Springtime Wellness

​As we move into spring, any congestion and accumulations that have built up over winter begin to be shifted out of storage, ready for elimination. This requires our detoxification and elimination systems to be operating in top order for this process to happen smoothly. If these systems are sluggish, accumulations can build up and our detoxification and immunity can become taxed. This results in lowered resistance to infections while at the same time being over reactive to allergens - manifesting as seasonal hay fever, eczema, colds and flu. To support your body to transition into spring with ease, the following suggestions can be helpful. For individualised support, you can book here for health consultation.

Eat seasonally
Make the most of the luscious greens that are abundant at this time of year. Green leafies are the most cleansing of all veggies, especially ones with a bitter or spicy flavour. These enhance detoxification and reduce inflammatory allergic reactions. Try puha, kale, endive, mizuna, dandelion leaves or root (as food or tea), watercress, chickweed, rocket and parsley 

Lighten the load
Reduce congestion by having less heavy, dense, sweet and cold foods such as ice cream, fried food and excessive meat, fat and dairy

Optimise digestion
Most of our immune system resides in our gut, and it is a major system for removing toxins and wastes. Reduce the load on digestion by having easily digested food such as steamed veggies and soups. Eat when you are actually hungry, and try smaller meals, filling up on lots of fibre rich fruit and veges. Include warm water with a pinch of ginger between meals and natural digestive aids as suits your needs, such as fenugreek, cumin and cinnamon in meals, seasonal radishes, nasturtium leaves and flowers and ginger and turmeric lattes
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Eat a rainbow
Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that support our immunity and reduce inflammation. Enjoy plenty of dark leafy greens, lemons, oranges and grapefruit, berries, beetroot, carrots. Nasturtium and Calendula flowers are excellent bright coloured remedies for colds and hay fever, eat flowers in salads or as tea 

Get your body moving
Stimulate and support detoxification by including aerobic exercise into your day, morning time is ideal for detoxification. Walking in nature is a wonderful option.

Herbal allies for cleansing
The following herbs are generally safe and excellent for supporting spring cleansing, please check with your health practitioner if you have specific health needs. Milk thistle, Dandelion root and leaf, Globe artichoke, Kawakawa, Cleavers, Chicory root, Nettle, Turmeric, and Ginger. They can be prepared as juices (eg fresh Nettle or Cleavers), medicinal infusions (hot or cold for cleavers), herbal vinegars and added into soups and smoothies (Turmeric, Ginger, Nettle).