Juice Therapy

As more and more people switch from a surgical and medical approach to alternative and complementary therapy, it becomes clear that living as nature intended is the simpler form of prevention and cure. Most disease today is a direct result of the lack or deficiency of vital minerals, salts and vitamins needed by the body to function properly. Common to most nutritional healing therapies, the importance of juicing as part of a daily program to recovery is integral. A good example would be the gruelling but inarguably effective Gerson Therapy which is primarily geared towards cancer sufferers. As part of the treatment, the patient must consume 13 juices each day of combinations including orange, carrot and dark leafy greens. This intense diet has brought about many encouraging and almost unbelievable testimonies.

Juicing has not only maintained its position in nutritional healing, but its awareness has grown formidably into all sectors of society. The popularity of juice bars and smoothies is sadly a direct influence from our neighbours across the pond, nevertheless, its benefits are manifold. Although this may be seen as a passing fad, juicing is a daily necessity to those in search for better health and longevity.

As Summer dwindles into Autumn, most of us are in search of health peps and fast absorbing vitamin C as we arm ourselves again for combat with the infamous common cold. It is widely known that during the warmer months we tend to eat more healthily, consuming fresh fruit and raw vegetables more easily. As the cold winds blow in, we search for more cooked foods in hope of satisfying the need for warmth. Unfortunately, this results in our immune systems suffering considerably because the body's intake of live nutrients has plummeted. Often the body's craving for certain nutrients and minerals can be misread leading to the consumption of the wrong foods, mainly starchy carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. Some may argue that raw foods and juices are not satisfying enough during the colder seasons. Below are a few recipe suggestions for Autumn:

Carrot juice
Carrot juice is the richest source of vitamin A which the body can easily absorb and use. It also boasts large amounts of vitamins B, C, D, E, G and K. This helps to cleanse and build the body's defense system and is packed with live enzymes if consumed fresh and raw. It improves dry/sensitive skin disorders such as dermatitis and improves the quality of milk of nursing mothers: this is because it contains a good supply of calcium, magnesium and iron. Carrot juice is the most used juice in most juice therapy programmes.

Carrot and Fennel juice
Fennel juice is a strong blood builder and is therefore highly beneficial in menstrual ailments. Fennel also has a sweet aniseed flavour which compliments the carrot to produce a warming and satisfying beverage with all the nutritional benefits included.

Tomato and Parsley juice
Fresh tomato juice is rich in sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium which will supply more than just a health pep. The humble parsley is one of the most potent of the juices and therefore small doses (i.e one or two ounces) should be taken unless mixed with other juices. It has been used effectively in every ailment connected with the eyes and the optic nerve. Parsley juice helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and is helpful in treating dropsy and calculi in the kidneys and bladder, amoungst many other ailments.

Watercress juice
Watercress juice can be added to carrot, parsley and potato juices as a combination to help emphysema sufferers.

Potato juice
Strange but true. The raw potato contains naturally digestible sugars which turn to starch when cooked. Raw potato juice is a cleanser and works well with carrot juice. It has been used in clearing up blemishes because of its high content of potassium, sulphur and phosphorus. My favourite is sweet potato.
Colds can be easily treated by fasting for a day and taking 3 one ounce shots of garlic juice during that time. These combinations are truly effective and can only produce the desired results by combining them with a healthful diet high in live foods, and exercise.

Refs: Encyclopedia of Healing Juices,
John Heinerman and Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices, Dr. Norman Walker