Green and Glorious
You may have noticed recently that a lot of people seem to be experiencing cold-like symptoms. However, it doesn’t feel like a severe cold, and it might be confused for allergies. But it’s a little early for most people’s allergies. This is the time of transition between winter and spring, and our beautifully intelligent earth bodies are shedding in preparation for the coming season.
In the traditions of five element herbalism and plant spirit medicine, spring heralds the season of green, of new growth, and of anger. When Western minded people hear of anger, it is usually associated with negative, low frequency, or dense emotional energy. In this context, anger is the force that fuels breaking through that which is stagnant, lingering, unwelcome, or no longer useful. The timing is impeccable. If we have followed the winter season yearnings for quiet contemplation, if we have spent the last few months turning inwards and working on our inner growth and healing, we are ready for clearing and releasing.
The color associated with this transformation is green, and isn’t it funny that in American culture, we celebrate green at this time of year, in the form of St. Patrick’s Day? Now that is a conversation all on its own, with a complicated history, and diverse transcontinental traditions. But the presence of green, in our traditions, and in the bright spring growth of nature around us, remains constant.
The organs associated with this time of year are the liver and gall bladder. After a winter of eating heavy or animal-based foods, at this time of year, you may find yourself drawn to eating more lightly, with fresh green foods having a new appeal. Leafy greens, sprouts, and fresh vegetable juices are all supportive of these organs, with cooling and clearing properties and abundant nutrients for their activities.
Sunlight filtering through moss on forest boughs may call to you, or maybe it’s a desire to be in the garden, greeting the tender new shoots making their appearance. Green light is not as well-known as red light therapies, but light in this frequency of the spectrum has it’s own healing influences. Let this filtered green light play upon your skin, or gaze at the new leaves, letting the color enter through your eyes into your brain.
So if you find yourself feeling a little slow, a little sniffly, maybe a little (or a lot) irritable, try embracing the green within and without. Enjoy a fresh salad and bask in the emerald light filtering through newly leafed out branches. Drink plenty of water and when you feel the forcefulness of cleansing anger, direct it towards your own growth. Maybe it’s (re)starting an exercise plan. Maybe it’s a new insight that allows you to move forward from an old hurt.
One last thing! If you find the feelings are overwhelming, the discharge is significant, or is accompanied by acne or rashes, please reach out! It is an indication that your body-mind-spirit would love a more supported approach to your spring release of winter’s accumulations. Whatever path you choose, I hope this celebration of the green brings you fresh and glorious movement forward on your healing journey.
Thanks for reading! This post contains general educational information shared with love from your friendly local medicine keeper and is not to be considered medical advice.
Alicia Tremblay, ND
Dr. Tremblay is an expert in natural health with degrees in naturopathic medicine and ethnomedicine. Drawing on her diverse background and personal experience with healing from chronic illness, she guides clients on their health journeys, and occasionally writes blogs with unique insights into natural medicine and the healing process. Read more >>
