Seasonal Vegetarian Cuisine - Creatively Crafting 52 Vitality-Nourishing Vegetarian Herbal Dishes

Author: Lin Qiuxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: Spring is the beginning of the year, and Yang Qi ascends. Please do not suppress your emotions; instead, maintain a cheerful and optimistic attitude, keeping a joyful mood to allow positive will to rise. Spring is an excellent season for liver health, and the best way to nourish the liver is to avoid anger and engage in more outdoor activities. Additionally, you can consume foods that warm and boost Yang Qi, such as scallions, garlic, chives, chrysanthemum greens, mustard greens, rapeseed, spinach, and lettuce—dark green foods that nourish Yang. You should also eat some sweet foods while minimizing sour flavors to nourish the Spleen and Stomach Qi, as the Spleen and Stomach are the foundation of post-natal health and the source of human Qi and blood. In spring, sweet foods are suitable for tonifying the Spleen Qi, and sour foods should be consumed in moderation to prevent excessive Liver Qi, which may affect the normal function of the Spleen and Stomach. Suitable sweet foods include jujubes, sweet rice crusts, Chinese yam, sweet congee, and glutinous rice.
Furthermore, in spring, it is also beneficial to eat more tonics that enhance immunity and prevent colds, thereby achieving the function of boosting Yang Qi and promoting renewal. Medicinal herbs such as Yu Ping Feng tea, Polygonum multiflorum, Dendrobium candidum, white peony root, goji berries, Astragalus membranaceus, and ginseng can nourish Yin and soften the Liver. At the same time, attention should also be paid to emotional well-being. For example, individuals with psychosomatic disorders can take herbs and foods that soothe the Liver and relieve depression to prevent the recurrence of chronic conditions.
Therefore, maintaining a joyful mood at the beginning of the year is extremely important, and this is also the best way to nourish the Liver! P6