Liver Cleansing Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the oldest methods of herbal extraction. Infusing herbs into raw apple cider vinegar is a fantastic way to boost your phytonutrient content in your meals – this recipe makes a great dressing, accompanied with olive oil!
Raw vinegar contains nutrients and enzymes that support general physiology. Vinegar contains about 4-6% acetic acid, which creates an anti-microbial environment that also has an alkalizing effect on the body. Vinegars work to extract alkaloids and minerals. They can also be used internally or externally, which provides great flexibility for developing treatment plans. Vinegar also supports kidney and GI tract, is a toner, and is very stable as a preservative and can be better tolerated than alcohol.
This preparation specifically targets the GI detoxification system and the urinary system so it also can help decrease dermatitis. Because vinegar is excreted through the skin and urinary tract especially, it is a great menstruum for delivering these nutrients to the skin.
Equipment:
Grinder, mesh strainer, raw apple cider vinegar, herbs, 9oz glass jar, cheesecloth, wax paper
Recipe:
1 part dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale)
1 part dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
1 part burdock root (Arctium lappa)
raw apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Fill 9oz jar ½ full with the dried herbs. Coarsely grind the herbs and add back to the jar. Add vinegar all the way full. Macerate the vinegar for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain out using a sieve lined with cheesecloth, pressing all the vinegar out of the herbs. Strained vinegar should be heated nearly to boiling point and then restrained and poured into a clean jar.
Dandelion root is an excellent tonic for the liver, while the leaf supports the urinary system. Dandelion leaf can be diuretic, tonify the kidneys, and is a great source of potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Both the leaves and bark of dandelion contain bitter constituents, which stimulate stomach acid release, bile release, and aid in nutrient digestion. Burdock root supports skin health, applied both internally and externally. Burdock stimulates bile secretions and is high in magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium.
Due to the liver, GI, urinary, and skin support from the herbs combined with the vinegar’s affinity for the skin, this preparation would be great for someone with acne. I would recommend they take 2tbsp twice daily internally and apply a 1tbsp of the preparation at least once a day to face and other areas with acne for 2 days. It makes a great salad dressing too!
