I think it's safe to say that spring has finally arrived here in the Bay Area. Yes, it's still a bit cold but there's no doubt that spring has sprung!
How do I know this?
The light has shifted, the blossoms are blooming and there is green garlic at the farmer's market!
In Chinese medicine, the organ associated with springtime is the liver. The liver is our main organ of detoxification? It is really an amazing organ.
Honestly, just having a human experience in our modern world is good enough reason to support your liver as a daily practice. But in case you need more convincing, here are some signs/symptoms that your liver could use some extra love:
Bloating
Nausea
Pain just under your right side rib cage
Constipation
Skin Breakouts
PMS
Seasonal allergies
Irritability and Anger
Our liver creates the building blocks for our sex hormones… estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It also breaks them down once they've done their job in our body so they can be eliminated. If this doesn't happen as it should, we then start to have hormonal symptoms like painful periods, breast tenderness, cyclical acne to name a few.
Happy liver = happy hormones = happy YOU!
One of the best places to start finding support for you liver is the farmers market!
I find going to the market this time of year is so inspiring. There are new seasonal offerings weekly and the grass fed butter this time of year becomes even brighter. The greens are tender and baby and as nature could only design it, there is a bounty of bitter greens go enjoy. Think tender arugula, nettles, asparagus and broccoli rabe.
Today, I want to highlight one specific superstar… one that is a little thorny and tough on the outside they tender and delicious at the heart.
I'm talking about the globe artichoke.
These guys are high is fiber and phytonutrients which make them healthy for the heart, the liver and digestive health.
They are known to increase bile production which helps with fat digestion and absorption (tip: if you have high cholesterol, it's good to get curious about how well you're digesting fats), and helps to remove toxins from the body.
They are so simple to make and they leave behind a tonic water that you may not know about but will soon!
Liver Lovin’ Artichoke1 large globe artichoke, rinsed, with the sharpest tips trimmed and stem cut down1 lemonFiltered water¼ - ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt, Redmonds real salt or other quality whole food saltHerbs - bay leaf, thyme, black pepper (use one, all or optional)
Place the artichoke in a saucepan, fill with water until the artichoke is half submerged. Add the herbs if using + salt to the water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Rotate the artichoke every 10 minutes or so. Artichoke is ready when outer leaves pull off without too much of a fight. Turn off the heat and remove the artichoke with tongs - squeezing excess water into the pan. Allow the artichoke to cool, dip the leaves in olive oil, ghee or butter, some lemon juice, and a little salt.
Artichoke Tonic WaterInstead of tossing the water, strain it into a mason jar and save it. Drink a few ounces a day. Your liver will love you for it!
I know that list of symptoms above is speaking to you.I can help you… Let's talk!Go to the Get Started page to schedule a free discovery call.
