Not All Products are Equal (Part 1: Dandelion Detox Tea)

I love comedy. When I was growing up I spent a good portion of my limited television viewing time engrossed in skit comedy, memorizing it or adapting it to later act it out with friends. Yet somehow, I missed this gem. If you've ever been bamboozled by marketers and learned the hard way the difference between the good products and the bad then this Almost Live video is for you!



Over the years I've learned no matter how much I want a product to work, sometimes all the wishing in the world won't pull a kidney tumor out! But some products do truly distinguish themselves a cut above the rest.

When I was an undergrad I forced myself to drink decaffeinated green tea late into the night as I studied. I say forced because I truly wanted coffee and pop to serve as my late night companions. I am grateful I no longer drink those caffeinated beverages and I now have a deep affection for red, green, and herbal teas. My current study pals are: Marigold Lemon Tulsi Blend and 21st Century Tea. Yet at work, I have a taste for something different.


This tea is unequal to any other tea I have tried. I love the taste of it sure, but it is having an unusual effect on my body. As mentioned above, in my younger years I drank coffee and pop on a daily basis, I also used antiperspirant and deodorant just as regularly. Even so, up until I quit those habits I actually had sweat stains in some of my shirts. I know this is gross and what may be grosser is I confess I am a profuse sweater. Of course at this stage I realize only a dedicated detoxer is grateful for this function. But since I have cleaned up my act, my sweat is clear and without odor. That is until this tea. My sweat is still clear, but I am actually excreting an odor. For the past 3 years I have a rock deodorant crystal sitting nicely in the bathroom even though I quit using it some time ago.  Now I find myself having to avoid co-workers up close if I've forgotten to use it.

This tea has given me immediate and powerful detox results. As I reflect back on the Juice Feast it was a chore to get any additional liquids in me because I was already going to the bathroom more times that I cared for. But working in air conditioning does require I dress warmly and tea does give me a temporary boost in warmth.  So I fully intend to continue drinking this tea daily before and during my Juice Feast. 

Organic Clothing

Owning organic clothing used to be a far off fantasy. As I have pushed myself with this blog to keep my commitment to good health during a time in many people's lives (graduate school) where it is easier to throw in the towel and pack on the pounds, this added commitment is another juggling event I add to the seam stress of my new wardrobe. There are few organic clothiers in my area, so trying on clothes before buying did not fit into my 7 month slow-but-sure purchases.

I have been wearing predominantly organic clothing from head to toe for the last month. Over a short staycation, I spent a day washing and drying everything carefully, packed up most of my conventional clothing for charity, and then launched overnight into my new wardrobe. I felt gawky and as unsure of myself as a newborn colt.

Over the last month I've grown comfortable mentally and physically with my new digs. These organic cotton and bamboo numbers feel good on my skin. My goal was to have a complete organic wardrobe prior to starting the Juice Feast, I am glad I didn't wait as I am delighted to have the awkwardness behind me. I relish taking another big step.

Initially, I found it challenging to find organic clothing. But now I know exactly what I want.

After 8 months of research, a few of my favorite online ecoboutiqies for unique pieces:

Nancy's Gone Green
Fair Tribe
Indigenous Design
Fashion and Earth


A few of my favorite online shops with organic basics are:

Gaiam
Sierra Trading Post
Fair Indigo
Green 3


Aventura
GGO Clothing
Gramicci
Sanuk (Organic Hemp Shoes)

Taking Bigger Steps

When I took my first steps towards improved health 13 years ago, my big step was to become a vegetarian. Of course I still smoked a pack a day, ate fried food, and drank copious amounts of Dr. Pepper. When I gave up pop 4 years ago almost instantaneously a peculiar mass of acne welts came out in the size of a softball on my back. It was really gross and disappeared shortly thereafter but a detoxing person comes to appreciate and even live for the phrase: "better out than in."

How to stimulate the lymph system

About 9 months ago I discovered despite all my healthy lifestyle commitments I still have plenty of room for improvement. This thought came like concrete to me one night after I went out Friday after work and got home late. I peeled off my tight jeans and decided I was too tired to shower so I crawled into bed and slept the sleep of the ignorant. When I woke the next day I showered and as I was experimenting with the whole body oil cleanse method using a washcloth with organic coconut oil, a few drops of castor oil, and a drop each of organic lavender and geranium essential oils, I ground the oils into my skin and scrubbed. Following the dry brushing philosophy of brushing to stimulate the lymph system, I do the same when washing in the shower. As I scrubbed my leg I  readjusted the cloth and I saw it was blue. At that moment I began to see how powerful the skin is. Although I have no desire to be a breatharian, the skin's power makes sense to me how an organism can draw in nutrients by means other than the mouth. Just look at the orchid and other air plants--no soil required!



In the beginning stages of my journey I focused almost to the point of pain on the one thing I perceived as wrong about my health. Now (even though I still have that one challenge) I focus on what is the biggest thing I can do to improve my health. The first big step I took in preparation for my second Juice Feast was to have 4 amalgam fillings removed. I believed removing something my body had to fight 24 hours a day was the best thing I could do to allow my body's ability to heal itself to function without hindrance. With that line of thinking my next big step is my transition to organic clothing.