Spring Yao Shan: Best Foods and Recipes for Liver Health

Last updated: April 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The recipes and principles described here are drawn from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tradition and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or health routine.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links. This does not affect our editorial independence.

Quick Answer

• Spring is the liver's season in TCM — the wood element governs liver and gallbladder function, making these months critical for liver support through food therapy (translated from Chinese: 春季养肝).
• The core dietary principle is "increase sweetness, reduce sourness" (增甘减酸), drawn from Sun Simiao's 7th-century Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, to prevent liver qi from overwhelming the spleen.
• Green, sprouting vegetables like chives (韭菜), spinach, and bean sprouts directly support the liver's rising energy and supplement Yang qi, according to recommendations from the Beijing Municipal Health Commission (2024).
• Key yao shan recipes include goji-chrysanthemum liver-clearing tea, astragalus-angelica chicken soup, and pork liver with wolfberry — each targeting a different aspect of liver function from qi flow to blood nourishment.

Spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine is not just a season. It's a directive. The ancient medical texts mapped each season to a specific organ system, and spring belongs to the liver. When the frost melts and green shoots push through the soil, TCM says your liver qi is doing the same thing — rising, spreading, reaching outward. The word for it is 生发 (shēng fā), and it means something close to "sprouting forth."

This creates both opportunity and risk. Support the liver well during these months, and you build a foundation for the entire year. Ignore it, and you get what TCM practitioners call 肝火上炎 (gān huǒ shàng yán) — liver fire rising — which shows up as headaches, irritability, red eyes, and a bitter taste in the mouth. According to data from Chinese hospital outpatient departments, complaints related to liver qi stagnation increase by roughly 30% during March and April compared to winter months.

The solution, refined over centuries of clinical practice, is yao shan (药膳) — medicinal food. Not medicine disguised as food, but food prepared with therapeutic intent. The recipes in this guide come from Chinese government health commissions, TCM hospital nutrition departments, and classical texts, all translated and adapted for Western kitchens.

Why Spring Is the Liver's Season in TCM

The connection between spring and the liver runs through one of TCM's foundational frameworks: the Five Elements (五行). Wood, fire, earth, metal, water — each maps to a season, an organ, an emotion, a color, and a flavor. Spring is wood. The liver is wood. Green is wood's color. Sour is wood's flavor. Anger is wood's emotion.

This isn't metaphor in TCM. It's diagnostic architecture. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), compiled over 2,000 years ago, states that in spring, "Heaven and Earth give birth, and all things flourish." The liver's physiological function — called 疏泄 (shū xiè), meaning "spreading and draining" — mirrors this seasonal energy. A healthy liver keeps qi flowing smoothly throughout the body, much like spring water flowing freely after winter ice melts.

Ma Guojing, a health science expert at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, explains that the liver's function is "most vigorous and ascendant during spring," making it a window for both prevention and treatment. The Beijing Municipal Health Commission echoes this: "Spring is the season of growth for all things, and it is also a vigorous period for the body's qi and blood circulation."

When the liver's spreading function works well, digestion flows, emotions stay balanced, and the tendons and eyes — both liver-governed in TCM — stay supple and clear. When it doesn't, stagnation sets in. That stagnation can manifest as digestive bloating, mood swings, menstrual irregularity, or tension headaches. Spring yao shan aims to prevent that cascade before it starts.

For a deeper look at how TCM connects seasons to organ systems, see our guide to eating by season: the Chinese food therapy calendar.

The Core Dietary Principle: Increase Sweetness, Reduce Sourness

The single most important spring dietary rule in TCM comes from Sun Simiao's 7th-century text Qian Jin Yao Fang (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "In spring, for seventy-two days, reduce sour and increase sweet, to nourish spleen qi" (春七十二日，省酸增甘，以养脾气).

This sounds counterintuitive. Spring is the liver's season — why focus on the spleen? Because of the Five Elements' control cycle. Wood (liver) controls earth (spleen). When liver qi surges in spring, it can overpower the spleen's digestive function, a pattern TCM calls 肝木克脾土 (gān mù kè pí tǔ). By strengthening the spleen with "sweet" foods, you create a counterbalance.

