holistic health

Gentle Detox Tea

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I don’t know about you, but this holiday season felt a little extra indulgent for me. The cookies, the stuffing, and all the festive treats added up, and I’m feeling a bit fluffier than usual—ready for some gentle support.

I’ve never been one for extreme cleanses that involve skipping meals, harsh restrictions, or pushing my body into exhaustion just to “undo” a few joyful weeks. That approach doesn’t feel nourishing or sustainable to me.

Instead, I believe in a gentle reset—simple practices that support the body naturally. A daily tea I can sip mindfully, knowing I’m offering my body warmth, hydration, and care, feels like the perfect place to begin.

Gentle Daily Detox Tea

This tea is supportive, not forceful. It’s meant to be a comforting ritual you return to—not a quick fix.

Ingredients

  • 1 quart (4 cups) water
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • ½ lemon, sliced or juiced
  • 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional add-ins (choose 1–2):

  • Fresh mint leaves (cooling, digestive support)
  • Dandelion root tea bag (gentle liver support)
  • Fresh turmeric slice or pinch of ground turmeric

Instructions

  1. Bring the water to a gentle boil.
  2. Add ginger and cinnamon. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add lemon and any optional herbs.
  4. Steep for 5 more minutes.
  5. Strain and sip warm—or let cool and enjoy iced.

How to Use

  • Drink 1–2 cups in the morning or mid-afternoon
  • Sip slowly and mindfully
  • Can be made fresh daily or enjoyed chilled

A Gentle Reminder

This tea supports your body’s natural detox systems—your liver, kidneys, and digestion—without forcing or deprivation. True detox happens through hydration, nourishment, rest, and presence. Small, consistent acts of care often have the greatest impact.

How to Store Your Detox Tea

Short-term (best option):

  • Allow the tea to cool completely
  • Strain out herbs, citrus, and spices
  • Store in a glass jar or bottle with a lid
  • Refrigerate for up to 24 hours

Glass is ideal, as it doesn’t absorb flavors or react with lemon.

If You Want It Ready for the Morning

  • Brew the tea the night before
  • Store it in the fridge
  • Gently reheat on the stove in the morning (avoid microwaving if possible)

Living with Chronic Pain

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Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming but when you put a few tools into your toolbox you can start to feel empowered versus defeated. I have found combining traditional treatment with some holistic approaches is the perfect balance for living with chronic pain.

When I was first referred to a pain management specialist I was in my mid-thirties and had no real idea what it all meant. I knew that I was there to address chronic and ongoing back pain but was a little clueless about empowering myself with a few tools to help manage the pain. Over time I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge and found what works for me.

Tools for Living with Chronic Pain

A holistic approach to living with chronic pain means you bring together a variety of tools to help support you. Being open to trying things is key when looking for the right tool for you. Here are my top four tools in my toolbox.

Gratitude

Please don’t skip past this part because you think that there is no way gratitude can help your physical pain. Hear me out. Gratitude CAN in fact reroute your thinking from dwelling on pain to a better place. Get yourself a small notebook, a free app, or a document section on your computer and start with 3-5 things each day you are thankful for, and why. Listing off your family, friends, house and dog is fine and dandy, but discovering the feeling that is evoked in your is where the magic really is. Next, do a quick google search on the benefits of gratitude and you might just be convinced to give it a try. It is my #1 tool I reach for time and time again to help me live my best life while also living with chronic pain.

Self-Care

Find something, anything, that gives you comfort and joy. Allow this self-care practice to evolve and change over time and circumstances, but no matter what, you MUST care for yourself. This can be something like a bubble bath, a special cup of tea, a massage, learning a new skill, reading a book, buying yourself a special lotion, or anything else that comforts you. This is a daily requirement.

Movement

Nearly two decades ago, my rheumatologist told me that if I don’t move it, I will lose it. While there are some days living with chronic pain it seems inconceivable that moving would make me feel better, but it truly does. I have a little rule I follow–if I sit for 30 minutes, I must move for 15 minutes. A lap around the block usually does it. This constant motion keeps my joints lubricated and my muscles supple. I also incorporate water exercises, yoga, and mild strength training into the mix. Motion is lotion and I am firm believer in that. Those individuals who succumb to the aches and pains and opt to binge on Netflix day after day are probably in more pain than they would be had they chosen to move a little more. Try it and you might be surprised.

Reframing Your Thoughts

It is a slippery slope to think about, talk about and identify with a diagnosis. Learning to be mindful in the thoughts and words we chose as it relates to our pain is a powerful tool. I have found that catching my self saying things that “feed” the pain and diagnosis is something that I needed to nip right away. Rather than saying, “my pain is killing me”, I opt to think or say “my pain is present and I need to do something about it”. Or I simply feel it and then move on. Becoming consumed with the details of the diagnosis can overwhelm you and you can quickly sink into identifying as the diagnosis and lose yourself.

Listen to this podcast for more details about the power YOU have to build your holistic toolbox because you are so worth it.