In spring, The Earth awakens from winter and new life bursts forth. In nature, this energy is represented by saps rising and blossoms bursting. In the body, similar energies propel humans out of their winter cocoons to take part in new ideas, growth and activities. We can feel drawn to spend more time outdoors.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the wood element and its organs, the liver and gallbladder. A healthy liver is like a young sapling, growing strong yet flowing and flexible. The liver controls the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body. If there is an imbalance in the liver, its related symptoms such as allergies, eczema, migraines, irritability, PMS and digestive issues are more prevalent during spring. 

In spring, those that feel worse often have congested livers because in the winter, the natural tendency is to be less active mentally and physically during a period of restoration. However, in excess it can create sluggishness and impair the liver’s detoxification processes. No matter if someone lives in cold Alaska or sunny Florida, the key to stay healthy during spring is liver cleansing.

These spring herbs are both food and medicine. Each herb has its unique action, and when combined, offer the perfect support to cleanse and revitalize the liver.

Spring Herbal Tonic Recipe

1 Tbsp nettle leaf

1 Tbsp dandelion root

1 Tbsp burdock root

1 Tbsp red clover flowers

1 Tbsp lemon balm leaf

Water

Place the dandelion and burdock roots in a sauce pan with 1 quart of water. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Turn off the stove and move the pan off the hot burner. Add the remaining herbs and keep covered for another 20 minutes. Strain. Drink three to four cups daily. Herbs can be purchased from reputable companies such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals.

Nettles (Uritica dioica) is an excellent nutritive tonic high in protein, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, C and K. It reduces allergies and excess dampness, and stagnation that often accumulates during winter.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, folate, copper, manganese, vitamins C, A, E, K and B6. It cleanses the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, helps detoxify the blood and reduces inflammation.

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and folate. This herb helps improve the function of both the gallbladder and the liver by aiding the secretion of bile from the gallbladder and increasing the processing of oils by the liver.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is also a nutritive tonic with many nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, chromium, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, thiamine and vitamin C. It helps clear lymphatic congestion and gently improves blood circulation.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) An antiviral, mild sedative and calming herb added to soothe the liver, is very high in antioxidants.

Carmen Portner is a clinical herbalist. For more information, call 239-688-4585, visit HolisticHarmonyLLC.com or follow @HolisticHarmony.herbs.