30 Day Detox: Day 15 the good, the bad, and the ugly

In 2012 I was diagnosed with Lupus.  Being diagnosed was a relief honestly.  The weight loss, the rashes, the anxiety, the headaches, the seizures, the joint pain, the mouth ulcers, and fatigue all made sense.  I wasn't being lazy or going crazy, I was dealing with a disease that is hard to diagnose and even most doctors don't fully understand it.  Of course I was given a slew of medication with names that I didn't even try to pronounce.  Although I may not have been able to pronounce the names I am far from stupid, so I turned to my trusty homie Google and searched every single one...and not one of them sounded any better than the effects of Lupus.  With possible side effects ranging from tingling extremities all the way to liver damage and suicidal thoughts if I stopped taking the medication suddenly.

I was quick to make the decision NOT to use any of that garbage, until I had a Lupus flare and realized that I had no idea how to manage this shit!  I was out of my league and spent three years just being sick, I would research holistic treatment methods but honestly I really didn't trust them.  My 30+ years of being treated in a pharmaceutical only health care system had me scared to even try any of the holistic methods that I had been feverishly researching.  So here I am with this well of knowledge that I was doing nothing with.  Then one day in the fall of 2015 I just woke up and decided that it was time to make a change.

I intentionally started very gradually.  I knew that this change would effect my entire family and I didn't want it to be drastic.  My first change was to cut out red meat.  I remember how proud I was of myself for making a commitment to begin healing my body through lifestyle changes.  The process was going well, I was taking it slow but in January of 2016 I got very sick all of a sudden.  I was running out of both ends (TMI, I know), it was nothing but green mucous, and it had the worst smell that I have ever had come out of little old me.  I was miserable and even sharted on myself in my sleep.  It was 2 days of hell, and at that moment I decided to cut all meat from my diet.  It wasn't a difficult transition and I quickly noticed a boost in my energy.  I thought I had made it. I was feeling better, I was exercising, and my pain was decreasing so I just knew everything was all to the good now, but that's not how my life is set up.  So in the Spring of 2016 I was diagnosed with Cancer (in a very intimate location) and it was depressing and frustrating.  I had plans and those plans did not include trying to fight cancer with my raggedy assed immune system!!!  I was angry as hell and planned on having like a week long pity party, which ended up not being much of a pity party because my 6 kids are always all up in my space so I didn't really have the luxury of locking myself in my room with Netflix, chocolate, and tears.  My pity party was low budget and consisted of little debbie cakes and one 30 break down in the shower.  I looked in to all of the available treatments that my doctor suggested and decided early on that I wouldn't be doing any of them.  No shade to anyone who does though, we all walk different paths.

I eventually decided to do an all holistic treatment plan that consists of a detox, a mostly alkaline vegan diet, and a high dose IV vitamin C treatment, along with herbal supplements.  I am currently half way through my detox and I have had so many questions about it so I will share what I have learned during the past 15 days.

Amber's 30 Day Detox

Only raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and mushrooms

At least one clove of garlic daily

No salt, No sugar, No caffeine

Immune Booster Tea (3x daily)

Herbal Teas (drink as much as possible honey or agave are ok)

Smoothies and 100% Juices (2-3 times daily)

Chaga Tea 2X daily

Vegan Multi Vitamin

Vitamin C

Natural deodorant and toothpaste

64 oz. water (preferably alkaline)

Daily Meditation

At least 30 min of Yoga or run 1 mile daily

Massage (as often as possible)

The first thing that I learned about this detox is that Yes, it is as challenging as it sounds.  I didn't realize I was addicted to sugar until I tried this detox a few months back and had sugar withdrawal like I was coming down off of heroin!  I had insomnia, cold sweats, a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability.  I couldn't believe it!  That detox lasted only 5 days but it caused me to start limiting my sugar intake and cutting high fructose corn syrup from my diet all together.  I have cravings and i've had insomnia a few nights but nothing that I can't manage.  This detox is tough mentally but I have more energy than I have had in years.  I have learned so much about myself and my body during these first 15 days but 4 things stick out the most:

1.  Commit

Set a start date and tell others about your plans to start a detox program.  It is easier to back out of things when no one else knows, but if you have your mom and best friend texting to find out when your detox starts you are more likely to stay committed.

2.  Gather Support

Tell people what you are doing and why.  After announcing that I was doing a detox my fiance' decided to join me for the whole thing, I was shocked and so happy that I didn't have to go through the month alone, now I had a battle buddy!  I have also had a few friends join me as well, some of them for the whole 30 days and others just for a day or so.  I have received encouraging calls, texts, emails and DM messages, all of the support helps me to stay motivated and focused on my purpose and goal.  I have had people donate alkaline water, fruits and veggies, herbs, and vitamins to help me supplement the costs.  I have cried just about everyday due to random words or acts of kindness in support of my detox.

3.  Be prepared

Totally random, but when ever I hear "be prepared" i always hear it in a Scar from The Lion King  voice.  Any way preparation is the key to being consistent with this detox.  Make sure you have enough food to last you for the day.  Stock up on olive oil and apple cider vinegar for salad dressing, find raw vegan recipes so that you won't get bored with your meals, make a list of stores that carry the things you can eat, create a budget and a schedule and if possible pick the brain of someone who has done a detox so that you can get some tips that will help you to be successful.

4. Be aware

Once you start the detox pay attention to your body and the changes that are going on inside you.  You may notice withdrawal symptoms from salt, sugar, and caffeine.  You may notice changes in your mood, bowels, body odor, and energy levels.  These are all normal and are manifestations of the toxins leaving your body.  For instance I was musty as hell for the first 6 days of the detox but now i'm good.  I also have lots of natural energy that I didn't have before the detox began.  You can keep a daily detox journal in order to track these changes, if you experience anything that you are unsure about contact your doctor or a holistic medical professional, the detox process is uncomfortable at times but always listen to your body.

