As days lengthen and flowers begin to pop up out of the earth, it’s natural to feel a rush of renewed energy.
Spring is a great time to refresh from within by gently cleansing the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is considered the optimal time to support the liver and gallbladder. These two organs are essential in filtering out what no longer serves us. They promote renewal on a cellular level by clearing out accumulated waste and toxins.
Nourishing these essential detox channels can help us feel more energetic, clear and revitalized. Try the following herbs and lifestyle practices to support your body this Spring.
Disclaimer: Please be sure to consult with your health practitioner before adding any new herbs to your regimen.
Our Top Fortifying Herbs & Mushrooms
Milk Thistle Seed
Milk Thistle is used in herbal medicine to protect liver cells from inflammation and free radical damage. This herb is packed with flavonoids that stimulate the production of antioxidants. In TCM, Milk Thistle acts as a ‘coolant’ that keeps the liver from overheating. It supports the elimination of toxins and inflammation.
Burdock Root
Burdock is traditionally used for its purifying action on the blood, kidneys and GI tract. Burdock Root also strengthens the lymphatic system. This is a vital part of the body’s immune response and primary mechanism of waste removal. Considered a diuretic herb, Burdock helps flush waste from the body.
Cleavers
Much like Burdock, Cleavers act on the inner waterways of the body. This gentle herb supports the body in removing waste and toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system. It fortifies the kidneys, urinary tract, and skin to cleanse and detoxify.
Dandelion Root
This common “weed” is a well-loved bitter herb. While all parts of the plant can be used medicinally, Dandelion Roots contain vital nutrients and compounds. This root is traditionally used to kickstart liver and digestive function.
Chaga Mushroom
Also known as “The King of Mushrooms,” Chaga has a wide variety of active compounds that support the body. Many cultures have used Chaga to combat free-radicals and inflammation. This mushroom is packed with antioxidants that aid our internal cleansing systems.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
One of the most researched mushrooms in the world, Turkey Tail is full of valuable polysaccharides. This fungi has been shown to support a thriving gut microbiome and robust digestive system (1). When our bodies can properly flush out waste and toxins, we can spring forward with renewed energy.
Are you looking to refresh with these herbs in an easy and potent way? Click here to check out our Liver TLC Tincture, featuring Milk Thistle Seed, Burdock Root and Turmeric!
Spring Forward with Lifestyle Practices
We can celebrate this seasonal shift with simple practices that align us with nature’s rhythm.
Hydrate and Nourish
Add more leafy greens, fresh fruits and whole foods to meals. Drinking plenty of water and herbal tea alongside these nourishing foods will support the body in flushing out toxins.
Forage for Wild Herbs
Connect with nature by foraging for some of these featured herbs in your local forests! Keep sustainability in mind by knowing what you’re looking for and only taking what you need.
Plan Your Garden
Sow the seeds of vitality by growing your favourite herbs, fruits and veggies at home. Supporting your body from the ground up provides nourishment for the seasons to come.
Move Your Body
Boost energy and lymphatic health by adopting a daily movement practice you enjoy. Getting the heart pumping brings blood, oxygen and valuable nutrients to our organs to help them function optimally.
Click here to check out our Cleansing Wellness Collection to support your Spring renewal!
References
- Pallav, K., Dowd, S. E., Villafuerte, J., Yang, X., Kabbani, T., Hansen, J., … Kelly, C. P. (2014). Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes Versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers. Gut Microbes, 5(4), 458–467. doi: 10.4161/gmic.29558
