MARCH - the month when the gallbladder is weakened
According to traditional Chinese medicine, March belongs to the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a very important organ in our body, yet one we often do not give enough attention. Let us try to give it that attention during March and it will surely reward us for it. Just as nature begins to awaken, our body begins to wake up too. Every one of us is already looking forward to the arrival of spring and to the gentle spring sunshine. All the forces of nature are moving upwards, all our quiet energy wants to come out to the surface
If we did not gather enough strength over the winter, which shows itself as spring tiredness, this is the time to help our body find the energy it needs for the rest of the year. So let us turn our attention to the gallbladder; its work is directly supported by other organs and it is worth focusing on those too. Bile acids are made by the liver and then released into the bile ducts, or stored in the gallbladder.
How does a weakened gallbladder show itself?
A weakened gallbladder is traditionally associated on the physical level with aching joints - hips, shoulders, elbows or even knees. Likewise with sleeplessness, feeling unwell after eating, bloating, headaches and even migraines. It may seem hard to believe, but that is how it is described.
If you live with a bitter taste in the mouth, dryness in the throat, stiffness in the area of the cervical spine or weakened eyesight, this may be linked in tradition with weakened activity of the gallbladder. With a significant weakening of the gallbladder, the known signs traditionally include gallstones and gallbladder inflammation, and later on other serious conditions, and that is why we are drawing your attention to this important organ, which deserves to be cared for.
On the psychological level, difficulties with the gallbladder are traditionally said to show themselves in short outbursts of anger or temper, in hysteria and in sending out aggressive energy, which on the other hand may also be suppressed. Fear of standing by your own opinions and needs, holding everything inside, is traditionally connected with gallbladder colic.
What can we do for the good functioning of the gallbladder?
We can support the gallbladder through better liver function, because better liver function means more bile is made for the bile ducts and, in turn, good digestion. A lovely choice is taking natural substances that support healthy movement of the intestines, because the intestines encourage movement in the bile ducts. Essentially everything is connected, the human body is a fascinating thing.
The liver and the gallbladder are two organs that take part in making bile. Bile is a digestive juice that helps emulsify fats in your body and as a result helps digestion. A good flow of bile is essential for good digestion, detoxification and overall wellbeing.
To support your liver and gallbladder, bring into your diet all the young green shoots that are just beginning to grow, for example wild garlic, nettle, dandelion leaves, spring onion, radish, lamb's lettuce and green peas. You can also add artichokes, limes, lemon, parsley, cucumber, coriander or peppermint. And we must not forget sauerkraut and ginger. Among grains, bulgur, spelt, rye and natural rice are very suitable. Among pulses, white and red beans are best. Drink plenty of fluids to help your body clear away what it does not need, and this applies not only to March but to the whole year. We can brighten up our drinking routine with a lovely agrimony tea, which is traditionally used to support the whole body and to aid digestion.
Among herbs we can reach for those that contain bitter compounds.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
It is number one on this herbal list. Its traditional uses have been known since time immemorial. Dandelion is traditionally used to support the making of bile and is said to have a favourable influence on the work of the gallbladder, with a bile-stimulating effect, and it is traditionally reached for to help cleanse the intestines and with an over-acidic stomach. It is traditionally used in connection with the liver and with the spleen. It also has a diuretic effect and is traditionally used to help cleanse the whole body.
You can find the Dandelion tincture in our e-shop.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Among all the herbs for the liver and gallbladder, it is truly the king. Its fruits contain silymarin, a complex of several active substances from the group of flavonolignans and flavonoids. These substances are associated with the membrane of liver cells, they have a soothing and antioxidant effect and are traditionally said to help guard against functional disturbances and the entry of toxic substances inside. They are traditionally used to support the detoxifying and metabolic capacity of the liver and the making of proteins in strained liver cells. Milk thistle is traditionally said to have an overall favourable effect on digestion.
You can find the Milk thistle tincture in our e-shop.
Common chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Another natural helper is common chicory, which is traditionally reached for with gallbladder concerns. It has a soothing effect, supports the metabolism and is traditionally used to help cleanse the digestive tract. It is said to have a favourable influence on both the making and the release of bile, it supports the good bacteria in the intestines and contributes to the wellbeing of the gallbladder.
You can find the Chicory tincture in our e-shop.
And in closing, a few words, dear friends. Contentment should always come first. Learn to accept the opinions and attitudes of others with calm, even when they are negative. If you are angry with someone, learn to say so. The liver and the gallbladder appreciate harmony, rest, sleep and peace of mind. Let us give ourselves walks in the fresh air, they will do us good in body and soul, and let us try to stay in a positive frame of mind.