Green Drinks are In
April 26, 2012 § 10 Comments
Spring is born out of winter’s quietude, allowing us to move forward with renewed creativity, enthusiasm, and energy for life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Five Element Theory (TCM), the Wood element is assigned to spring. The creative energies of spring are described as simultaneously moving up and outward and down and inward. It’s exciting to think about, isn’t it? Endless possibilities!
The organ and meridian systems represented by Wood are the Liver/Gall Bladder systems. These systems work in harmony with the Kidney/Bladder systems (which are assigned to winter) to cleanse the blood of toxins. A healthy Liver/Gall Bladder system allows us to flourish while an overloaded Liver leads to autointoxification. A Liver/Gallbladder imbalance shows up in our thought patterns when we experience a difficult time thinking clearly, focusing, or making decisions. Interestingly, the color green is assigned to the Wood element so a Liver imbalance will also show up on the skin when it takes on a greenish-yellow hue around the cheeks and the eyes, an indicator that the Liver is under stress.
Traditionally, springtime is a time of internal cleansing. Hippocrates wrote: ‘Food is your best medicine.’
In addition to nutritious foods, he also followed the practice of fasting. Today, thousands of years later, many follow the same practice. Juicing and fasting are favored by many as ways to wake-up body systems from the slumber of winter. Did you know that even a one-day fast will allow your liver/gallbladder system to rest, helping it to eliminate toxins? While some choose to fast with only water, others will juice for the day. Juicing and fasting are favored by many as ways to wake-up body systems from the slumber of winter. We like to use the Green Drink recommended by Julieanna Hever “The Plant-Based Dietitian” which is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Here is my version of the Green Drink (which is so appropriate because green is the color assigned to the Wood Element).
To make this yummy drink, pour 8-10 oz water or your favorite non-dairy beverage into a blender. Add fresh or frozen berries, pineapple, cherries, papaya, mango, banana (whatever appeals to you–using a variety of fruits is best so as to get the most nutrients). Then add spinach leaves, kale and/or collard greens (remove thick stalks), sprouts, and seeds like flax, hemp, or chia. Blend together and drink. It is delicious, satisfying, and cleansing. I like to add fresh mint leaves too.
Do you have a favorite Green Drink recipe?
Sounds yummy – and Spring definitely puts you in the mood for this kind of thing. My favorite green smoothie is very similar to yours, but doesn’t usually include sprouts or seeds… I will have to get my blender out and start concocting!
I forgot to mention the juice of one lemon, Imogen. It really makes the taste pop, especially when black cherries are in the mix. I usually make a blender-full and sip/chew on it the next 3-4 hours!
YUM!!! what a great way to change the liver color from red to green. Love hearing a recipe like this and I JUST got a juicer for my b’day so this is something I will try soon.
The drink sounds quite enticing! I love greens, and I eat so many of them I am amazed I’m not turning green.
I’m interested in liver/gall bladder. I had some symptoms I thought were gall bladder, and although they’ve passed, I still wonder. Also, despite an outstanding diet and exercise program, my cholesterol has gone up too high. My naturopath wondered about my live. So this is very timely!
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
I’m glad you find the recipe enticing! It took me quite so time to get up the nerve to try it. Now, I find it delicious and satisfying. You might like to check out my recent FB post on http://www.facebook.com/maureenabivins-greathealthispossible where I shared a Dr. Oz video on the four foods that help you move fat in the body–quinoa, daikon radish, chia seeds, and pepita seeds.
Maureena, I tried to use that link, and I’m getting a page that says “page not found.”
Here is the correct link Judy – https://www.facebook.com/MaureenaBivinsPhDGreatHealthIsPossible
Thanks, Maureena!
An interesting suggestion that I can combine with TCM herbs to add variety and palatability to my clients’ drinks.
Thank you.
A great idea Dr. Chen! Thanks for your comment.