As Winter’s ice breaks up and currents begin to flow, the waters of Spring nourish new growth.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, fertility, conceiving new ideas, and laying the groundwork for things to come. It is a time to restore health, to build new relationships, to express our emotional truths, to expand on current projects and to plant seeds that may one day come to fruition.
Spring is a new beginning – the time of year to “rise early with the sun” and take brisk walks, which are Yang activities, reflecting the ascending and active nature of Spring. The sight of the green color of tender young plants nourishes the soul through the eyes – our vision becomes clearer and things are seen in new ways. This is a time for connecting with your true nature and giving attention to self-awareness and self-expression.
Spring is the season to attend to the liver and gallbladder according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Spring we naturally eat lighter foods and less quantity to cleanse the body of the fats and heavy foods of Winter. The diet is generally the lightest of the year and contain foods which emphasize the yang, ascending, and expansive qualities of Spring – young plants, fresh greens, sprouts, and green juices.
Fill your plates with these Springtime gems to support your liver and gallbladder:
- Alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, cucumber, fennel, kale, lettuces, mushrooms, mustard greens, radish, rapini, romaine lettuce, watercress
- Onion, garlic, leek, shallots
- Basil, bay leaf, cardamom, marjoram, cumin, fennel, dill, ginger, parsley, black pepper, rosemary, turmeric
- Sprouted quinoa, mung beans and lentils are ideal at this time. Amaranth, millet, rice and rye are also helpful at this time
- Beets, carrots, rutabaga, turnip
- Blackberries, cherry, dark grapes, grapefruit, huckleberries, limes, lemon, peach, raspberries, strawberry,
- Seaweeds, spirulina, chlorella, blue-green algae, apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses & honey in small amounts
- Chamomile, citrus peel, dandelion root, green tea, lemon balm, licorice, milk thistle, mints, nettle
Salty foods such as soy sauce, miso and sodium-rich meats all have a strong component of sinking energy and are best limited during Springtime.