Spring vitality
SEASONALITY || VITALIST HERBALISM || LYMPHATIC SUPPORT SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Recently, in my collaborative work with Yin and Seasonal Yoga teachers, I’ve been struck by how many overlaps there are between our practices. Yin Yoga is informed by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which correlates different body systems, organs and meridians to the seasons of the year. It focuses practices, lifestyle, asanas, mudras, meditations and diet to support specific body systems accordingly - for example, in Yin Yoga we are just entering Spring when the LIVER & GALL BLADDER are prioritised as the organs to be nurtured, supported and brought into balance.
This is exactly where we find the plants in the natural world around us pointing as well: guiding us towards natural health and supporting the very same body systems. Notice the abundance of the bitter and alterative herbs popping up around this time of year, these are the herbs which bring balance to the systems we are taught in Seasonal or Yin Yoga to centre practice on.
When we listen to and follow the vitality of nature, we become part of a living Earth ecosystem. Extending from this is the idea that we can use certain plants to support the body’s natural processes instead of suppressing them. This approach is known as VITALIST HERBALISM.
In my own practice (which is what informs the workshops, experiences and events I offer) I am expanding this idea of vitality beyond the body to be guided by nature as a part of a bigger picture of natural health and wellbeing... which is simply being in balance.
In balance with nature / in balance with our bodies / in balance in our minds.
I am working towards allowing the seasons and the plants to guide us, and do so by making natural remedies which notice what’s happening beyond the self: truly NATURAL MEDICINE.
I’m so excited to share Spring’s vital remedies - medicine before it becomes medicine! We’ll learn about the plants putting in an appearance just exactly when we need them. The nettle for remineralising and anti-inflammatory support after what feels like a long winter; Cleavers to support the lymphatic system which has been working hard as part of the immune system however might be feeling a bit congested by now and benefits from a cleanse and a clear; Dandelion as a bitter herb which promotes the function of the liver and gall bladder to purify the blood and help this part of the digestive system eliminate any excess and helping the body find a state of balance.
Sweet Violet seems to be putting in an appearance for me this year, interesting that the plants we need often seem to present themselves to us. Sweet Violet’s traditional name is ‘Heart Ease’, and some unwinding, calming, grounding, gentle medicine for the emotional body is just what my slightly frazzled post-Winter self needs!
I’ll be working a lot with apple cider vinegar, in itself a wonderful natural ingredient which the body loves to support healthy digestion, gut biome, lymph and blood. Add a drizzle of raw local honey, and you’ve got a springtime elixir to awaken the body, lift and revitalise. I’ll also be talking about how to use whole-herbs for whole-body wellbeing, always focusing on the abundant local plants which can be found here across the East Lothian landscape.
Lymphatic support smoothie
This Spring I’m looking for every way to build in vitality - the vital energy which lets our bodies restore balance, health and a sense of wellbeing. I am playing with recipes for a lymphatic support smoothie, and think I’ve got close to a favourite combination.
Incorporating lymph-support foods into your diet is an easy way to nourish your body and promote healing, and when you offer your body foods that allow it to process, release and revitalise, your intelligent body system does the work of healing without over thinking, without overwhelm!
The smoothie contains pineapple, a source of bromelain, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation. There’s also a good dose of celery and parsley, both diuretics that assist the body in eliminating excess fluid. The cleavers are a herbalist’s favourite lymph herb, while a wee bit of ginger stimulates the body, giving the lymph system a clear signal to get moving. The base is coconut water which provides electrolytes and excellent hydration - although the bioregional herbalist in me is looking for an alternative for this one - any ideas? I’ve been playing with apple juice and water but it becomes a bit too sweet… I would love to hear your suggestions!
Lymphatic support smoothie
1 cup fresh, diced pineapple (I use frozen pineapple, defrosted)
1 stalk celery, chopped
handful of fresh Cleavers (sticky willy) (Galium aparine), chopped
handful of fresh Parsley (leaves and stems) (Petroselinum crispum), chopped
½ inch fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped (Zingiber officinale), peeled and chopped
1 cup raw coconut water
½ lemon, juiced
Blend all the ingredients until smooth. I drink this smoothie in the morning to get the lymphatic system up and running, 2-3 times a week for gentle lymphatic support.
Lymphatic support smoothie
