Spring Foods In the Chinese 5-element tradition spring is associated with wood and the color green (think plants coming to life). Itıs also associated with the liver and gall bladder organs. Those organs, especially the liver, are used to help detoxify the body. Just as you might do some spring-cleaning around your home, you can also do spring cleaning of your body by eating foods that can facilitate internal cleansing. In spring it is best to limit salty foods because salty is the flavor for winter and it tends to bring energy down. Pungent and sweet flavors are good flavors to use in the spring because they have expansive and rising qualities, which mirror what is happening in nature in springtime. Herbs such as basil, fennel, rosemary and marjoram fall into this category, as well as whole grains and legumes. Fresh young carrots, beets, new potatoes and other starchy vegetables are also good spring foods. Instead of slow cooking, try stir-frying or lightly steaming your food in the spring. This way the foods will retain their spring freshness. Back to Different Drummer Acupuncture Portland Newsletter Index |
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