It is that time of year for cleaning out all the cobwebs, reorganizing the closet, vacuuming under the couch – all the spring cleaning duties that make our homes and lives feel fresh and light. The same holds true for the body. Springtime is analogous with the liver element, who is the emperor of detoxification, and is especially responsive to purging toxins this time of year. You can help your liver accomplish this important task with some simple herbal remedies. Meet the plants responsible after the jump!
Pu Gong Yin – Dandelion (pictured above)
Pu Gong Yin is the same plant often referred to as an “inconvenient weed” (or, Dandelion) that sprouts up in the middle of gardens or sidewalk cracks. The resiliance of this plant to grow in the most obscure of places is part of the signature of use in medicine. It has an innate ability to dredge through obstacles like cement and toxins like runoff exhaust and other chemical waste, in order to flourish.
The leaves of the dandelion plant are wonderful liver detoxifiers and help promote healthy liver function, release gallstones, support digestion, reduce inflammation, treat viruses, promote urination and clear acne from the skin.
This herb can be used as food as well, and is often found in supermarkets and farmer’s stands. The plant leaves are potent sources of Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin A and Calcium. Many people enjoy sauteing fresh dandelion greens or adding a bunch to a spring salad. Fresh leaves can also be steeped in hot water to make a nourishing tea. Because dandelion can grow in toxic places, it is best not to consume or harvest dandelions from lawns that aren’t specifically trying to grow the plant.
In Chinese Medicine, Pu Gong Yin (dried Dandelion) is used more in cases of severe heat toxicity. That is, clearing viruses and infections from the system. It is an especially common herb for relieving (and preventing) post-partum mastitis as it clears heat trapped in the liver channel, which runs through the breasts.
Pu Gong Yin can be taken in whole plant form, as tea or in a formula.
Qian Ma – Nettle
Nettle is another common plant that can be found on the tincture shelves in most health food stores, as well as sold fresh at the farmers market in the springtime. The plant itself is often referred to as “stinging nettle” as the plant is equipped with little hairs that release an acid and literally sting the skin when handled. Cooked and cleaned, the sting goes away making this plant a great addition to stir-frys, salads or pesto.
Nettles are most commonly used in the Western Materia Medica, and are said to be great liver detoxifyers and nervines (anxiety reducers). The plant contains a large amount of protein, and is also a great source for trace minerals, iron and fats. Nettles can ignite the liver function to propel toxins out of the body, in addition to nourishing deficiencies like fatigue or anemia. Nettles are also key in the removal of uric acid from the body, relieving Kidney Stones, Eczema, Skin Rashes and Gout.
While Nettles have a less prominent place in Chinese medicine, they are said to Drain Dampness through the Urine, Cool the Blood and Release Toxic Heat through the Pores. In short, Qian Ma (Nettle) clears out toxicity from many avenues. Because of this strong clearing function, it is important to take care in not consuming too much, especially if there is a constitutional deficiency. An interesting post on the use of Nettles in classical Chinese Medicine can be found here.
Nettles can be used in whole plant form as food, in tea or tincture.