Spring Season — the Rise of Wood

Period

From around 4 February to 5 May

That’s a period of about 91 days

Spring corresponds to the Wood element and calls on the Liver, the organ that, in Chinese medicine, ensures the free circulation of Qi throughout the body. Like sap rising in the trees, this energy needs room to expand without being constrained: a “blocked” Liver often shows up as irritability, tension or migraines.

Seasonal foods

• Young shoots and spring greens (baby spinach, bamboo shoots, leafy tops)
• A small amount of sour flavour (lemon, a dash of mild vinegar) to tonify the Liver without irritating it
• Light green vegetables, radish, artichoke (traditionally used to help drain the Liver)
• Early-season fruit, eaten in moderation

Recommended cooking methods

Light, quick cooking — brief steaming, a fast wok stir-fry. Heavy fats, fried food and overly rich dishes are best avoided, as they tend to congest the Liver.

Seasonal herbal support

Dandelion (as a tea or in salad) is a classic of the spring “clean sweep”. Artichoke infusion and a touch of turmeric are also well suited to this season.

These are general principles of Chinese dietetics, to be adapted to your own individual constitution. A supplement or herb can interact with an ongoing treatment: always ask your doctor before starting any herbal remedy, particularly during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you are on long-term medication.