Anima Mundi’s Adriana Ayales tells you how...
However symbolic and opportunity-laden a “new year new you” philosophy might be, such thinking usually sets me up for a few more misses than successes, mainly beCAUSE – it’s a lot of pressure to put on a new year. To assume that a new calendar can help to transform the 2021 (and previous) me into some better, more healthy, more stable and productive version.
Now, it would make sense that a detox might naturally align with such resolution-making – “I’m going to start 2022 with a literal clean slate.” And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that thinking.
But after talking to Adriana Ayales, founder of the Brooklyn-based apothecary Anima Mundi, I was quickly reminded that the time in which you might choose to pursue a detox cleanse is of no matter, and incorporating this ritual throughout the year, beginning on any day, may ultimately prove gentler on your body.
In other words, whatever the day you happen upon this story, you’ve arrived just in time.
Learn more about Adriana’s personal detox experience and Deep Detox Kit below:
For those who may not be familiar with your brand, can you tell us how Anima Mundi came to light?
I was born and raised in Costa Rica. I was immersed within the healing arts from a young age, and was deeply connected to Nature's spirit. I learned from several curandero (shamans) about herbalism and healing, and as I grew older I kept hearing the call. I studied herbalism in Costa Rica, then California, and continued in other schools. I then moved to New York (unplanned!), became a practicing herbalist from my Brooklyn apartment, and saw clients privately. I began making 'mother medicines,’ base formulas for classic imbalances shared by many people. I primarily brought my favorite herbs from the rainforest – wild harvested or organically cultivated by small farmers, indigenous peoples or ethical wildcrafters. I loved also having people try out rainforest remedies as a means of connecting different kinds of herbs and herbalism.
Why might someone consider doing a detox cleanse?
Routine cleansing can be vital for organ maintenance. Cellular damage and oxidative stress are often at the root of toxic build-up in the body, which could lead to premature aging, 'inflammaging' and chronic disease. If we nourish our guts by cleansing on a daily, weekly or monthly basis – with cleansing herbs and key foods that assist our liver and purification system – there’s less build-up to deal with. In today's world, where we are exposed to a huge amount of stressors – environmental, chemical, physical and emotional – it is vital we keep ourselves protected with liver-loving herbs. foods, blood tonics, and cellular detoxifiers.
Now, it would make sense that a detox might naturally align with such resolution-making – “I’m going to start 2022 with a literal clean slate.” And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that thinking.
But after talking to Adriana Ayales, founder of the Brooklyn-based apothecary Anima Mundi, I was quickly reminded that the time in which you might choose to pursue a detox cleanse is of no matter, and incorporating this ritual throughout the year, beginning on any day, may ultimately prove gentler on your body.
In other words, whatever the day you happen upon this story, you’ve arrived just in time.
Learn more about Adriana’s personal detox experience and Deep Detox Kit below:
For those who may not be familiar with your brand, can you tell us how Anima Mundi came to light?
I was born and raised in Costa Rica. I was immersed within the healing arts from a young age, and was deeply connected to Nature's spirit. I learned from several curandero (shamans) about herbalism and healing, and as I grew older I kept hearing the call. I studied herbalism in Costa Rica, then California, and continued in other schools. I then moved to New York (unplanned!), became a practicing herbalist from my Brooklyn apartment, and saw clients privately. I began making 'mother medicines,’ base formulas for classic imbalances shared by many people. I primarily brought my favorite herbs from the rainforest – wild harvested or organically cultivated by small farmers, indigenous peoples or ethical wildcrafters. I loved also having people try out rainforest remedies as a means of connecting different kinds of herbs and herbalism.
Why might someone consider doing a detox cleanse?
Routine cleansing can be vital for organ maintenance. Cellular damage and oxidative stress are often at the root of toxic build-up in the body, which could lead to premature aging, 'inflammaging' and chronic disease. If we nourish our guts by cleansing on a daily, weekly or monthly basis – with cleansing herbs and key foods that assist our liver and purification system – there’s less build-up to deal with. In today's world, where we are exposed to a huge amount of stressors – environmental, chemical, physical and emotional – it is vital we keep ourselves protected with liver-loving herbs. foods, blood tonics, and cellular detoxifiers.
