Feeling Stressed? Spring Could be to Blame! + Recipe
Spring is Here!
Spring is a time of emergence, growth and regeneration. It is also the time of the Wood element in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Wood element governs the Liver and Gall Bladder. If these organs are in dysfunction (which is common in our society) you may feel the symptoms of these imbalances more so in the Spring. Problems may include:
- Feelings of stress, frustration, anger
- Joint and tendon problems or injuries
- Insomnia
- Eye problems- vision issues, dry eyes, floaters in vision
- Vertigo
- Hypertension
The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi, so to help move your qi you can:
- Exercise, stretch- get your body moving = get your qi moving!
- Do more outdoor activities: hiking, gardening
- Eat your greens (eat what is in-seasaon: greens, lettuces, peas, sprouts especially)
- Add lemon or lime to your water and tea. Citrus fruits and peels help to move your liver qi.
- Cut back on stimulants like coffee, tea, tobacco- and take advantage of the natural energy boost we get in the spring!
- Get some acupuncture!
Recipe for Spring Greens Pesto
---to move your liver qi!
Ingredients:
1/4-1/2 cup packed dandelion greens (to taste, they can be bitter)
1/2 cup packed carrot top greens
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 cup basil
1/4 cup raw walnuts (or other nut of your choice- I used pumpkin seeds)
1 cloves raw garlic
2 green onions
Zest of a lemon and 1 T of lemon juice (can substitute with a orange to cut some of the bitterness of the greens)
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
Pulse all, except oil, in food processor or blender. Once finely minced, slowly drizzle in oil until pesto is formed (a thin paste). Enjoy as dip, salad dressing or on top of grilled protein!
Fun additions/substitutions: Beet greens, cilantro, apple cider vinegar.
