Spring Tonics for Cleansing Body, Mind and Soul
By Georgene Lockwood
Spring, the sweet spring, is the year's pleasant king;
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing,
"Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!"
Thomas Nashe
Well, we�ve all got it. Spring fever, that is. Happens every year. You�re ready to throw open the windows, get out the T-shirts and maybe even get your hands in the dirt. You're restless and frisky. The outdoors beckons, the earlier morning light bids some of us to rise sooner and we have the urge (however fleeting) to get rid of clutter and clean!
Well, your innards are asking for an ode to spring as well. Somehow Nature knows what�s best for us and provides us with just the foods and herbs that we need to do some internal spring cleaning. This is the time to cleanse and clear, the time to get rid of any of the stagnant influences of winter with its more sedentary
lifestyle and richer, heavier foods.
Spring Dietary Review
Now�s the signal to review your existing diet. Take stock. Ditch the junk food if you've gotten into that trap over the winter. Get rid of what doesn�t serve you and your health and bring some of the season�s early produce into the house. The liver is the target of spring tonics and the early spring diet, as well as the heart, kidneys, blood and digestive systems. The key word is "cleanse."
You might want to start with a simple fast. Just try one day for a start. For one day take no solid foods, just drink plenty of water and maybe some broth or tea; or do a fresh fruit and vegetable juice fast. You should check with a health care professional if you�re diabetic or have heart disease or any other special medical considerations.
Follow up your fast with lots of spring greens: dandelion, chickweed, sorrel, and nettle are the ones making their appearance around now.
Just make sure they�re gathered from an area far from well-traveled roads and that you�re assured they haven�t been treated with any chemicals. Spring mustards, watercress and early spinach are also great additions to the early
spring diet.