I’m not one to normally follow herbal or ancient medicinal remedies, but after hearing about foot patches that detoxify your body while you sleep, I admit I was intrigued.

According to Footdetoxpatches.net, the patches are “used to naturally remove toxins from the body and promote a stronger immune system using reflexology and acupressure based on Chinese principle that has been used for over 1000 years.” The patches reportedly promote liver detoxification through reflexology and acupressure points in your soles. You wear the patches at night and when you wake up, they have turned black after absorbing bodily toxins. Although the initial result may be quite filthy, the patches are supposed to become lighter with each use. The color of the foot patches changes according to the condition of your health after sporting them every night for a set amount of time.

I bravely tried out the patches for three nights (a total of six patches) and although I didn’t experience the overall effect I was hoping for, it definitely was an interesting experience.

The first night I donned the patches I noticed a horrible smell, like old henna. I felt a tingling feeling at the bottom of my feet. I woke up in the morning and, probably because of the sweat, noticed my feet were glistening and moist. I also felt really hungry. I woke up feeling refreshed, but perhaps I just had the right amount of sleep the night before. The patches were almost entirely black.

By the second night, I had gotten used to the smell and the tingling. I also woke up hungry in the morning and didn’t feel any different from when I normally sleep nine hours. The patches were less black than those from the morning before. That must mean I had less toxins coming out. I just wish I felt significantly different.

The smell is old news by the last night. I didn’t wake up too hungry, but I just might have gotten used to the feeling by then. I only slept for five hours, so naturally I woke up feeling tired. Just like the previous day, the patches were less black than the night before. Although I still didn’t feel noticeably better.

The patches really didn’t do too much for me but who knows — they may offer different results for others. Many of the testimonials on the site show that they have worked for some people. After my experience though, I probably won’t invest in another six-pack.

photo courtesy of kiran alvi

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Behind water, tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide. Order a cup at just about any café — from a basic black tea with lemon or milk to a fruit-infused tisane — and you’ll find there is a brew to suit just about every taste. In addition to taste, several teas offer medicinal elements which can help soothe physical and mental stress. Some can even counteract the aging process and prevent diseases like cancer.

Here are just a handful of ancient and contemporary teas from the countless variety of tinctures currently available. Some stand alone and can be ordered or bought as described, while others are herbal teas and can be found in loose tea mixtures or added to traditional black or green tea.

Peppermint. Peppermint can be steeped and consumed on its own. The refreshing aroma promotes clear thinking and focus while soothing the digestive system — especially after a meal.

Ginger. Traded for over 4,000 years, this spice is known in many cultures as a preventative medicine against colds, flus and even hangovers.

Pu-erh Tea. This hand harvested tea is from the wild antique tree — some of which are hundreds of years old. It cleans the body of fat and toxins from meat and oily foods while promoting weight loss. It is often blended with ginger or peppermint to enhance the flavor.

Organic Dragonwell Tea. The most famous green tea in China is prized for its cooling and detoxifying powers.

Throat Tamer Tea. Found in many cafes under various names, this is a concoction of black tea combined with rich, sweet licorice root, slippery elm and wild cherry to calm inflammation in the throat and soothe soreness.

Keemun Mao Feng. Known as English Breakfast, this tea was one of the first to arise from the province Anhui in China after the process for making black tea was invented in the 19th century. Prior to that, Anhui only produced green tea. Like most black teas, it is believed to assist in lowering cholesterol and is good for the heart and arteries.

Chamomile. This flowery flavored tea has gained popularity for its potential to relax jittery nerves and help insomnia.

Rooibos. Pronounced “roy-boss” and originating from the mountains of South Africa, this all-natural tea has been recently touted as the next great natural health wonder. It is said to be anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Rooibos also is believed to contain the minerals copper and potassium as well as aid in the absorption of iron. Because it is 100% natural, some researchers insist it is safe for children to soothe colic and can even be added to breast milk.

The health benefits of all different tea types and their herbal counterparts are considered endless. So make time for tea each day and sip your way to a better body.

photo by kevin jaako

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