Spring and Hay Fever: Soothing the Liver and Calming Allergies

As pollen levels rise, many people start to experience hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, blocked sinuses and brain fog. In Chinese medicine, these symptoms are often linked not just to the external environment but to internal imbalances — particularly when the Liver and Lung systems are not functioning harmoniously.

Spring is an important time to address these imbalances before symptoms peak. Acupuncture can help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, while certain Chinese herbs support this process:

• Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia flower): opens the nasal passages and eases sinus congestion

• Cang Er Zi (Xanthium): helps relieve nasal obstruction and headaches

• Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower): cools and clears wind-heat, often used for itchy, watery eyes

• Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis): clears heat and calms inflammation — especially helpful when there is redness, heat or irritability

You can also support your eyes and soothe Liver heat by sipping a gentle tea of Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower) and Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries). This traditional combination nourishes Liver Blood and Yin, making it ideal for dry, irritated eyes and general spring fatigue. You can buy chyrsanthemum tea here and add goji berries from the supermaket.

Incorporating these into a personalised formula, alongside Liver-supportive herbs, can make a significant difference (please make sure you use a qualified practitioner). Prevention is key — ideally, treatment should begin before symptoms are in full swing.

Seasonal Foods for Liver Health

In early spring, it’s still too soon for summer salads, but there’s an abundance of hearty, cleansing produce that can support the Liver:

• Winter/spring greens like kale, spring greens, and purple sprouting broccoli

• Spinach, just starting to flourish in over-wintered beds

• Leeks and wild garlic to aid digestion and gently move Qi

• Rhubarb (moderate amounts), lightly stewed with warming spices

• Sour flavours: lemon, apple cider vinegar, fermented foods

• Fresh herbs like parsley and mint

Combine these with small amounts of good protein and whole grains to keep energy steady and nourish the Blood.

Nourishing Spring Recipe: Spring Greens & Adzuki Bean Stew

Inspired by the beautiful simplicity of Daverick Leggett's approach to food in Chinese medicine, here’s a gentle, nourishing dish to support your Liver and boost your energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup adzuki beans (soaked overnight)

• 1 leek, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• A handful of spring greens, kale or spinach, shredded

• A thumb of fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: handful of parsley or wild garlic to finish

Method:

1. Rinse soaked beans and cook in fresh water until tender (about 40–50 minutes).

2. In a separate pan, gently sauté the garlic, leek and ginger in oil until soft.

3. Add the cooked beans and vinegar. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.

4. Stir in the greens just before serving so they stay vibrant.

5. Finish with fresh herbs, a little lemon juice, and enjoy warm with a spoonful of brown rice or millet.

This stew is grounding, blood-nourishing, and supports smooth digestion — a perfect match for Liver health in spring.

Where to Shop Local This Spring

🌿 Christchurch High Street

• Bay Tree Health Store – A lovely independent shop with supplements, herbal teas, organic body care, and a helpful team.

• Grape Tree – Great for nuts, seeds, teas, and wholefood basics.

🥩 Southbourne

• Lewis & Faulkner Butchers – My trusted butcher for high-quality, ethically sourced meats. Their cuts are perfect for nourishing Liver blood.

🌾 Wimborne

• Spill the Beans – A well-stocked health food store with local produce, wholefoods, teas and more.

🌱 Local Farm Shops

• Sopley Farm – Pick-your-own in season, plus a farm shop bursting with fresh fruit, veg, eggs and local goods.

• Ferndene Farm Shop (New Milton area) – Great range of seasonal vegetables and organic pantry staples.

Support Your Spring Health with Chinese Medicine

Now is the perfect time for a seasonal check-in. Acupuncture and personalised Chinese herbal medicine can help you:

• Clear Liver Qi stagnation

• Support your cycles and mood

• Improve energy and digestion

• Soothe hay fever symptoms naturally

• Transition into the season with ease

Book a consultation or treatment in person in Christchurch, or connect online for herbal support wherever you are in the UK.

Let spring be your season of growth and ease.