Though seemingly popular as a New Year trend, detoxing is of utmost importance year-round. Can you share with us the ways in which your body needs support in detoxification?
Detoxing consistently, throughout the year, proves more effective and gentler on the system. Waiting once a year to employ an intensive detox might trigger a more substantial health issue. Here are some tips to inspire you:
1. First and foremost, don't be rigid on yourself. Listen to what your body needs. Obsessing over what you should and shouldn't do triggers stress, which creates an excess of stress hormones. At the end of the day, that's toxicity, one way or another. Have a clear intention, and stick to it as much as possible. And remember to flow where needed. For example, if you're on a juice cleanse, and you can't take it any longer, it's OK to eat some fruit, or some seeds. You're still going to feel fantastic and ignite excellent results.
2. Don't do too much. Resting and restoration is key while on an intensive cleanse. Try setting aside time for a cleanse, when your schedule is not ultra busy. If you don't have time to fully devote to rest and restoration, be sure to choose the right intensity for yourself wherever you are in your life.
3. Drink LOTS of GOOD water. If you're doing intermittent fasting, juice cleansing, or any kind of cleansing, GOOD water is vital. Invest in a water filter, or perhaps you have a way to get spring water? Either or, be sure to purify your water while cleansing.
4. Movement, Yoga, Outdoor walks. Sunshine, fresh air, and movement all contribute to bettering your mental peace, circulation, and general health. Do this pre-, during, and post-cleansing as it’s key to help ground you and feel wholesome.
5. Meditation to feed the soul. Sit in silence for 15 minutes a day (or longer). Making time to sit with your sweet self is a game-changer. Trust the process, and allow the divine energy of the present moment to take hold of you.
Detoxing consistently, throughout the year, proves more effective and gentler on the system. Waiting once a year to employ an intensive detox might trigger a more substantial health issue. Here are some tips to inspire you:
1. First and foremost, don't be rigid on yourself. Listen to what your body needs. Obsessing over what you should and shouldn't do triggers stress, which creates an excess of stress hormones. At the end of the day, that's toxicity, one way or another. Have a clear intention, and stick to it as much as possible. And remember to flow where needed. For example, if you're on a juice cleanse, and you can't take it any longer, it's OK to eat some fruit, or some seeds. You're still going to feel fantastic and ignite excellent results.
2. Don't do too much. Resting and restoration is key while on an intensive cleanse. Try setting aside time for a cleanse, when your schedule is not ultra busy. If you don't have time to fully devote to rest and restoration, be sure to choose the right intensity for yourself wherever you are in your life.
3. Drink LOTS of GOOD water. If you're doing intermittent fasting, juice cleansing, or any kind of cleansing, GOOD water is vital. Invest in a water filter, or perhaps you have a way to get spring water? Either or, be sure to purify your water while cleansing.
4. Movement, Yoga, Outdoor walks. Sunshine, fresh air, and movement all contribute to bettering your mental peace, circulation, and general health. Do this pre-, during, and post-cleansing as it’s key to help ground you and feel wholesome.
5. Meditation to feed the soul. Sit in silence for 15 minutes a day (or longer). Making time to sit with your sweet self is a game-changer. Trust the process, and allow the divine energy of the present moment to take hold of you.
Let’s talk about the hero ingredients found in your Deep Detox Kit. What are they, and how do they work in conjunction with one another?
There are many, but let’s discuss two botanical treasures native to South America. Both of these plants have proved essential to indigneous peoples for centuries, and especially during the pandemic.
