spring nourishment
With the arrival of Spring our focus starts to move from being inward to being outward and aware of the changes in our environment. We can feel the rhythms changing. We can hear the birds and the insects coming to life. It is a time of fertility & new beginnings.
We can support this awakening and outward motion of energy with herbs and nutrition. Let’s have a look!
Increasing your Greens & Eating lighter foods
With the warmer weather we tend to make lighter food choices. We naturally pair these lighter foods with salads. We intuitively make these choices which increase our nutrient intake and digestion & elimination pathways.
Increasing our bitter greens before a meal will signal to our bodies to produce and release digestive enzymes that will make the processing of your meal more comfortable. In addition, they will provide healthy fibers that will feed your good gut bacteria. Bitter greens can include mesclun salad, kale, arugula and fresh dandelion leaves. This small practice may help to reduce feelings of bloating after meals and help with better nutrient absorption.
Swedish bitters is an old European blend of herbs used to promote and support healthy digestion. You may be travelling over spring and not have access to bitter greens. You can use Swedish bitters 10-30mins before your meal.
Now would be a good time to notice when foods are leaving you bloated, gassy, having reflux, indigestion or cramping to make a note. Reducing or removing these will support healthier digestion.
Salad Greens
Water & Herbal teas
Dehydrated cells are not able to do their job very well. This includes being able to metabolism and remove waste. You may like to add fresh herbs to your water such as some Kawakawa leaves for a bit of a bite, or some fresh lemon. However you can get yourself to drink water - do that. When the body is extremely dehydrated, to converse water, you can lose your sense of thirst. So, if you do not feel thirsty it is a sure sign that you need to drink more water.
Herbal teas are a nice way to increase your fluid intake. You can have them hot or cold. You can use fresh herbs or dried herbs. Pick your favourite herb and take it with you in your day - hot or cold in a flask or drink bottle.
Dandelion Root (liver)
Dandelion Root and Burdock
Dandelion Leaves (kidney)
Nettle
Spearmint or peppermint
Green Tea
Note: Coffee and Tea will add to dehydration.
Dandelion leaves & flowers
Movement
In line with springs awakening energy, increasing our daily movement supports energy moving outward. With the starting of longer days, we have more time to get outside and move. This allows us to breathe in the spring air, take in the changes of spring and connect with nature.
Moving your body will increase the flow of blood and lymph which will support your body in removing and clearing toxins. Your body will feel clearer, lighter and more relaxed. You may like to include walking or intuitive gentle stretching.
Loving your Liver
Spring is when a lot of people will want to “detox their liver”. Your liver has many jobs, but one of the main ones is detoxification. I feel that the liver needs nourishment so that it can continue with all of its processes.
Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum
Milk Thistle is the herb that supports your liver on a deep level. It helps to protect the hepatocytes against toxic damage, aiding in the cells ability to regenerate. Milk thistle has been shown to reduce free radical damage, with its high antioxidant properties. It offers digestive support with increased bile production which aids in fat metabolism.
Silymarin, the active constituent of Milk Thistle, is not easily extracted in water preparations. Having a standardized extract in tincture or capsules will give you a therapeutic dose. Having Milk thistle as a tea will offer the gentle digestive support.
Milk Thistle an herb that is protective and resilient. She helps you to release what is stagnant or feels like a burden, helping to restore flow and vitality. Her qualities can help you to strengthen your inner boundaries. Having good inner boundaries will help you with working through anger and repressed emotions that can be stored in the liver, causing heat and stagnation. You will better be able to know what your own limits are and not overextend yourself, reducing feelings of stress or resentment. You will likely not be drawn to behaviors that create heat and stagnation in the liver, such as consuming highly saturated fatty or sugary foods & drinking high levels of alcohol. Having a liver that is cool and comfortable allows for stable nervous system & digestive flow.
Milk Thistle flower
NAC - N-Acetyl Cysteine
NAC will work in synergy with Milk Thistle. NAC helps to support the pathways within the liver that are detoxifying. It’s a precursor for glutathione - a protective antioxidant & supports phase II detox pathway. Where milk thistle strengthens boundaries and protects liver tissue, NAC works inside the cells — cooling liver heat, easing emotional pressure, and supporting the release of stagnation.
Spring is a time when the body wants to move, clear and flow. By supporting your liver, digestion, hydration and movement - you are creating conditions that naturally allow for this renewal to happen with ease. As you move through this season, release what has been stagnant, reconnect with your outside environment and move into the new beginnings that spring offers.
