Moving into Spring
By Terri L. Saunders

Spring is nature’s birthing season, when new life emerges from the quiet sleep of winter. As tender shoots begin to break through the soil into the warm light of the sun, we too feel the stirrings of seasonal change. What has been nurtured deep within us in winter comes to full bloom in spring, to be nourished by the summer sun and harvested in the autumn. Spring is a time for planting seeds and ideas, and for creating intentions for the year to come. In Chinese medicine, spring is the season of the Wood element, represented in the body by the liver and gall bladder. Like the tree, a healthy body is strong, yet flexible. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy in the body, and for cleansing and storing the blood. When aggravated by improperly digested food, accumulated toxic waste or anger (the emotion said to be stored in the liver), the liver becomes stressed resulting in muscle tension, headaches, allergies, colds, hormonal imbalance, stiffness and pain. Over time, the liver can become weakened, leading to anemia, chronic fatigue, depression and immune system deficiency.

Cleaning the blood and eliminative organs of impurities is a way of housecleaning, a traditional springtime ritual. This is an excellent time for partaking of nature’s spring tonics, such as fresh dandelion leaves, nettles, sorrel and watercress. These herbs strengthen the body by purifying the blood and providing nourishment to the liver. Barberry root is also an excellent herb for cleansing the liver and gallbladder, and hydrangea root is known for its ability to break up and dissolve gallstones and kidney stones. The "liver-gall bladder flush" is a favorite folk remedy for eliminating gall stones without surgery. This consists of juice fasting on apple juice for two days, taking cascara sagrada to increase bile flow, then drinking 1/2 cup of cold-pressed pure virgin olive oil and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice just before bed, lying on the right side to concentrate the remedy in the gall bladder. The next morning, after an enema, the colon may evacuate up to 100 gall stones, seen as bright green pea-sized cholesterol deposits!

Spring is an excellent time to cleanse the bowel which will relieve liver stress, improve digestion and provide relief from sinus and lung congestion. My favorite colon cleanse drink consists of aloe vera juice, liquid chlorophyll, hydrated bentonite (liquid clay), psyllium hulls and purified water or juice. Taken in the morning for six weeks with an herbal laxative such as cascara sagrada at night and acidophilus to restore good bacteria, this cleanse will energize and renew you for the increased activity of spring. Garlic, black walnut, wormwood and cloves can be added to cleanse the body of parasites. Parasites are more common than people realize, and are a major contributing factor in chronic fatigue, low immunity and most degenerative disease.

For hayfever, allergies, asthma, sinus congestion and cough, nature has given us mullein leaves, lobelia, horseradish root, yerba santa, fenugreek seeds, and wild cherry bark to cleanse mucus from the respiratory system. Remember that allergies, colds, fevers and flu are the body’s way of getting rid of toxic waste which usually originate in the bowel, therefore internal cleansing is the key to eliminating these annoying symptoms. We often experience illness when under emotional stress, so taking the time to relax and nurture ourselves is important during the spring acceleration. Aromatic salt baths with essential oils of lavender, sandalwood, rose or jasmine are wonderful at the end of a hectic day, and can help the body to detox through the skin. Spring blossoms yield flower essences for emotional balance, particularly essences that address the solar plexus such as dandelion, chamomile and yarrow.

Spring is also a time to introduce into our diet more fresh raw foods which are becoming more abundant during this time of year. The enzymes and phytonutrients in raw fruits and vegetables are essential to every metabolic function in the body, and are necessary for digestion, healing, and vitality. If possible, avoid a lot of fried, fatty foods that stress the liver and gall bladder.

Moving into spring is an exciting time of year. As the weather changes we are inclined to "spring" into action, however, allowing our bodies to adjust to the seasonal changes is important for maintaining health. Although the air is warmer now, our body’s inner fire is only beginning to rise from the depths of winter. Be sure to dress warmly, especially around the neck and shoulders, where spring winds can enter and chill. Exercise is important now for strength and flexibility, as in just a few months we will move into the fiery high-gear of summer. By attuning to nature and experiencing the many herbs each season has to offer, we can flow through the seasons in health and balance.

Terri L. Saunders is an Herbalist and Certified Natural Health Professional in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she does private consultations, telephone consultations, and classes on natural healing. She can be reached at Sunrise Herb Shoppe, a unique holistic resource center for cutting edge natural health products and books. For information call 1-804-984-2665, or visit our web site at www.sunherb.com , or e-mail at sunherb@sunherb.com .