Solar Terms Wellness: Beginning of Spring

Beginning of Spring (Lichun), around February 3-5, marks the start of spring and the awakening of nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the liver. To support liver function, it is important to adjust your diet and daily rhythm. A simple yet effective practice is stretching. Stretching boosts circulation, loosens joints, and helps release Liver Qi smoothly.

Health Tips

In TCM, spring wellness emphasizes liver health. While adjusting your diet and daily habits is essential, a simple practice like stretching can also be beneficial. Stretching improves circulation, loosens joints, and helps release Liver Qi, promoting overall well-being.

Recommended Recipe: Shouwu Pork Liver Slices

For this season, TCM dietary principles emphasize ascending and nourishing (Sheng Bu) foods. A classic example is Shouwu Pork Liver Slices.

Ingredients

20ml prepared Shouwu (Fleeceflower root) liquid

250g fresh pork liver

25g wood ear mushrooms (soaked)

A few leaves of leafy greens

Cooking wine

Vinegar

Salt

Starch

Broth

Soy sauce

Scallions

Ginger

Garlic

Oil

Method

1.Simmer Shouwu to make a concentrated liquid, and set aside 20ml of the liquid.

2.Clean and slice the pork liver, removing any membranes. Wash the scallions, ginger, and garlic. Slice the scallions and ginger, and mince the garlic.

3.Marinate the pork liver slices in half of the Shouwu liquid, adding a pinch of salt and starch. Mix well.

4.Combine the remaining Shouwu liquid, soy sauce, cooking wine, vinegar, starch, and broth to create a sauce.

5.Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add the marinated pork liver slices and stir-fry until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

6.In the same wok, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the wood ear mushrooms and leafy greens, then return the pork liver to the wok.

7.Pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss well.

8.Add the scallion slices just before serving.

Benefits

1.This dish nourishes the liver and kidneys, supports blood and essence, and may help maintain healthy hair and vision.

2.Regular consumption can contribute to overall health and longevity.