THE BENEFICIAL SPRING CURE

Dr. Irina Băluțel, specialist in Family Medicine,

Apiphytotherapy competence, Ayurveda practitioner

Spring is the season of energetic rejuvenation, of childhood and joy, of the love of life, marking profound transformations in all of nature, from regenerating vegetation to the human body and psyche.
Everything now awakens to life and tends to surface to enjoy the bounty of nature, which manifests itself through the intense and profound beneficial subtle energies of spring.
Under the action of the sun's rays and the effervescent energies that abound, what is accumulated in excess in our body begins to gradually fluidize and eliminate itself from our body. Especially during this period, purification processes are favoured in the body, mind and soul. This is why now is the right time for human beings to open themselves up to these "calls" for purification and rebirth, to awaken to reality, to come out of sleep and numbness (this stage has both material and social as well as spiritual significance). It is not by chance that these periods overlap with certain Christian holidays and correspond to the Easter fast. Man should thus integrate himself as harmoniously as possible into the mystical cycles of nature, and thus discover that Nature always provides him with all the resources he needs to live a very healthy life. For especially now stubborn resistance and resistance is analogically speaking like swimming against a beneficial current.
All the transformations that take place on the outside predispose the body to get rid of the heavy burdens of the winter in order to breathe freely, to absorb without hindrance the new and regenerating substances that the new year brings. At this time we are supported and encouraged to let go of all that is old, all that is no longer useful and to give birth to something new.
Why is a spring clean so necessary?
Throughout the history of human civilization, fasting has been invested with curative values not only for the physical body, but also for the psyche, the soul and even the spirit, being a way of transforming the whole being, it is a central element of most religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, etc.
In ancient wisdom texts it is stated that the practice of fasting teaches us the overall self-control of the being starting from the control and education of taste (craving) and hunger. If we learn to abstain from unhelpful taste temptations, we also learn to abstain from negative feelings, thoughts and tendencies. In this way we regain and preserve our purity and freedom.
Winter diets are often high in animal fats and proteins, which we consume in excess. Winter diets are also low in fresh fruit and vegetables and vegetables. The digestion of these foods, which are heavy for the body, produces and accumulates a lot of 'toxic waste'.The sooner we help the body to get rid of this waste, the sooner we will regain our energy and not have to go through unpleasant periods of fatigue or face 'spring sickness'.
In order for our body to have the necessary energy and strength, and to get rid of these toxins, it is absolutely necessary to help it by giving it a food break (either total, by fasting only with water, or partial - abstaining from eating meat, canned products or animal products) for a period that is correlated with the degree of toxin load and our vitality.
The main effects of fasting are to rest the entire digestive tract, facilitate metabolism and internal exchange processes, eliminate metabolic waste and purify the whole being. Recent scientific research shows that all fasting cures have strong antioxidant effects.
To begin with, it is best to start with 1-2 days a week for a few weeks (especially for weak and anaemic people), then gradually move on to longer courses of 10-14-21 (or even 49) days when there is good vitality and a deep cleansing of the body is desired.
During these cures it is also necessary to provide the body with "live enzyme support", vitamins and minerals taken from fresh plants or fresh plant foods.
A diet based on at least 60-70% live food (not thermally or chemically processed), based on fresh fruit and vegetables, herbal juices, raw salads and healing herbs is an excellent 'breath of fresh air' for our body's cells. Then, if we wish, we can gradually move towards a 100% living diet. Throughout the spring cure it is important not to eat meat.
Plants used during the spring cure:
Our country benefits from an extraordinarily varied range of plants, which have a food-medicinal effect, which Mother Nature generously provides us with. Here are some of these plants:

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)

It has exceptional detoxifying effects. This is because now, in early spring, dandelion contains in its leaves and stem substances bitter, enzymes and phytohormones, which work wonders for the "tired liver" and loaded with toxins. Therapeutic effects are obtained from the whole plant (root, fresh stems, fresh flowers and leaves). Indications: hyperacid gastritis, biliary dyskinesia, gallstones, hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, gout, skin diseases, rashes, exoskeletal, lymph node inflammations, breast inflammations.
Dandelion leaf salad with lemon juice and olive oil helps the body to overcome spring fatigue and overcome the inertia acquired during the cold season.
Dandelion leaf salad with lemon juice and olive oil helps the body overcome springtime fatigue and overcome the inertia acquired during the cold season.
Dandelion stems cure - for 14 days 6 fresh dandelion stems should be consumed daily. Harvest the stems for this cure before flowering.

2. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle leaves have their greatest therapeutic power in spring, just after spring, in March-April. This plant is renowned for its purifying and rejuvenating, revitalising and remineralising qualities. The secretin contained in fresh nettle leaves stimulates gastric secretion, increases digestive power and promotes better assimilation of plant nutrients. Nettle is an important source of natural vitamins (B, E, C, K) and minerals (iron, sulphur, silicon, manganese). Being extremely rich in chlorophyll, nettle juice is an excellent blood purifier. It neutralises free radicals, stimulates the processes of haematopoiesis (production of red blood cells) and stimulates the production of other blood components (white blood cells, platelets).
Indications: asthenia, marked weakness, anemia, post-hemorrhagic syndrome, rheumatic fever, arthritis,
The nettle juice is made as follows: put a handful of not very finely chopped nettle leaves in an electric blender, then add three-quarters of a glass of water. Blend for 2-3 minutes, then leave for a further 15 minutes, then strain through a tea strainer or gauze. The result is about a glass of juice, a deep green colour, to be drunk in a single dose in the morning on an empty stomach. For more intensive blood cleansing cures, drink 2 glasses of nettle juice a day: morning and evening.

3. Lure (Allinum ursinum)

The herb is similar to garlic in taste and is also used as a condiment in gastronomy.
Contains allyl sulphide, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, carotenoids, etheric oil, mineral salts (calcium, iron, phosphorus, copper, natrium).
Leurda has expectorant, cicatrizant, depurative, antiseptic, bactericidal, hypotensive, antiscrephrotic, vermifuge characteristics.
Studies carried out in Germany and Austria have shown the exceptional effects of this plant in annihilating free radicals in the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots (thrombi) and maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels. It is a good tonic for the heart muscle and is considered one of the best herbs for cardiovascular diseases, having strong vascular anti-inflammatory, blood thinning and anti-platelet aggregating effects. Larch has a strong depurative effect, particularly through the elimination of uric acid, which is complemented by a strong antitoxic effect - it is used in nicotine poisoning.
It is indicated for healthy people to maintain the health of the body and especially for those suffering from high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis and vascular thrombosis, associated with high cholesterol values, biliary insufficiency, upper respiratory diseases, insomnia, dizziness, depression, gout, heart disease, gastrointestinal diseases, dysentery, intestinal parasites, lung diseases, influenza.
It is recommended to follow a diet of at least 10 days with this herb, as an addition to salads and additionally in soups and smoothies.

4. Green wheat cure

The juice obtained from wheat berries has a powerful cleansing effect on the entire digestive tract. Moreover, it has a restorative action, promoting the regeneration of damaged epithelial mucosa in the case of gastrointestinal disorders, soothing pain, healing lesions and normalising digestive processes. The juice is obtained using a juicer. It is taken in courses of 10-21 days, during which time a quarter of a glass (50 ml) is taken three times a day before main meals.
Green wheatgrass contains:
20 amino acids;
Hundreds of valuable enzymes not found in any other food;
90 of the 102 existing minerals;
Vitamins and other important nutrients.
Effect:
It has an alkalizing, energizing and revitalizing effect;
Stimulates haematopoiesis (increases the number of red blood cells), strengthens the immune system.
Prevents the appearance of cancer cells, alleviates adverse effects of chemo- and radiotherapy. Speeds up the regeneration process following disease or surgery.
Blood purifier- removes toxins from the blood;
Stimulates metabolism and enzyme systems of the body, eliminates metabolic acidosis;
Stimulates the thyroid gland.
Effective in treating peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, eliminates both constipation and diarrhea, as well as other problems of the gastrointestinal tract;
Powerful liver detoxifier;
Neutralises free radicals (enzymes and amino acids in green wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens);
It is a beautifying and rejuvenating treatment that slows down the aging process.
Increases fertility and keeps the body young.

5. Spinach (Spinacea oleracea)

It is one of the most nutritious plants and is especially recommended for children - it helps them grow. It is also recommended for the elderly and convalescents. Its rich content of iron and vitamins (B1, B2, B3, C) gives it important anti-anaemic and regenerating properties. Due to its purifying effect, spinach is indicated in chronic skin diseases. Precautions for patients suffering from gout and rheumatic fever.

6. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

It is particularly effective in fighting respiratory infections acute and chronic, tonsillitis, flu, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, sinusitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, etc., which are aggravated at the beginning of spring, when the body is extremely sensitive to various infections.
The raw leaves give the food a pleasant flavour and also stimulate the digestive process.
Horseradish root used internally, is an excellent antibiotic, stimulates the body's natural defense capacity against respiratory infections, helps to eliminate pathological secretions from the bronchial tree and lungs.
Preparation of the cure: Finely grated horseradish root is mixed well with 1/3 of the honey and left to macerate in an airtight jar, which is kept in a cool place away from light for 3-4 days. After this time has passed, start taking the preparation, of which take 1-2 teaspoons four times a day. A treatment lasts between 20 and 40 days, and can be repeated as many times as needed throughout the year.

7. Radish (Raphanus sativus)

These vegetables are highly valued for their rich content of vitamin A, C, folic acid and potassium, but also for their content of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, iodine, potassium, zinc, iron and calcium. Moon radish also contains a lot of antioxidants and is ideal to eat when you are experiencing spring fatigue, given all the vitamins it contains. It's also a good detoxifier and immunity booster.
Also, consuming moon radishes daily improves digestion, eliminates abdominal bloating. Radish juice can also be used to fight intestinal parasites.
Being an important source of vine. C it is recommended for people suffering from guttural, flu and other respiratory infections. It is also beneficial in the treatment of bronchial asthma, especially in children. Mixed with honey, radish juice fights bronchopulmonary infections and coughs.
Also, regular consumption of moon radishes has a decongestant effect on the liver, prevents the formation of gallstones and kidney stones, and even has a lithotriptic effect. A remedy for urinary infections is radish juice consumed for a week twice a day. People suffering from hepatitis are advised to eat a bunch of radishes as an appetizer every day for three weeks.
Precautions: - To do a radish cleanse it is important to make sure they have been grown under natural conditions without the addition of chemicals.
People suffering from gastritis, ulcers should not consume radish on an empty stomach, but only in combination with other foods, in moderate quantities.

8. Wolf wolfbane (Atriplex hortensis)

Lobelia leaves are used as food for preparing soups and depurative salads in the spring cure. Daily use for at least a week is especially useful for people suffering from inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive tract and skin. Lobelia leaves are rich in vitamin C.

Other recommendations for the cure period:

Don't passively wait for the full regeneration of the being to occur through food alone, in the absence of adequate physical activity. Seek to find your enthusiasm and joy in living in the simplest way: by being in Nature as often as possible, breathing deeply, admiring the beauty of the first flowers and buds that appear, letting yourself be permeated by the relaxing sounds of nature;
It is very important to remember that "fasting from food" is completed by "fasting from sin", accompanied by prayer, good deeds and a positive attitude. Any cleansing of the body or fasting must be carried out in a harmonious state of reconciliation with ourselves and with others. Fasting is thus one of the means of cultivating and perfecting the soul, and is inseparable from other virtues such as goodwill, forgiveness, compassion, mental clarity and self-confidence.
Drink up to 2-3 litres of pure water a day (as far as possible it is preferable to use spring water);
Avoid fried, canned foods, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, meat.
The return to normal eating after fasting is gradual.

Advantages of purification cures:

Activation of intestinal function and regulation of peristalsis,
Encourage detoxification processes;
Improve the digestive process as a whole;
Decreased risk factors for many diseases (cardiovascular, metabolic, dermatological, including cancer)
Reduction of inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
Improving breathing (by reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which influences breathing movements), especially breathing amplitude and increasing the vital capacity of the lungs;
Ensuring effective drainage of the gallbladder, liver and pancreas, sebaceous and sweat glands;
Increased immunity and body tone.