As we look around us, we see buds emerging on fruit trees and green sprouting vegetables sending their shoots skywards. This is the time to focus on the benefits of eating foods which have a relationship to the season. In early spring try cabbage, sweet potato, carrot & beetroot. As the weather warms, move to mint, sweet rice, mushrooms and peas as additional foods. Use gentle, warming pungent foods (fennel, oregano, grains, legumes and seeds) which are particularly good for spring health, stimulating the circulation and qi.

Spring is the high time for the liver & gall bladder, and they are easily affected by windy weather conditions. Wind can appear quickly causing common colds, dizziness, cramps, itching and pains which come & go. On an emotional level, wind can cause depression, nervousness and inability to settle. Try eating oats, pine nuts, prawns, ginger, basil, then later in the season choose celery, mulberry & strawberry.

Paula West is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Ph 5499 9228 for  an appointment.