Written by Julie Festa, L.Ac
As Spring expands its way slowly into Summer, Wood energy builds. Now more than ever it is high time to cleanse and fortify the Liver. The Liver wants to be relaxed. It wants to be the energy of ease while we meander towards our goals.
The Liver, in its greatest health, is not overly ambitious. It has plans, it has strategies, but its tactics even if direct, are very calm. They include the obstacles that come along in life; the Liver does not resist, but it yields, in its greatest health. In Chinese medicine, the Liver houses the soul, so remember that anything you do to nourish your Liver this month is also going to nourish your soul.
An excellent herb for the Liver that is readily available in almost any back yard or farmer’s market is fresh mint leaves. To soothe the Liver, clear the eyes, improve digestion and vision, and to vent wind-heat, try some fresh mint herbal tea. Gather the leaves from your garden or at the farmer’s market. Close your eyes and take in their delicious scent. Wash and boil mint leaves in filtered water for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength, for a delicious morning or afternoon spring drink.