CHANCA PIEDRA – “STONE BREAKER”
The indigenous people of the Amazon have used chanca piedra (aka Stone Breaker) for centuries to promote the body's natural elimination of liver, gallbladder, and kidney stones. It also stimulates the liver to purge itself of harmful toxins and foreign particles. Chanca Piedra boosts immunity, bile production, soothes the liver and overall digestive system, and may inhibit the formation of calcified stones in the body. Chanca Piedra is employed in the Amazon by indigineous peoples for numerous other conditions, including colic, diabetes, malaria, dysentery, fever, flu, tumors, jaundice, vaginitis, gonorrhea, and dyspepsia. Based on its long documented history of use in the region, the plant is generally utilized to reduce pain, expel intestinal gas, address excessive bloating, stimulate metabolism, assist digestion, expel worms, and work as a mild laxative. [R]
PAU D’ARCO – BLOOD PURIFYING TREE
Pau D’Arco belongs to a very special family of trees called Taheebo, revered for thousands of years amongst indigenous peoples in South America. Pau D’Arco became well known in the west as a cancer-fighting tree, along with exhibiting anti-candidal (yeast-fighting) properties. It contains several chemical compounds that have received great recognition, such as naphthoquinones, specifically lapachol and beta-lapachone. Naphthoquinones display very significant pharmacological properties – they are cytotoxic; they have significant antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Lapachol, specifically, is a strong anti-inflammatory known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties; and the ability to fight parasitic diseases, lower bad cholesterol, and even aid in weight loss.
The taheebo tree species has been successfully used to fight bacterial and yeast infection. The great aspect about Pau D’Arco and other trees is that it has proven to impede the overgrowth of several strains of malignant gut bacteria. Yet it’s important to note that, in all studies, Pau D’Arco did not harm bacteria that are part of the normal healthy gut flora, such as various Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains [R]. Together with antibiotics, beta-lapachone could combat hard-to-treat bacteria resistant to most antibiotics (MRSA) in test tube studies [R].
How do you take these tinctures/powders? What do you personally like to mix them with?
They can be enjoyed in several ways. The powders can be enjoyed as a tea, in a latte with plant-based milk, added into smoothies/juices, salad dressings, and any food that feels particularly “right.” Servings are detailed on the packaging itself, and below is the basic daily protocol we recommend. You can take this intensively, as in 7-14 days straight, with your preferred dietary routine. These herbs and protocols can be shaped into any chosen diet or cleanse.
This is the general flow I adhere to for an intensive cleanse:
There are many, but let’s discuss two botanical treasures native to South America. Both of these plants have proved essential to indigneous peoples for centuries, and especially during the pandemic.
CHANCA PIEDRA – “STONE BREAKER”
The indigenous people of the Amazon have used chanca piedra (aka Stone Breaker) for centuries to promote the body's natural elimination of liver, gallbladder, and kidney stones. It also stimulates the liver to purge itself of harmful toxins and foreign particles. Chanca Piedra boosts immunity, bile production, soothes the liver and overall digestive system, and may inhibit the formation of calcified stones in the body. Chanca Piedra is employed in the Amazon by indigineous peoples for numerous other conditions, including colic, diabetes, malaria, dysentery, fever, flu, tumors, jaundice, vaginitis, gonorrhea, and dyspepsia. Based on its long documented history of use in the region, the plant is generally utilized to reduce pain, expel intestinal gas, address excessive bloating, stimulate metabolism, assist digestion, expel worms, and work as a mild laxative. [R]
PAU D’ARCO – BLOOD PURIFYING TREE
Pau D’Arco belongs to a very special family of trees called Taheebo, revered for thousands of years amongst indigenous peoples in South America. Pau D’Arco became well known in the west as a cancer-fighting tree, along with exhibiting anti-candidal (yeast-fighting) properties. It contains several chemical compounds that have received great recognition, such as naphthoquinones, specifically lapachol and beta-lapachone. Naphthoquinones display very significant pharmacological properties – they are cytotoxic; they have significant antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Lapachol, specifically, is a strong anti-inflammatory known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties; and the ability to fight parasitic diseases, lower bad cholesterol, and even aid in weight loss.
The taheebo tree species has been successfully used to fight bacterial and yeast infection. The great aspect about Pau D’Arco and other trees is that it has proven to impede the overgrowth of several strains of malignant gut bacteria. Yet it’s important to note that, in all studies, Pau D’Arco did not harm bacteria that are part of the normal healthy gut flora, such as various Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains [R]. Together with antibiotics, beta-lapachone could combat hard-to-treat bacteria resistant to most antibiotics (MRSA) in test tube studies [R].
How do you take these tinctures/powders? What do you personally like to mix them with?
