Spring is a refreshing time of the year. As we begin to see and feel the warmth of the shining sun we also begin to see new life emerge. This is the time of year to start anew. For instance it is the perfect time to reassess and affirm those “new year’s resolutions.” Religion and politics changed the New Year to be celebrated in January, however traditionally the New Year was recognized in late March. Doesn’t that make more sense? Naturally, everything about spring represents fresh and new.  

While many of us eagerly begin our “spring cleaning” regime to rid our homes of the staleness of winter, spring is the season to cleanse our bodies as well.  As the earth’s temperature increases, our bodies are ready to shed the extra winter fat (in which, your body knows this fat is necessary to keep our bodies warm during the cooler months.)  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is especially the season to cleanse and support the liver and gall bladder.  This is the time of year these organs receive major energy allotments.

What does the liver do?

The liver cleans and filters blood, clears toxins from the body, breaks down chemicals, produces enzymes to help digest food, produces bile to emulsify and absorb fats, and regulates hormone and cholesterol production – it also balances sugars.  This organ plays an extremely important role in our overall body function.  An overtaxed liver can lead to a wide range of mental and physical ailments.

Should I Cleanse?

Anyone who experiences hormonal imbalances, a weak immune system, or a plethora of allergies should look to cleanse the liver.  For real.  I mean heck, we all could use a good liver cleanse.  In today’s world, the liver works HARD.  The liver can get overtaxed from eating poorly (overeating even healthy foods can be taxing), intaking drugs, alcohol, too many supplements/minerals, chemical-laden body products, and the things we inadvertently expose our bodies too; such as vehicle exhaust, outgassing from carpets, drapes and other manmade materials, herbicides and environmental chemicals.   

How to cleanse the liver?

The liver takes time to clean.  However, there are many steps we can take to support the liver.  Whether we choose to actively cleanse the liver by following a specific protocol, or simply choose to eliminate certain things from our diet and incorporate others that will nourish and support this workhorse of an organ, the following suggestions will make your liver (as well as the rest of your body) quite happy!

[NOTE:  It is strongly advised to do a good colon cleanse before cleansing the liver.  This will help you feel better during the liver cleanse.  Otherwise, if you happen to have a clogged colon, the toxins being released from the liver won’t be able to exit the body as easily and will continue to circulate through the blood – causing uncomfortable detox symptoms.] 

To best support the liver, eliminate:

*artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives

*alcohol

*drugs

*caffeine

*sugar

*insecticides and pesticides 

<<<Think as naturally as possible!>>>

A wonderful way to cleanse and support a healthy liver is to incorporate any of the following:

• raw or freshly juiced fruits and vegetables from each color group (visit Wise Journey Alchemy or find a local/organic juice bar near you!)
• root vegetables – high in minerals and very supportive to the liver
• a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats
• burdock and yellow dock herbs – liver cleansers
• The Master Cleanse
• coffee enemas
• essential oils (Young Living) – lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, juvaflex, juvacleanse, 
• liver supporting supplements (Young Living) – Juvatone, Detoxzyme, Essentialzyme-4 
• plenty of water!

A clean and refreshed liver will most likely leave you feeling like a new person. Though, as with every cell and every organ in the body, the liver does hold onto certain emotions. Therefore do not be alarmed if while cleansing you experience an uprise in emotions. For example, if you begin to feel angry or frustrated, simply acknowledge those emotions and consciously choose to let them go. Know that you are better serving your body by choosing to do so. Cleansing is the process of letting go. Letting go may not be easy by any means, but it is often essential in order to fully embrace the things in life that bring us true joy and a greater sense of vitality.

Here’s to a happy liver and a happier, healthier, YOU!