadership qualities and have a natural ability to inspire and gather people for a shared cause. Pleasing others and maintaining harmonious relationships come naturally to them, and they generally get along well with most individuals. Water types are known for their unwavering determination, strong endurance, and diligent work ethic. However, at times, they may display a sense of timidity and uncertainty, leading them to rely excessively on others or make extreme decisions that may isolate those around them.
In terms of health tendencies, Water archetype people are more prone to urinary and reproductive issues, including problems with their kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, ovaries, testes, as well as hormonal imbalances, impotence, and infertility. They may also experience challenges related to lower back pain and the aging process. Winter aligns with the Water element, and it is during this season that Water individuals tend to be more susceptible to illnesses and health disruptions, especially in cold weather conditions.
Understanding your constitutional archetype and its connection to the human organ networks unveils significant differences between Western Medicine and alternative medicine in comprehending the body’s function. Western medicine tends to view the human body as a mechanical structure, disassembling it to analyze how it operates. This approach implies that by focusing on individual parts, one can understand and treat the body without considering its holistic nature.
Conversely, holistic health takes a different approach, acknowledging the intricate interplay between the body, mind, and spirit in an individual’s life. It recognizes that form follows function in the natural development of human life. Instead of merely dealing with intangible entities, wellness medicine concentrates on functional systems, such as the immune system, which involves the actions of various glands like the spleen, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. These energy systems within the body enable essential functions like breathing, digestion, movement, and even thought processes.
The dynamic interplay of these energies influences all aspects of the body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing that treating a specific part cannot be successful without considering the whole. This underscores the significance of learning about your unique constitutional archetype, as it offers valuable insights into your overall health and well-being.
Why use Tonic Herbs
The first step in starting any herbal regimen is taking inventory of you health and your constitutional archetype. Once this has been done it is often essential to use tonic herbs for cleansing and detoxification to eliminate environmental toxins regularly as a part of your holistic health regimen, toxins are more often than not the trigger or culprit in cancer and other degenerative and chronic illnesses.
We have pesticides in our fruits and vegetables, hormones and antibiotics in our dairy and meat. There is also a plethora of chemicals in our homes, recreational spaces, & work place. And we often find ourselves constantly wonder why allergies, autoimmune disorders, cancer and other conditions that seemingly have no cure are running ramped.
Using tonic herbs nourishes our organs, balances hormones, detoxifies the body of accumulated toxins, promotes a youthful appearance, rejuvenates sexual energy, and even enhances various meditations and energy practices. These are some of the reasons why the ancient wisdom of cleansing herbs have continued to be passed down in modern times and will be for generations to come. Subscribe to our blog to stay up to date on ancient wisdom in modern times.
The information in this blog is not used to treat, cure, or diagnose any illness or disease. This information should only be used for educational purposes. Remember to always consult your doctor or naturopathic physician when starting any herbal regimen.