DRINK YOUR SUPER FOOD FOR SUPPORT THIS SEASON
I barely want to say it in fear of jinxing it, but…the snow has seemed to melt for the last time, days are not so grey, and I don’t have to pile on a million layers before going outside anymore. FINALLY, a glimpse of spring! And I am ready for it! Just like nature prepares to change seasons, so do our physical bodies, making necessary adjustments. As a practicing Foot Reflexologist, I inevitably observe the areas within the body that require additional care. As summer moves to fall and winter to spring, the need for seasonal support shows up year after year like clockwork. This got me thinking…as an herbalist, with 95 bulk herbs on hand; perhaps herbal infusions made specifically for each season would be in order. Hello!!!
Similar to my thinking, it is well known in traditional Chinese medicine that it is important to focus on organ systems by season. With this idea in mind, I began making herbal tea blends targeted to support the organs most vulnerable in the different months of the year. Spring is a time when the liver and gallbladder need support. During winter we tend to be less active and crave warming and usually richer, comforting foods. You know what I’m talking about- that creamy mac and cheese you want to eat while lying in bed, watching a movie? Yup, that’s your body syncing with what is happening around us. The digestive system seems to slow down as we hibernate and require more rest and down time. Everything in nature dies back too. We are not separate from this and can take our queues by following the earth’s rhythm and our natural instincts.
So when we consider springtime, everything is emerging and coming to life. Our bodies want to do that too. The liver, being the organ of focus for spring, performs over 500 functions, many of which include digestion and elimination. One can imagine why it may need some perking up! For this, I like to focus on fresh seasonal foods and herbs to achieve optimum results. Some examples would include leafy greens, asparagus and artichokes. There are many wild weeds that support us as well, like dandelion greens, chickweed and violet leaves. The liver and gallbladder love bitter flavors to get things moving. All that’s needed is a mouthful everyday to perk up and make the cells
dance! What would be easier than putting all those helpful herbs together in your favorite cup of tea? In our Spring Herbal Tea, herbs such as red clover blossoms, nettle leaf and burdock root are used, all of which gently cleanse the blood. This allows the liver to become more efficient in doing its job of eliminating toxic overload. Basically, it’s the perfect way to cleanse your body this spring season, by drinking the super foods your body needs most right now.
As spring approached (and I waited..and waited…and waited), I introduced the Spring Blend to my routine by alternating with the Winter Blend a few days a week. I’ve discovered through experience, that drinking the tea 2-3 weeks prior to and throughout the season helps the body to adjust more efficiently. Another huge benefit and maybe most importantly, is that after consuming a blend for 5-6 weeks, a tonic or long lasting effect can be experienced. The uptake of vitamins and minerals that are quickly absorbed by the body, as well as the specific herbs focusing on specific results, makes this a very effective healing choice. This is why I like to think of the herbal infusions as a super food that is economical and enjoyable to consume.
Drinking an herbal blend on a daily basis has become my family’s go-to ritual. You may not see results immediately, but over time, the results are undeniable. You just feel the difference every time. There are even visual differences you can notice in your hair, nails, and skin. Your body will thank you, so give it a try! There’s nothing to lose and only to gain. Enjoy!
Light & Love,
Kimberly
Staying Healthy 