Written by LINDSEY METRUS
Reviewed by BROOKE ALPERT
UPDATED APR 11, 2021

In Ayurveda (an ancient holistic wellness practice used to treat several conditions), ama (toxins) are thought to be the root cause of disease. In order to maintain health and balance, you need to periodically remove these toxins from your system.

How do you know if you have toxins? Kiera Nachman, founder of Nao Ayurveda says they manifest themselves in the form of a thick white coating on the tongue, sluggishness after eating, foggy thinking, or joint and muscle aches. 

Shrankhla Holecek, Ayurvedic expert and UMA Oils founder, adds that in Ayurveda, toxic cleansing is the first step in any treatment—"be it for acne or depression." And while Holecek says Panchakarma is the "crown jewel" of ayurvedic detoxes (and can sometimes include a 5- to 7-day stay in a facility, therapeutic vomiting, and oil enemas), she loves that there are a ton of daily detox practices you can do yourself at home that aren't nearly as intense as, erm, inducing vomit. 

Below, Holecek and Nachman share their favorite ancient Ayurvedic detox treatments you can easy incorporate into your routine. Keep scrolling for their tips!

Mouth Detox

"Our tongues can become notorious hotbeds for bacteria accumulation if not cleaned properly," says Holecek. "Ayurveda recommends tongue cleaning morning and evening, ideally with a scraper. When you can, practice oil pulling—this is amazing for your teeth and gums and a surefire way to really pull deeply embedded toxins out. Swish coconut or sesame oil around your mouth and spit out into a cup (avoid spitting into the drain!). I do it in the shower to save me time."

Dry Brush

Using a body brush with vegetable bristles, Holecek recommends starting at the ankles and dry brushing your skin in circular motions toward the heart to stimulate limbic drainage. After showering, follow up with UMA Oils Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil ($90) to hydrate and nourish the skin. 

Drink Up

Holecek says to start your day with a warm cup of water and squeezed lemon. This is meant to help kick-start your digestive system and rid the esophagus of toxins that have built up overnight.

Use a Natural Face Wash

"Sub honey for facewash in the morning for a beautiful face detox," Holecek says. "You don't need a pH-disturbing soap wash if you cleanse well at night, and honey, with its deeply anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, can deliver hydration and glow. I layer a spoonful on before jumping into the shower. Let the steam go to work, and as the last step in my shower, I remove it with a clean, warm washcloth. I then do a quick final rinse with cold water. If you struggle with rosacea or eczema, this might just change your life!"

Regulate

Holecek says triphala is a natural antioxidant that's very celebrated in Ayurveda, which helps with bathroom regularity, digestion, and the absorption of nutrients.