in herited genetic patterns. Thyroid function, amino acid performance,
metabolism in general, liver function, and the well-being of the stomach
and pancreas all have great bearing on how well or badly we store or use
our fat supplies.
We would all love to be just the right weight, but few of us are. Those
who are underweight would love to be more formed, muscular, “fi lled-
out,” or simply warmer and having more energy; those who are
overweight know only too well that it is unhealthy and slows us down.
Obviously a whole-body tuning using cleanses and organic foods will help
to compensate. Taking plenty of water helps remove excess toxins, which
are always stored in fatty tissue. Eat less, but eat well.
Desired weight loss is aided by spirulina algae, kelp, evening primrose
oil, chickweed leaf, dandelion root and leaf, and burdock root, whereas
desired weight gain is aided by fenugreek seed tea or decoction,
marshmallow root, and slippery elm inner bark.
Weight can plunge during cleanses in those with chronic diseases, and
when switching to new food programs. This can be unavoidable, but olive
oil massages will help “feed” the body. Slippery elm inner bark, fenugreek
seed tea or decoction, and miso gruel will help to feed and nourish and
keep undesirable weight loss at bay. Superfoods like algae or wheat or
barley grasses will ensure proper nutrition while (or if ) weight loss is
occurring. Eventually the weight will creep back on and metabolism will
be optimal, as all organs and systems fi nd a greater harmony and well-
being.
Young women heading toward anorexia, or indeed those already ano-
rexic, may be unnecessarily force-fed stodgy food in an attempt to fatten
them up when, in fact, good nutritious juices, broths, and superfoods
would keep them feeling light and slim until more solid food is
introduced, while herbs can help immensely.
toxic fat stores
Weight loss can also be achieved by bearing in mind your possible need
for particular herbs for hormone balancing, relieving constipation, and
treating a sluggish liver. Fat holds onto toxins even if you are not
overweight. Fatty tissues attract toxic substances from gas, chlorobenzene,
tap water, herbicides, and car exhaust residues. We also take in toxins
from paints and lacquers. These can cause fatigue, headaches, tiredness,
reproductive problems, immune defi ciency problems, dizziness, eye
discharge, and many other conditions.
twenty-first-century reasons to cleanse
Toxic bioaccumulation isn’t just a steady buildup in the fat stores of the
102 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition