Spring Health Preservation: Nourish the Liver with Spinach in Spring
Spring is a prime time for body conditioning, as all things come to life. According to the TCM principle of "emphasizing different organs in different seasons," liver nourishment should be prioritized in spring. As the saying goes, "food supplementation is better than medicinal supplementation," and this applies to liver health. Among vegetables, spinach is most suitable for liver nourishment.
TCM holds that spinach has a sweet and cool nature, entering the large intestine and stomach meridians. It benefits blood replenishment and stops bleeding, promotes the function of five zang-organs, clears blood vessels, relieves thirst, moistens the intestines, nourishes yin, calms the liver, aids digestion, and clears heat toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. It effectively supports treatment for gastric disorders caused by liver qi stagnation. It also proves beneficial for hypertension, dizziness, blurred vision, and anemia due to insufficient liver yin in spring. For those suffering from headache, dizziness, or constipation, take 100 grams of fresh spinach and roots, blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and mix with sesame oil—consume twice daily. For blurred vision and dry eyes: use 500 grams each of fresh spinach and lamb liver. Boil water, add lamb liver, simmer briefly, then add spinach, salt, sesame oil, and monosodium glutamate. This soup nourishes the liver and improves eyesight.
Note: Spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which hinders calcium absorption. Thus, blanch spinach in boiling water before cooking and avoid pairing it with calcium-rich foods like tofu, as oxalic acid reacts with calcium to form calcium oxalate, impairing kidney function and potentially causing urinary stones.