My detox journey is only at the halfway point.  Some days I want the whole process to just hurry up and be over, but I try to remind myself that healing is a process that should not be rushed.  We live in a society full of quick fixes and instant gratification, so through this detox process I am also teaching myself to slow down, be patient, and enjoy the journey.

Just a few of my meals/snacks

5 Luxurious and Holistic Hair Treatments using products you can find in your kitchen!!!

5 Luxurious and Holistic Hair Treatments using products you can find in your kitchen

I get at least 5-10 calls, emails, or DM’s everyday from friends, family, and complete strangers looking for a natural remedy for a hair, skin, or health related issue.  It started taking up a large chunk of my time so I decided to start a consultation business and charge a reasonable fee for my holistic knowledge and experience that I share on a daily basis.  I mean, they do say that the game is to be sold and not told right! Money helps keep the lights on but what truly motivates me...the love of others, the love of healing, the love of nature, and the love of the Creator.  It is such a blessing to be able to help others look good and feel good using safe, healthy, and all natural products. 

Most of my inquires tend to revolve around female reproductive issues and hair care, go figure!  With hair care issues I direct people to my product line, Mama’s Healing Hands where they can find shampoo, hair growth cream, and hair growth oil.  But for those who need a quick fix I have decided to share 5 at home treatments using products that you probably already have in your kitchen!  These recipes are quick, easy, and effective, they can be used alone of combined for a killer hair regimen. 

For more information about my hair and skin care products visit mamashealinghands.com

1.  Avocado-

Avocado is all the rage right now and rightfully so.  Avocados are packed full of vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body.  Avocado is beneficial when eaten as well as when used externally.  The proteins and amino acids in avocado make it nourishing to the scalp, penetrating the hair and scalp providing moisture and helping to heal.

Mama’s Easy Avocado Hair Mask

1 Ripe Avocado

1 Egg

1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil

Peel Avocado and remove the pit.  Blend Avocado, egg and oil (I like to use a blender for the best consistency).  Apply to wet hair liberally making sure that the whole head and scalp are saturated.  Cover head with plastic (Saran wrap or a grocery bag works fine). Leave on for 20 min., rinse and style as usual.  This mask will leave the hair more soft, shiny, and manageable.

2.  ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)-

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of those cure all items that everyone should have in his or her cabinet.   If you don’t have ACV in your home I sincerely suggest that you run out and get some now.  From household cleaning, to naturopathic cures, to delicious dishes ACV is a go to item in my house.  I suggest using Raw, unfiltered ACV with “the mother” for best results.

Mama’s Moisturizing Detangler

8 oz. of Spring Water

6 tsp. ACV

Spray Bottle

Mix ingredients in spray bottle and use as needed to detangle while combing.  Hair will smell like ACV until it dries.

3.  Tea-

I bet you thought Tea was just a delicious beverage that the British love to enjoy, newsflash...it is so much more!  From Green to Black and every type in between there are a multitude of benefits for the skin and hair that many people tend to overlook.  Chamomile Tea can be used to naturally lighten the hair, Peppermint Tea to combat a dry and itchy scalp, and Black tea to prevent shedding, darken hair and add sheen.

Mama’s Sweet Tea Rinse

6 cups of spring water

8 black tea bags

2 tbs. Raw Honey

Brew tea in spring water and add honey.  For easiest use store in a spray bottle once the tea has cooled.  Use after shampoo, apply to hair liberally, Cover hair with plastic (Saran Wrap, etc.).  Let sit for 20 minutes, apply deep conditioner like Mama’s Easy Avocado Hair Mask, let sit for 20 minutes and then rinse and style as usual. 

*Black tea will add dark highlights to light hair and it will stain clothes and towels so plan accordingly.

4.  Coconut Oil-

I never seem to have enough Coconut Oil!!!  I use it for cooking, I use it for making my natural hair and skin products, I even use it to keep me teeth healthy and bright.  I could go on for days telling you all of the good things that I use Coconut Oil for!  I love how light and pleasantly fragrant this oil is, it adds a little mystery to every dish and provides a lightweight, well balanced moisture to my hair and skin care products.

Mama’s Herbal Hot Oil Treatment

2 Cups of Coconut Oil (I prefer Organic and Extra Virgin)

1 teaspoon of dried or fresh Rosemary

1 teaspoon of dried or fresh Oregano

Heat Coconut oil on Low-Medium heat; once the oil has melted add Rosemary and Oregano.  Let the oil simmer on low covered for 30 min. then strain out the herbs.  Shampoo as usual, pour the warm oil on the hair and scalp, and saturate the entire head.  Wrap with plastic cap, or towel and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.  Rosemary and Oregano are both good for stimulating hair growth.

5.  Banana-

Not only are Banana’s awesome in cereal but they also are great for conditioning hair, who knew!  Bananas are full of potassium, which helps to build protein while hydrating skin cells!

Mama’s Conditioning Banana Hair Pudding

3 medium ripe bananas (or 4 jars of banana baby food, I would get organic)

3 tbs. of spring water

1tsp raw honey

1 tsp. olive oil

Peel bananas and put all ingredients into a blender.  Puree until all clumps are gone.  Apply to wet hair, leave in for 30 minutes under a plastic cap or Saran Wrap.  Rinse and style as usual.

So the next time that you want to give your hair some special attention, don’t rush out to spend tons of money at the salon and don’t break the bank on high priced hair products with ingredients that you can’t even pronounce.  You can head straight to your kitchen and whip something up in minutes to give your hair the luxurious treatment that it deserves!!!

© Amber Hasan 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED