Essential Oils and a Loving Liver Cleanse
Part of my Springtime awakening energy flow is a focus on cleansing and keeping my liver healthy.
In Chinese Five Element Theory, spring is the best time to do a liver/gallbladder cleanse because energies to the liver and gallbladder are rising. The Chinese believe, the liver is about action, movement and goals. During this season, we can make choices as to appropriate actions for our future. The liver "chi" or energy brings insight, vision and clarity, which are key to utilize when you are planning for the future. The Chinese say that the “liver opens to the eyes”, which implies that when you have a highly functioning and healthy liver not only do you have foresight and intuitive vision, but also that you will see clearly on a physical level. When there is an imbalance in the liver, eyesight often suffers too.
The liver is the largest digestive gland of the body and has many functions; it’s focus is with metabolism, synthesis and storage of nutrients, detoxification, balance of hormonal levels, production of body heat and bile secretion. Headaches, eye strain, muscle spasms, joint pain and menstrual problems can also be related to liver issues because the liver governs these tissues. Emotionally, there can be restlessness, inability to get things done and general agitation with liver dysfunction. One may feel compulsive and may tend to complain. The liver is considered the organ of heat and Anger is the emotion most associated with the liver.
There are many ways to cleanse the liver. A variety of herbs, fasting, massage, essential oils, castor oil packs, etc. Of course what you choose to eat is critical for a healthy liver. Restricting intake of sugar, bad fats, cholesterol and processed foods is important in sustaining vitality, as these foods tend to inhibit proper function of the liver and could possibly bring about chronic fatigue, lack of concentration, intestinal problems and increase blood pressure.
Essential oils are useful in supporting and cleansing the liver. Massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction with essential oils in a carrier oil can encourage detoxification of the liver. A gentle rocking massage motion on the liver will help to mobilize and strengthen the organ. Salt baths with essential oils are another way of detoxing the body. Foot Reflexology is effective in detoxifying the liver through pressure points on the feet. Full body massage can stimulate the production of red blood cells, cleanse the acids from the tissues and balance the liver as well.
Some oils that have been proven as beneficial to the liver are:
Clary Sage also helps with menopausal symptoms and can help ease nervous tension and anxiety. Clary Sage has the ability to bring anger up to be released (liver imbalance is associated with the emotion of anger) so use clary when it is appropriate to vent emotion.
Cypress is warming and uplifting – just what a fatigued liver needs! It aids in relieving achy muscles, abdominal cramps and menstrual challenges. It also soothes menopausal symptoms (one of the liver’s function is keeping hormones balanced).
Helichrysum is a wonderful oil for a tired and sluggish liver. It helps stimulate production and regeneration of new blood cells. It is also effective in detoxifying from drugs and tobacco use.
Lavender and Rose are essential oils to help calm down the liver’s anxiety and aggression. They can help relieve headaches, migraines, pains in the body and most liver complaints by soothing tensions and alleviating stress.
Lemon is a great internal and external cleanser. A happy liver loves fresh lemon juice in water, ingested daily. The essential oil can be applied to the skin and absorbed into the body, which then rejuvenates and clears stagnation of the liver, promoting healthy blood cells and tissue growth.
Rosemary enlivens the spirits and stimulates the mind and body. It is a liver and gallbladder stimulant and detoxifier.
If you are interested in getting any of these oils please visit this site.
Liver Detox Essential Oil Recipe.
2 oz. carrier oil such as Sweet Almond Oil or Grapeseed Oil, 8 drops Lemon, 4 drops Lavender, 3 drops Rose, 3 drops Cypress, 2 drops Rosemary. Mix carrier oils and essential oils together and store in a dark glass container. Apply to abdomen several times daily. Rubbing in a circular motion over liver.
Dietary considerations: Avoid Caffeine, alcohol, soda pop, sugar and refined or processed foods. Drink plenty of water.
Dark Green Vegetables are beneficial to cleansing the liver as well. Parsley, kale, chard, watercress, cilantro, dandelion greens, beet and beet greens to increase liver function. Juicing these vegetables and adding a drop of lemon essential oil can kickstart a liver cleanse.
Create a Healthy YOU as you ride the wave to Wellness!