Winter’s extra cold weather increases our appetite, so come spring, we often need to lose a few kilos. Like the animals, we put on the extra weight to keep us warm. When the weather warms up, our appetites usually drop a little and there is a stirring to get out and about, stretch and exercise. In convergence theory, spring is the season that relates to wind and the Liver and Gall Bladder, which in turn control the tendons. There is upward Qi growth in spring and therefore our natural instinct is to move and grow and find a mate. We may experience tight tendons, heightened irritability and tension if we ignore the urge for movement and expression.
In spring, the pulse is more taught in nature, and if it is extreme it may show an imbalance such as internal Liver wind. This condition is exacerbated by external wind, suppressed emotions and blood deficiency. Too much internal wind may be expressed as moving pains, itchiness, dizziness, tremors, ringing in the ears, spasms, abdominal gas, pulsating headache at back side or top of head, upper body dryness, or abdominal distension and gassy bowels. In the extreme, internal wind can stir and rush up, causing a stroke or paralysis such as Bell’s palsy. Various factors may also contribute to this, including toxins, blood clots or blood deficiency.
On a very windy day, many people are more irritable or depressed, prone to headaches and road rage. Children and animals will be more agitated and and can’t stay still. It is wise to stay in doors if you are elderly or not feeling well on a very windy day.
Hayfever is an example of an external wind attack irritating the Liver Qi and upsetting the eyes and lungs with air particles. The liver is therefore treated as well as the lungs in oriental medicine.
When a person is very angry and stirring up their Liver Qi, their appetite will suffer, as the Spleen Qi becomes weakened. The recipe below may help improve appetite by strengthening the Spleen Qi.
MUNG BEAN DIP
If you have bloating and a gassy stomach, then you may have a weak spleen. As the liver is more likely to be overactive in spring, it can upset the spleen, making bloating much worse. One way 
to help this is to strengthen the spleen with certain foods such as broad beans. These beans help clear damp and can help people lose weight or reduce a constant runny nose.
1 kg shelled broad beans
1 clove garlic
pinch of salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
100 ml olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh marjoram
TOPPING – mix
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 dessertspoon olive oil
3 finely chopped chives
Drop the broad beans into boiling water to cover and cook for about 10 minutes till soft. Drain off half the water and retain. blend the beans and remaining water, adding marjoram, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper and oils. Add the reserved water to thin, if needed. Place in a bowl, topping with the garnish and serve with crackers or toasted sourdough or rye bread. Yum!!
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