Seasonal Eating: Springtime

As discussed in an earlier post about seasonal eating for winter, Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, has a holistic approach to healing. Part of that is recognizing that we, as living beings, are just one tiny part of the greater cosmic whole. Living our lives with an awareness and connectedness to the changes of our environment helps in resolving health concerns or simply maintaining general wellness.

Springing into Action

Spring is the season of the Wood element. The stage of development associated with Wood is birth/youth. Winter is about hibernation & looking inward with reflection; Spring is about new beginnings & outward expansion. The days are longer, the sun begins to warm the Earth, and nature responds accordingly. Keeping the Wood element in mind, tree branches reach upward and outward toward the sun, expanding their breadth. So too should we. This is an excellent time to shed old habits and replace them with new outlooks, new goals, and new opportunities. Even though New Years is marked by resolutions, from a TCM outlook, Spring is the time for fresh starts. 

Springtime is Liver Time

Each season is associated with corresponding organs. During Spring, the organ of interest is the Liver. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of Qi (energy), storing blood, and regulating emotions. It governs detoxification, so Spring is an ideal time to cleanse your body, mind, and spirit. But take it slow. Trees don’t bear fruit on the first day of Spring and we shouldn’t rush the Liver in its actions either. Take time to stop and smell the roses, as it were. 

Liver and Emotions

In TCM, the Liver is seen as the "General" who manages emotions. When functioning well, we feel assertive, flexible, and capable of planning. The emotions which are linked to an unbalanced Liver are frustration, irritability, depression, stress, and mood swings. But when the Liver is nurtured, especially during this season, the results are very different! With a balanced and happy Liver, you can expect the following:

• Having insight, a sense of purpose, and direction in life

• Artistic inspiration, strong intuition and innovative ideas

• Restful sleep, flexibility, and curiosity toward change

A Liver in Need of Support

Whether it is Spring or another time of year, if your Liver system is out of balance, it’s a good idea to restore balance through acupuncture treatments, dietary modifications, and employing the healing arts. Symptoms of imbalance of the Liver include:

• Stiff muscles, muscle cramps, headaches, migraines

• Depression, irritability, moodiness, feeling stuck, anger

• Nightmares, early morning wake ups (especially around 3 am)

• PMS, painful and irregular periods, low libido (all genders)

• Tics, tremors, dizziness

• Acid reflux, nausea, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea

• High blood pressure, red eyes and face, bitter taste in the mouth

Liver-Supporting Foods for Spring

Spring is associated with the colour green. Green coloured foods are especially important for balancing the Liver, but there are other important dietary recommendations to consider.

• Drink warm lemon water in the morning to stimulate the liver.

• Lightly cooking foods such as through steaming or stir frying, cooks the food enough to aid digestion without destroying vital nutrients. Excessive raw and cold foods can stagnate Liver qi.

• Try to avoid excessive alcohol, refined sugars, and fatty foods.

• Go for a soothing nature walk after meals.

Some foods to include are as follows:

• Green & Leafy Vegetables (Clear Liver Heat): Spinach, kale, broccoli, bok choy, celery, leeks, watercress, dandelion greens, and parsley

• Whole Grains (Strengthen Digestion): Brown rice, millet, barley, and quinoa

• Sour Foods (Nourish Liver Yin/Blood): Lemon, lime, vinegar (especially black vinegar), sauerkraut, green apples, and plums

• Liver Blood Nourishing: Goji berries, dark greens, black sesame seeds, beets

• Liver Qi Moving (Reduce Stress/Stagnation): Ginger, peppermint, turmeric, chives, garlic, basil, and rosemary

Herbal teas of green tea, dandelion root, chrysanthemum flowers, rose petals, milk thistle, licorice, peppermint, and ginger are a great way to get your Spring hydration while taking care of the Liver. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, have kidney, or liver disease when consuming dandelion root. 

Springtime Pesto Perfection

This is not just a feast for the eyes. The vibrant spring-green hue of this pesto is also a testament to its Liver-purifying properties! With its potential to detoxify and invigorate our systems, particularly the Liver, let’s gear up for Spring. 

1 cup basil

1 cup flat leaf or curly parsley

1 cup dandelion greens (arugula or baby spinach work great too) 

⅓ cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds

2 cloves of garlic

Juice and zest of 1 lemon (add more per taste)

¼ tsp salt (add more per taste)

¼ cup parmesan cheese (Vegan option ¼ cup nutritional yeast)

⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil

Method:

1. Wash and roughly chop your leafy greens.

2. Place all ingredients except the olive oil into a food processor and blend until they form a paste. Be sure to scrape down the sides. 

3. Slowly add the olive oil while continuing to blend. Taste along the way and adjust the seasoning as needed. 

4. Refrigerate for up to one week.

Serve this healthy and vibrant pesto with a variety of dishes including pasta, chicken, or fish. Try a warm salad of quinoa, steamed asparagus, and the protein of your choice tossed with this gorgeous pesto for a light lunch or dinner. It makes a delicious spread on toasted sourdough bread with thick slices of roasted veggies and mozzarella. 

Note: These are general recommendations and may not be appropriate for everyone. A TCM assessment with a licensed practitioner is recommended for suggestions best suited to you as an individual.

Learn More:

1. Qigong for Cleansing  Liver and Spleen 

2. Flowing into Spring

3. Healing with Whole Foods, By Paul Pitchford