18. I Heal My Own Body : Blue-Green Foods

Green foods activate the liver and gallbladder functions, calming the mind and helping relax nerves and muscles. They contain chlorophyll, sulforaphane, and indole, which effectively remove toxins and fatigue substances from the liver, assist in cell regeneration to prevent aging, and lower blood cholesterol levels, demonstrating excellent natural healing abilities.

Belonging to the Wood element (酸 sour taste), these foods benefit the liver and gallbladder:

• Grains: peas, barley, oats, mung beans, cowpeas, kidney beans, etc.

• Vegetables: napa cabbage, cabbage, cucumber, etc.

• Fruits: avocado, kiwi, green grapes, melon, apple, quince, plum, citron, etc.

• Meats: various animal livers and gallbladders, quail, eggs, etc.

• Teas: citron tea, omija (schisandra) tea, perilla seed tea, peanut tea, orange juice, etc.

• Seasonings: sesame oil, perilla oil, etc.

Our ancestors would gather various wild greens from fields and mountains in spring to stimulate appetite, an effective dietary method to overcome spring fatigue and lethargy. This is similar in principle to detoxification through green juices today. However, since greenish foods tend to be relatively cold in nature, those with cold constitutions or digestive disorders are advised to add warming red-colored foods.

Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic