JoAnn Alafriz, BSc, Dipl ST, Dipl Ac
According to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) many of us suffer from Liver Qi Stagnation; meaning, our Qi (vital energy) is not flowing smoothly through the channels of our body. The Liver is responsible for moving the Qi.
Liver Qi Stagnation can manifest itself as: irritability, depression, moodiness, sour regurgitation, feeling "wound up", abdominal distension, irregular periods, painful periods and pre-menstrual tension.
In TCM, the following foods and herbs are recommended to get the Liver Qi moving:
Lemon, lime, grapefruit, mustard greens, watercress, spinach, swiss chard, kale, parsley, cardamom, cumin, fennel, mint, lemon balm, chamomile, peony root, dandelion root, strawberry, peach, cherry, plum,cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, amaranth, quinoa, millet, seaweed, & tofu.
Foods and herbs that congest Liver function, and are best to AVOID, include:
Intoxicants, alcohol, coffee, highly processed and refined foods, foods high in saturated fats (mammal meat, cheese and eggs), hydrogenated or poor quality foods (margarine, refined and rancid oils), fried and excessively spicy foods, sugar and sweets, excesses nuts and seeds.
*JoAnn is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Lifewise – feel free to drop by if you have more detailed questions.