Liver Soothing Foods

ETIOLOGY. In Chinese medicine The Liver is responsible for smooth flow of energy (Qi) and hence the flow of blood and in intimately involved with the emotional state of the patient. When emotions, especially repressed or excessive anger and frustration, resentment and excessive alcohol use injure the liver, the function is impaired.

SYMPTOMS. Distention in the chest and hypochondria, flank pain, sighing hiccups, melancholy, depression, moodiness, fluctuations of mental states. Nausea vomiting, poor appetite, sour regurgitation, belching, distention, diarrhea, stress, neck and back tension, eye problems, slow rising in the morning, unhappiness, feeling of lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, rigid muscles and joints, irregular periods, breast distention and PMS symptoms, irritability, repression, anger, frustration, impatience, edginess, impulsive behavior.

CONDITIONS. Allergies, lumps and tumors, swelling, mastitis, chronic indigestion, mental and emotional disorders, tendon and joint problems, muscular pain and stiffness.

BENEFICIAL FOODS

FRUITS

VEGETABLES

GRAINS & NUTS

SPICES

MISC.

Cherry
Grapefruit
Lemon
Lime
Peach
Plum
Strawberries

Alfalfa
Asparagus
Beet
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Dandelion green
Mustard green
Onions
Romaine lettuce
Taro
Turnip
Watercress

Amaranth
Chestnut
Pinenut
Quinoa
Rye
Sprouted barley
Sweet rice

Basil
Bay leaf
Cardamom
Citrus peel
Cumin
Dill
Fennel
Ginger
Horseradish
Marjoram
Mint
Pepper
Rosemary
Turmeric

Seaweed
vinegar

NOTES:
Eat smaller more frequent portions, avoid overeating
Avoid saturated fats, animal fats, creams, cheese and eggs
Avoid hydrogenated and poor quality fats, shortenings, margarine and refined oils
Avoid chemicals in foods and water, preservatives, and refined or processed foods
Eliminate nicotine, alcohol and other stimulants or intoxicants
Incorporate regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, Tai Chi or Qi Gong