According to Traditional Chinese medicine, Spring is the season of the liver and Gallbladder. These organs are in charge of regulating a smooth and soothing flow of energy throughout the whole person (body and mind). They are prone to congestion (aka “stagnation”) because most people take in too many poor quality fats, denatures foods, chemicals, medications and intoxicants.
What can happen when there is “stagnation“and the liver and gallbladder energy isn’t flowing properly? We can feel irritability, PMS, depression, insomnia and an inability to make decisions and lead. We can also become more susceptible to problems like muscle pulls and strains, joint pains and headaches when the energy is out of balance. Here are some more tips to stay healthy and keep your liver and gallbladder in the flow.
- Spring is associated with the color green, so make sure you eat more greens, grasses, micro algae, spirulina, parsley, kale, collard greens, and other chlorophyll rich foods in order to accelerate liver rejuvenation.
- Upon awakening, before that first cup of tea or coffee, drink warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or try a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and raw honey to detoxify the liver and gallbladder.
- Drinking mint tea throughout the day is another remedy for soothing liver qi (energy), especially if you are experiencing irritability, frustration or notice frequent sighing.
- Avoid heavy foods ie. dairy, fried foods, poorly sourced meats or large amounts of nuts or nut butters .
- Add more moderately pungent foods like green onions, garlic, ginger, watercress, turmeric, basil, cardamom, marjoram, cumin and fennel into your diet. These help to ease the transition into spring when the erratic weather changes make us more susceptible to colds, flus, allergies and acute illness. They powerfully boost the immune system.
- Eat more raw foods, sprouted grains and seeds. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, beets and turnips are also beneficial according to Chinese medicine.
- Increase foods with slightly bitter quality , as these can help clear heat an inflammation in the liver. Rye, romaine lettuce, asparagus, amaranth, quinoa, radish leaves, citrus peel, dandelion chamomile, milk thistle, seeds, and Oregon grape root all have liver balancing and cleansing properties. Include these in your diet on a regular basis if you are prone to springtime allergies characterized by itchy red eyes, post nasal drip and/or sneezing. These foods help with other types of inflammation, such as red, swollen joints.
- Eat more sour foods- lemon, grapefruit, lime, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar.
Making these seasonal changes and living in accordance with nature will greatly enhance and benefit your health in many ways.
The ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine is still relevant in our modern time. Here’s to a healthy Spring!
Love & Light
Kathleen Kenneally