Springtime Digestion and Detox Organ Support
Spring is in the air, whether it's a brief ray of sun carrying with it the promise of warmth, or a breeze with a lingering hope of a lazy afternoon picnic, the season is shifting, and the body is following suit.Springtime is optimal for supporting the body's detox organs and giving the digestive system a bit of a break. The colder months are fading away, as is our need to insulate and hibernate. The body is built in a way that allows for natural cleansing to take place continually, however, these processes can be enhanced through proper food and herb choices. An intelligently designed, gentle program to inspire thorough elimination of wastes, resting and rebuilding can be just the thing that's needed to rouse you from your hibernation and invite your bright and sunny self to shine. For individual guidance, please contact me to set up an appointment.
Even though every body is unique, there are some general guidelines and considerations for spring time support. Think green, think bitter, and think lighter.
GREEN: Spring greens such as swiss chard, beet greens and dandelion greens are jam packed with essential nutrients such as beta-carotene, calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin C, as well as chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plant cells. Chlorophyll is considered a "blood builder" and "blood oxygenator" as it contains a similar structure to hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying protein found in blood.
BITTER: The bitter flavor is a useful stimulator of the digestive tract, inviting more digestive fluid secretions, balanced peristalsis, and encouragement of downward flowing energy, which is a good thing when it comes to digestion! The bitter flavor is also an effective liver supporter, one of our major detox organs. Herbs such as Dandelion root, Burdock root, Yellowdock root, and Milk Thistle seed are tonics best taken daily to enhance liver function. Burdock and Dandelion roots are also used as kidney medicine, and Yellowdock root for colon health.
LIGHTER: By consuming less food overall, coupled with an increase in consumption of more fruits and veggies, and depending on one's constitution, perhaps more raw, the digestive system can take some much needed R & R. As the colder months fade away, so does our need for our wintertime diet of rich, and warming foods.As the days grow longer and the diet transitions, pay attention to the qualities of the mind and subtle, or energetic body. When we tune in and appreciate the gifts of each season, we can find an easy rhythm of living throughout the entire year.
As always, please check with your practitioner or with me to consider any possible contraindications before beginning a new diet, supplement or herb protocol.