They can be enjoyed in several ways. The powders can be enjoyed as a tea, in a latte with plant-based milk, added into smoothies/juices, salad dressings, and any food that feels particularly “right.” Servings are detailed on the packaging itself, and below is the basic daily protocol we recommend. You can take this intensively, as in 7-14 days straight, with your preferred dietary routine. These herbs and protocols can be shaped into any chosen diet or cleanse.
This is the general flow I adhere to for an intensive cleanse:
Early AM:
Drink 1 tsp Mangosteen-Hibiscus in a cup of warm water, with 1/4 tsp Curam Elixir, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Before Any Meal:
Drink your Amargo Bitters (about 30 minutes prior) to increase bile production. (2-3x per day total) Think of this as your booster – anytime you're about to eat a meal, or drink a heavier smoothie/juice if you're on a juice cleanse.
Late AM:
Into a green smoothie or juice, blend 1 tsp of Liver Vitality per 16 oz of juice or smoothie. If you're an experienced cleanser, you can double that amount for a stronger dose.
1-2 Hours After Lunch:
Drink 1 tsp of Viridem Elixir.
Mid-Late Afternoon:
In a decaffeinated chai, or your choice of warm latte or tea, incorporate 1 tsp of Pau D'Arco. It's particularly tasty and effective when combined with aromatic and digestive chai, and very effective when coupled with digestive and aromatic plants like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger.
Evening Tea:
Add 1/4 tsp of Chanca Piedra into your choice of evening tea. It works wonderfully with soothing and gentle herbs such as Tulsi, Rose, Fresh Ginger, Dandelion Root, Burdock, Chamomile, etc. Optional: add 1/4 tsp Curam Elixir.
*Depending on how you're feeling that day, you can substitute Pau D'Arco for your evening tea, and Chanca Piedra for afternoon tea.
*Depending on how you're feeling that day, you can substitute Pau D'Arco for your evening tea, and Chanca Piedra for afternoon tea.
How might one expect to feel after using your kit?
The herbs within the kit assist in both cleansing and mineralization. You might feel less bloated, lighter (mentally and physically), more energized, experience sustained energy, smoother digestion, and a stronger immune system. When I drink these liver- and gut-cleansing herbs I feel more emotionally grounded (hello gut love!) and at peace.
Other ways in which we can detox on a daily basis:
I'm a big believer in intuitive eating. Yet, there is a fine line regarding habitual craving vs real cravings that can prove deeply nourishing. Ongoing cleanses help us to reset the body and palate, to find the blueprint that aligns with your intuitive decisions. For me, ongoing cleansing means integrating cleansing and mineralizing herbs into at least one meal a day. For example, I like having chia bowls in the morning with Liver Vitality Greens, accompanied by a warm chai with Pau D'Arco. Another delicious and nourishing cleansing ritual that's easy to integrate into everyday-ness is 1 tsp of Mangosteen Hibiscus in a cup of warm water with fresh lemon juice.
What are 3 goals/intentions you set for the New Year?
1. Spend quality time with myself.
2. Finding new forms of joy
3. Play the sitar again!
The herbs within the kit assist in both cleansing and mineralization. You might feel less bloated, lighter (mentally and physically), more energized, experience sustained energy, smoother digestion, and a stronger immune system. When I drink these liver- and gut-cleansing herbs I feel more emotionally grounded (hello gut love!) and at peace.
Other ways in which we can detox on a daily basis:
I'm a big believer in intuitive eating. Yet, there is a fine line regarding habitual craving vs real cravings that can prove deeply nourishing. Ongoing cleanses help us to reset the body and palate, to find the blueprint that aligns with your intuitive decisions. For me, ongoing cleansing means integrating cleansing and mineralizing herbs into at least one meal a day. For example, I like having chia bowls in the morning with Liver Vitality Greens, accompanied by a warm chai with Pau D'Arco. Another delicious and nourishing cleansing ritual that's easy to integrate into everyday-ness is 1 tsp of Mangosteen Hibiscus in a cup of warm water with fresh lemon juice.
What are 3 goals/intentions you set for the New Year?
1. Spend quality time with myself.
2. Finding new forms of joy
3. Play the sitar again!
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