Fasting means more or less complete abstention from food for a certain time. In most strict fasts only fresh air and pure water and a strained, diluted fruit or vegetable juice may enter the mouth. Fasting can last as long as the body has enough nutritional reserves to sustain life and the normal function of all vital functions. Nowadays there are many forms of fasting that allow not only drinks but also food. We may eat only food low in energy, chosen so as to burden the digestion as little as possible.
The benefits or purposes of fasting vary. Fasting is one of the few successful natural methods of detoxification. It helps in treating metabolic diseases that originate in diet, helps to keep our physical and mental ability and to overcome dependence on medicines and stimulants, and at the same time fasting is the fastest, most favourable and safest method of losing excess kilograms. Careful preparation is important for fasting safely. People with more serious health problems should talk to their own doctor before starting to fast. You need to become familiar with how to fast correctly and with the problems that may arise. It is better not to fast at all than to fast wrongly.
During a fast it is advisable to drink 2 to 3 litres of fluid through the day at suitable intervals; the amount of fluid should suit your body weight and height. We can carry out all our work and tasks as normal, we need only avoid stress and excessive physical or mental work. During a fast you need to rest and sleep enough. The length of the fast can be adapted to your wishes and needs. A one-week fast, a one-day fast every week or a three-day fast every month is recommended.
In Father Simon Ašič's monastery Herbal Pharmacy we make various tea blends that are suitable for the time of fasting:
Lenten Tea
It allows evacuation without irritating the lining of the bowel, speeds up the metabolism and the excretion of water. It has a positive effect on poor condition of the blood, helps in cleansing the blood and in forming new blood cells.
Lenten Tea
Refreshing Tea
The tea blend is full of vitamin C, relieves tiredness, listlessness and pallor. In the cold, damp winter months it protects and strengthens very well against colds. It works as a mild diuretic and has a calming effect.
Refreshing Tea
Published: 3 March 2025
This answer is general in nature and does not replace a visit to the doctor. The products are foods or cosmetic products and do not replace medical treatment.
