A Gentle Spring Cleanse

by Anna Werderitsch, L.Ac.
April 20, 2008

Spring is here, and in brighter bloom than we have seen in the last two years! The rains have given much needed moisture to the earth and nourishment to dormant seeds. In relating this season to our bodies, spring becomes a perfect time to nourish our own seeds...

Our energy bursts forth to the surface, much like sprouts breaking through the dirt. Suddenly we have energy to embark on new projects. In terms of fertility, our eggs may be ready to sprout new life as well.

With this extra energy, we need to eat lighter and take in what the earth is providing during this season, specifically adding in more greens and sprouts.

We can eat a bit more raw food at this time, for our digestive energy is strong enough to handle it. The body is building yang energy (and heat) as the light of day increases, and temperatures rise. We can be more active-taking in the fresh air, the green hills, the extra sunlight...

Spring time is a perfect time to cleanse, which can mean simply changing foods, rather than fasting. It's a time for eating lighter and decreasing heavy meats, breads, sauces and having less sugar.

At this time of the year, we recommend Beuler's Broth (see below); a light, cooling green soup that is easy to digest, cleansing to the blood, and alkaline for the body-all of which decrease inflammation and toxins.

Beuler's Broth

(Cleansing, alkalizing, reduces inflammation, and helps with weight loss---
especially if you limit refined carbs.)

Equal parts:

• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Celery - cut to ½" pieces to prevent "strings"
• Parsley

Optional:

• 1 clove garlic
• 2 slices ginger
• Kombu seaweed
• Kale, collards, dandelion, spinach, cilantro

Cover chopped veggies with water. Bring to a boil then turn to medium heat.
Cook until veggies are very soft.
Blend in the blender until smooth.
Serve with soy sauce or sea salt and/or a spoonful of olive oil.

** Can eat for breakfast with an egg, with brown rice for lunch, with fish for dinner**