With the birth of the Spring Equinox coming, I am reminded of the elements and how they advocate for a healthy balance in the Traditional Chinese Element Theory. Nature shows that water grows wood, which feeds fire, which then decomposes into Earth and from there metal is formed. Spring is looked at as the element of Wood, which governs the liver, gallbladder, eyes and the tendons. It is associated with the emotion of anger and the taste of sour. The body fluid is represented as tears and the time of activity is 11pm to 3 am. The sound is represented as "shouting". The color is green and the direction is of the east.
   So we are asked in Spring to renew our spirits and bodies with a flush of natural energy. This means releasing the heaviness of the Winter. Adding more alkaline foods into the diet. Maybe eating a little lighter. Cleansing the body physically of accumulations with food and herbs. Releasing emotions like anger, irritability and tension that are no longer needed and resolving conflict.  Practices such as dry skin brushing and using essential oils on the skin will increase detoxification of the lymphatic system. This increases immunity and beauty. Using a neti pot will help to soothe allergies and sinusitis that can manifest in the spring. Herbal water and adding other fruits and vegetables to it will increase hydration and detoxification. 
   Plants like peppermint, cucumber, raspberries, oranges or other citrus like grapefruit will delight the senses and cleanse the body. Adding 1 tsp of apple cider to 1 tsp honey in a cup of water will help cleanse the body. Hot lemon water first thing in the morning is cleansing as well.
   Eating green foods high in chlorophyll is naturally energizing and detoxifying. Lemons and limes detoxify the liver and gallbladder, cleansing the lymphatic system as well. Apples, beets, spinach, parsley, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, artichokes, garlic, onions and ginger are all beneficial.
   Herbs such as dandelions, burdock, yellow dock, milk thistle, turmeric or mints. Essential oils for detoxification and springtime are lemon, limes, orange, rosemary, juniper, cypress, lemongrass, geranium, eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint, tea tree, chamomile and lavender. Stones like malachite are extremely healing from radiation and are physically detoxifying.
   Being outside in nature with your bare feet on the Earth is grounding and cleansing. Sitting at the base of a tree and absorbing the energy is extremely beneficial. Be sure to exercise as the lymphatic system has no pump like the heart and will need movement from you. Running, walking or bouncing on a ball will promote a surge of immunity. Use the power of water for healing and transformation. These are few natural tools for you that will add spring to your step this Spring! 

 Here are some of my recipes for your 

wild herbal Springtime heart! 

Love, Anne

Detox Tea Blend

2 Part Red Clover

1 Part Dandelion

1 Part Burdock

 Blend and use this root energy for cleansing strength. 

Lymphatic Massage Oil

2 oz. of Apricot Seed Oil

10 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

5 Drops Juniper Essential Oil

5 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil 

Massage to stimulate circulation, relaxation and detoxification. 

Apple Cider Bath

Add 1 to 2 cups of Apple Cider into the bath and this will draw toxins out and soothe the joints and tendons all while killing fungus and bacteria on the skin. Good for ailments such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candida, jock itch and dandruff. 

Dry Skin Brush Essential Oil Blend

2 Part Rosemary Essential Oil

1 Part Lavender Essential Oil

 Use a few drops of this blend on your dry skin brush for extra lymphatic stimulation and beauty.