Spring Liver Congestion

You may experience waves of bitterness, discouragement and a sense of failure late winter. Try not to take these 'liver' emotions too seriously. Instead, these emotions offer an important cue. February is the month of liver bitterness.

February comes at the bitter end of winter, the time of ashes. The natural environment offers slim pickings this time of year and the pantry is nearly bare. Early spring is the hardest month for animals in the wild.

Blood remains stagnant due to cold temperatures. However, the body is already releasing fats in preparation for spring. The result is stagnation and congestion of the liver & gallbladder. Many people will experience a gallbladder attack in early spring. Liver congestion (aggravating Kapha) creates suppression of emotions. February is the most likely month of liver congestion.

Favor cholagogues in early spring. Cholagogues release bile, cleansing the liver. Since bile is fatty and the primary pathway for cholesterol metabolism, releasing bile also reduces triglyceride levels in the blood. Cholagogues include anything bitter or sour. Some important examples include beets, dandelion, lemons, vinegar, aloe vera, and an herb called bhumyamalaki.

A 1/4tsp of turmeric sprinkled over a meal can help move stagnant blood, warming up a cold or stagnant February liver.