Oct '08 Food

The importance of fall cleansing
...and a good cleansing recipe

By Stacy Plaske

From ice cream and alcohol to processed and refined foods, autumn is an ideal time to cleanse the body and mind of the residue left from summer's many indulgences.

According to the 5 Element Theory, fall is associated with the metal element, which is in turn affiliated with the lung and large intestine. The lung and large intestine energies are peak during this time, acting to take in vital energy and release what is not needed. Imbalances in the metal element can result in excess mucus, allergies, cough, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, asthma, skin problems, headaches, fatigue, gas, constipation and, diarrhea.

As the body slows down during autumn, any excess toxins that have accumulated in the system over the more active summer months will now attempt to make their way out through the eliminative channels of the colon, lungs and skin. Cleansing will help the body flush out the excess toxins and smooth the transition of the change of seasons. Our "braised red cabbage with currants, apples, and plum vinegar" recipe is a delicious way to start or refresh your food cleanse...

Braised red cabbage with currants, apples, and plum vinegar

½ head red cabbage, chopped
2 tbsp currants
½ apple of your choice, sliced thin
2 tbsp umeboshi plum vinegar
¼ cup filtered water

Braise the red cabbage in water and vinegar in sauté pan until tender. Add the apples and currants at the end and let all ingredients simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve and enjoy!




Stacy Plaske is an authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher and the owner of Balance Yoga & Healing Arts Center in Huntington, New York. She is a Holistic Health Counselor and co-creator of The Ultimate Energy Cleanse; a 7-day, whole body, vegan alkalizing cleansing program that uses delicious vegan foods, organic herbal formulas, juices, teas, and baths to cleanse the entire body.

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