"As the plan for the year lies in spring," so does the care for the liver. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that the liver "opens to the eyes, governs the storage of blood, and regulates the flow of qi," acting as the "general" of the body’s organs. In early spring, as all things begin to grow, nurturing the liver in harmony with the spring qi naturally yields twice the result with half the effort. When the liver qi is smooth, "a hundred diseases will not come"!

 

How to nourish the liver in early spring? Today, we’ll focus on "eating" and pair it with the liver-nourishing "immortal herb" Reishi to reveal three golden dietary methods for spring liver care. Combined with classic TCM liver-protecting "moves," your liver will easily pass through spring under the nourishment of Reishi.

 

The Golden Rule of Reishi for Liver Nourishment: Dietary Therapy First

 

Reishi’s liver-protecting properties can be traced back over 5,000 years, when ancient Chinese medical scholars noted its protective effects on the liver. The classic text Shennong Ben Cao Jing records that Reishi "tonifies liver qi and calms the spirit," and its liver-protecting reputation has endured.

 

 

Today, Reishi is listed in the "Medicine and Food Homology" directory and can be used in water decoctions, soups, or alcoholic infusions. Different seasons call for different pairings, and in spring, combining it with ingredients like goji berries and chrysanthemum is both seasonal and nourishing! Below are three golden ways to consume Reishi in spring for liver protection, eye health, and a refreshing, beautifying effect.

 

Reishi, Goji and Chrysanthemum Tea

Ingredients: 10g organic red Reishi slices, green tea, Hangzhou chrysanthemum, and goji berries as needed.  

Method: Place the Reishi slices, green tea, and goji berries in a cup, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, and steep for 2 minutes.  

Explanation: Reishi is rich in polysaccharides and triterpenes, which effectively enhance the liver’s detoxification ability. Goji berries nourish yin and tonify the kidneys, while chrysanthemum clears the liver and improves vision. Together, they harmonize to nourish and protect the liver.

 

Reishi and Kuding Tea  

Ingredients: 10g organic red Reishi slices, 6g Kuding tea leaves.  

Method: Place the Reishi slices and Kuding tea leaves in a cup, add boiling water to steep, or decoct for better results.  

Explanation: Kuding tea is bitter and cooling with a sweet aftertaste, known for improving vision and intelligence. Reishi benefits qi, protects the liver, and lowers lipids and blood pressure. Together, they protect the liver, improve vision, and clear heat and toxins, making it suitable for those with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, or symptoms like headache and red eyes.

 

Reishi, Ginseng and Astragalus Chicken Soup  

Ingredients: 20g organic purple Reishi slices, a small amount of ginseng and astragalus, one free-range chicken, ginger slices, and salt to taste.  

Method: Wash and cut the chicken into pieces. Place it in a pot with Reishi slices, ginseng, astragalus, and ginger slices. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 2 hours. Season with salt.  

Explanation: This soup is not only delicious but also boosts qi and blood, enhancing immunity—a top choice for spring liver nourishment.

 

Master 3 Classic Liver-Nourishing "Moves" to Quietly Improve Liver Health

 

1. Morning Liver Meridian Tapping: Every morning and evening, gently tap along the inner thigh from the knee to the groin for about 10 minutes each time. This helps unblock the liver meridian and promotes blood circulation.

 

 

2. Midday Eye-Resting Meditation: From 11:00 to 13:00, sit quietly with eyes closed for 10 minutes, accompanied by deep breathing (when the liver meridian is active). TCM believes the liver "opens to the eyes," so regularly moving the eyes and lightly tapping the eye sockets can nourish the liver.

 

3. Bedtime Taichong Point Massage: The Taichong point is located in the depression between the first and second toes on the dorsum of the foot. Use your thumb or index finger to massage upward from the bottom until you feel a sour, swollen, or painful sensation.

 

Image source: Li Hui, ed., Wellness Starts with Liver Care, p. 140

 

Spring Liver Care Bonus: Add Reishi Spore Oil

 

On the path to spring liver nourishment, Reishi spore oil, a liver-protecting champion, is a must.

 

Reishi spore oil encapsulates the essence of Reishi, rich in triterpenes, polysaccharides, and unsaturated fatty acids. GanoHerb’s second-generation spore oil even contains the liver-protecting ace ingredient "ganoderic acid A," making its effects even more powerful!

 

Take two softgels of Reishi spore oil every morning and evening to strengthen immunity and protect the liver!

 

Whether you’re a busy professional or a health-conscious middle-aged or elderly person, you can benefit from this internal nourishment and vitality.

 

 

 

Spring is the best season to nourish the liver. With Reishi as your companion, combined with scientific daily liver care methods, you can help the "general" of your organs perform at its best and welcome a healthier, brighter spring!