Gentle Cleansing with Herbal Infusions - Kimba Kraft, Clinical Herbalist
Gentle Cleansing with Herbal Infusions
Living in a conscious and health conscious place like Sedona we are always hearing about cleansing our systems internally. This is a very powerful tool to staying healthy and vibrant; however, some of the methods for detoxification aren’t always as healthy as they could be. Using specific herbal infusions can be the gentle type of cleansing that honors you and your body. As we say good-bye to summer and head into autumn we are faced with a perfect opportunity to support our bodies and make room for increased vitality.
An herbal infusion is similar to herbal tea; we use most of the same herbs. Tea is usually steeped for 5-30 minutes. Herbal infusions take 4-12 hours, allowing for the water to have time to extract all of the high nutrient content from the plants. The nutrition that we receive from herbal infusions is second to none as it easy for our bodies to recognize the vitamins and minerals and assimilate them. All different herbs and parts of the plants can be used, depending on your desired results.
For a change of season “house cleaning”, I like to use Dandelion root and Burdock root. Roots help us stay grounded, allowing us to be centered as Mother Nature changes our external environment.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis) has direct actions on the liver, promoting detoxification and bile flow, removing accumulations, and reducing liver congestion. Since our liver has the not so easy job of processing everything that goes into our bodies, including emotions, stress, and outside energies, it is wise to offer this helper our focused support and healing intentions. As we release and let go of accumulated toxins in the liver, we re-open ourselves to the gentle flows of life. There is a reason it is called the “LIVER”!
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) will not only help cool the liver, it will also clean the blood and is a specific remedy for the lymph. One of the important jobs of the lymphatic system is to clean out harmful bacteria and organisms that could make us sick. Some symptoms of congested lymph include eczema, swollen glands, muscle aches and stiff joints. Burdocks cooling action promotes detoxification, removes lymph congestion, clears heat, and reduces inflammation.
Together, Burdock and Dandelion roots are a dynamic duo! To make an herbal infusion with these powerful allies, pour 1 pint of boiling water over 1oz. of the roots and let this sit for eight hours or overnight. Strain and drink cold or reheat, add honey or agave nectar to taste. Drink this pint during the day and try it out for one cycle of moon.
Kimba Kraft , the author, is a gifted Clinical Herbalist with a passion for healing and plant medicine. She invites her clients to share their stories in a safe and compassionate environment with the supreme goal of matching the person with the perfect plant allies. She feels that through plants we can access our true health and vibrancy, thus allowing our spirit to soar. Kimba also teaches classes on local plant medicines, medicine making, and healing through herbs. She currently does consultations in her office in Sedona. For more information please call or email.
For consultations contact her at 928.300.8233 or email