Week 4 - Detoxify Your Medicine Cabinet

This week we are talking all about how to remove toxins from your medicine cabinet!

"There used to be a time, not too long ago, when people knew how to treat common maladies without taking a drug. In fact, using drugs may relieve symptoms, but in most cases they inhibit normal body function and cause other health issues. This is called a “side effect” and every drug has at least one. The good news is that humans and plants have been living on this world with each other since the beginning and we have learned to use the bounty the natural world provides to help treat common problems like coughs, colds and flu, indigestion, stress and sleep issues, skin problems and much more. By using natural remedies for “little things” and reducing our toxic load, we prepare our body to respond well to the drugs the doctor prescribes when we have a real problem, like a bad infection, broken bone, surgery or other major medical issue."

- From Chapter 4 of 31 Days to Detoxify Your Life

According to the CDC, drug overdose rates have more than tripled since 1990. According to the FDA, Acetomedifine (Tylenol), a medication that has been commonly thought to be safe, was the acute cause of liver failure in the United States causing 48% of liver failure cases from 1998-2003. 62 million death certificates are issued a year, almost a quarter million of those occurred in a hospital setting due to medication errors. Almost twice that number was deaths of people who used medications as prescribed by the doctor. Every time a person takes a medication they face the risk of a side effect ranging anywhere from constipation to death, depending on the medication.

According to Dr. Mercola -

“There is a risk of side effects every time you take a prescription drug. No one (except for those who intentionally overdose) expects these medications to kill them, but they can do just that, and it happens far more often than you might think! In a study recently released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), officials emphasized that people should not assume there's no risk in prescribed medicines. The truth is, the only way to avoid all risk, including death, from prescription drugs is to not take them at all.”

Now let’s be reasonable, at some point in every person’s life they are going to have some sort of medical event that requires medical intervention, including, but not limited to prescription medications. Many lives have been saved by these drugs, and when taken with full knowledge on the patient’s part, and disclosure on the health care provider’s part, can be a wonderful thing, especially for acute situations. By no means are we telling you to quit taking any medications (as we mentioned before we are not doctors, and this is not medical advice), but we are encouraging you to take control of your health and research the medications AND natural remedies you are taking for safety, effectiveness, contraindications, and interactions.

This simple, effective and tasty recipe is an example of the goodness you will find in 31 Days To Detox Your Life:

E lder berry which has an extensive traditional use as a preventative for the flu and as a support during the flu. In fact modern research has found elderberries to be active against the flu virus. You can easily make a yummy syrup from elderberries to take on a regular basis during flu season. This is something that most kids really enjoy taking which is a major plus! And if despite your best efforts, sickness should take hold, this syrup can be used during a bout of the flu to hasten healing.

We make the following easy delicious recipe for syrup every year.

~ Elderberry Syrup ~

One cup of fresh or ½ cup of dried elderberries
1 to 2 tsp of whole cloves (use less if you are using ground cloves)
1 to 3 tsp of cinnamon chips (use less if you are using ground cinnamon)
1 inch of fresh ginger root, chopped
the peel of one organic orange
3/4 cup of raw unprocessed honey which acts as a preservative and enhances flavor
3 cups of water

Directions: Simmer the elderberries and spices in 3 cups of water. Once the berries have softened smash up the berries and spices in the water. This is a fun part to have children help with. I use a potato masher and closely supervise my kids while the squish away to their hearts delight! Cook at a low boil for about a ½ hour or until the liquid reduces by one-half. Strain the mixture with a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to get all the seeds out, which can be somewhat irritating to the digestive tract. Return the liquid to the pot and add the honey. Heat until the honey just melts. Then bottle, label (include the date!) and refrigerate your new syrup. It will keep in the refrigerator for about three months. Take 2 to 3 teaspoons for adults and 1 teaspoon for children (ages 2 and up) 3 to 5 times a week as a prophylactic during flu season. If you do happen to get sick with a bout of the flu take the same dosage about four times per day. Only the blue elderberries (Sambucus nigra) should be used as the red ones are toxic. Elderberries are generally considered to be quite safe though they can be drying and irritating for folks suffering from migraines. If you have a reaction, stop taking it immediately.

Want more great recipes like this?

What recipes will you find in Chapter 4?
10 Herbs Every Home Should Have and Their Uses
Basic Herbal Safety Information
Nourishing Herbal Infusions
Herbal Infusions for Children
Support the Immune System Naturally
Soothing Onion Syrup
Soothing Cough-Control Tea
Cold-Kicker Honey
Elderberry Syrup
20 Natural Allergy Treatments
Chest Rub
Fire Cider
Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux
Candied Ginger
Soothing Oatmeal Bath
Basic Dry Skin Remedies
Sun Burn Remedies
... And so much more!

Are you ready to join us and detoxify YOUR life today?
Week 4 Giveaway
We are proud to offer another amazing giveaway this week!

My Merry Messy Life is giving away an Elder Magazine and Herb Box from Natural Herbal Living. You can get all the details for this amazing box here and read Sarah's review of the herb box and Eczema salve here. <-- Giveaway hint, leave a comment!

Natural Living Mamma is giving away a copy of Studio Botanica's e-book Cold + Flu Season ~ Are YOU Ready? You can find Amanda's review here

<--Giveaway hint, leave a comment!

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