As we approach the Lenten season, I remember my elders in the community of the Christian faith making preparations to go on 'fasting and praying' for spiritual and material needs. This is also the time that nature prepares herself for annual greening, as the days are now getting longer and the sap begins to rise in the trees. There was also a period for spring cleaning the home, though it would have gone through the rigours of Yuletide cleaning. My elders were naturally intuitive and smart. They were cleaning the body, the spirit, and the environment.

The three herbs used for centuries in cleansing are aloe vera, cerassee, and garlic.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera - aloe barbadensis commonly called sinkle bible, sempervium. How to take aloe is to measure a forefinger by the aloe leaf and cut to the size of the finger. Peel under water removing the brown exudates, and then place the clear gel into a blender. Add a quarter cup of your favourite juice, or just add two tablespoonfuls of honey, blend and take first thing in the morning for nine days as a cleanser.

This miracle plant has been proven clinically for sunburns and other burns including radiation burns in cancer patients. Aloe stimulates connective tissue formation to regenerate cells at wound site, healing without a scar. I have found aloe remarkable to remove foreign body from my fingers (prickles) or warts by simple application of the gel to the affected area. Aloe is an immune system enhancer and a digestive soother for the stomach.

Aloe is very safe to use. However, there are a few rare reports of allergic rashes when used topically ond of intestinal afflictions.

Cerassee

Cerassee - Mormodica charantia commonly called bitter melon, sorrosi. It is a pan-cultural herb used throughout the tropics and though taken as a cleanser has been found to be a potent remedy for diabetes (a report from A Raman and C.Lau pharmacognosy Research Laboratories Dept. of Pharmacy Kings College London). Evidence from India reported that three to seven-week treatment of diabetics using the powdered fruit, seeds vines and leaves led to a fall ranging from 11- 48 per cent.

It has been used in herb baths for eczema affliction, skin eruptions and excellent for acne . It is also an appetite stimulant, popularly used for on-coming colds.

Today, cerassee can be found on the tea shelves in tea bag packages. The recommended dose is one teaspoonful of the dried herb to a cup of hot water, allow to steep for three to five minutes and sip, though bitter. This should be taken every morning for nine days.

Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativa) is a well-known herb commonly used as a spice in the cooking pots for centuries. It is also a wonder herb, which has the properties of a natural antibiotic. It's beneficial effects are due to the results of the sulphur compounds. It is a powerful detoxifier, vermifuge (for worm infestation) and rids the respiratory system of phlegm, colds and flu. There is on - going studies in Japan and Germany examining the lowering of cholesterol and blood pressure levels in people who consume garlic daily. In Japan, aged garlic extract is sold in their pharmacies to help to prevent fatigue, stress damage and immune-diseases. One of the garlic ingredients that reduces cholesterol is S. Allyl cystein found in kyolic cold aged garlic extract. Use parsley to remove the taste and smell of garlic coming from the mouth and body. A medium clove of garlic finely cut up on vegetable salads with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper is an ancestral secret of the ages for circulatory disorders, as well as very good to fortify the immune system.

Precautions; Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking garlic as this can give the baby colic. Garlic must not be taken with blood-thinning drugs.