What "Sweet" and "Sour" Mean in TCM

These aren't the same categories your taste buds recognize. In TCM's five flavors system:

• Sweet (甘, gān) refers to foods with tonifying, harmonizing, and spleen-strengthening properties. This includes Chinese yam (山药), jujube dates (红枣), millet, pumpkin, lentils, and honey. Not candy.
• Sour (酸, suān) refers to foods with astringent, constricting properties. These include hawthorn berries, pomegranate, unripe plums, and vinegar-heavy preparations. Small amounts are fine. Excess constrains the liver's natural desire to expand.

The practical takeaway: build your spring meals around gentle, nourishing staples. Chinese yam congee for breakfast. Red date and goji tea in the afternoon. Millet porridge with pumpkin for a light dinner. Limit pickled vegetables, heavy vinegar dressings, and very tart fruits.

For more on how TCM classifies food by thermal nature and flavor, see our piece on warming vs. cooling foods.

8 Spring Yao Shan Recipes for Liver Health

These recipes come from Chinese government health commissions, TCM hospital nutrition departments, and traditional sources. Measurements have been converted to Western units where possible. Herb quantities follow standard TCM food-grade dosing.

1. Goji Berry and Chrysanthemum Liver-Clearing Tea (枸杞菊花茶)

Source: Beijing Municipal Health Commission; Yunnan Daily health column

This is the simplest entry point into spring liver care. Chrysanthemum (菊花) clears liver heat and brightens the eyes, while goji berries (枸杞子) nourish liver and kidney yin. Together, they address the most common spring complaint: rising liver fire causing headaches and eye strain.

Ingredients:

• White chrysanthemum flowers: 5 grams (about 8-10 flowers)
• Goji berries: 10 grams (roughly 2 tablespoons)
• Boiling water: 300 ml (about 1.25 cups)

Method:

1. Rinse chrysanthemum and goji berries briefly under cool water.
2. Place in a teapot or large mug.
3. Pour boiling water over herbs. Cover and steep 5-10 minutes.
4. Drink warm. Refill with hot water 2-3 times until flavor fades.
5. Eat the goji berries at the end — they retain nutrients.

TCM function: Clears liver heat (清肝), brightens eyes (明目), nourishes yin. Best for people who feel irritable, have dry or red eyes, or get headaches during spring.

When to drink: Afternoon, especially after screen work. Daily use is safe throughout spring.

For more chrysanthemum preparations, see our full guide to goji berry and chrysanthemum tea.

2. Rose and Jasmine Liver-Soothing Tea (玫瑰茉莉疏肝茶)

Source: Jilin Provincial Medical Products Administration; Sohu Health

This tea targets liver qi stagnation — the pattern behind mood swings, chest tightness, and sighing. Rose flower (玫瑰花) is one of TCM's premier qi-regulating herbs, classified as warm in nature with a sweet, slightly bitter flavor.

Ingredients:

• Dried rose buds: 4 pieces
• Jasmine flowers: 3 grams
• White chrysanthemum: 4 flowers
• Honey: 1 teaspoon (optional)

Method:

1. Rinse flowers quickly under water to remove dust.
2. Place in a glass teapot.
3. Add water at 85°C (185°F) — not fully boiling, to preserve volatile oils.
4. Cover and steep 3-5 minutes.
5. Add honey if desired. Drink warm.

TCM function: Soothes liver qi (疏肝理气), relieves emotional tension, reduces eye fatigue. The combination activates blood circulation and eases premenstrual tension.

When to drink: Morning or mid-afternoon. Particularly helpful during high-stress periods.

3. Goji and Pork Liver Soup (枸杞猪肝汤)

Source: Chengde Municipal Health Commission; International Travel Health Advisory Network

In TCM, the principle "like nourishes like" (以形补形) means eating liver supports liver function. Pork liver is rich in iron (23 mg per 100g) and vitamin A (4972 IU per 100g), making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods for blood building — which aligns perfectly with TCM's concept of nourishing liver blood.

Ingredients:

• Pork liver: 400 grams (14 oz), sliced thin
• Goji berries: 50 grams (about 1/3 cup)
• Fresh ginger: 2 slices, peeled
• Salt: to taste
• White vinegar: a few drops (for soaking)

Method:

1. Soak pork liver slices in cold water with a few drops of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse under running water until no blood foam remains.
2. Place goji berries and ginger in a pot with enough water to cover (about 1 liter / 4 cups).
3. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to medium heat. Simmer 45 minutes.
4. Add pork liver slices. Cook on medium heat until liver is just cooked through — about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcook.
5. Season with salt.

TCM function: Tonifies liver blood (补肝血), brightens eyes, clears deficiency heat. Addresses dark circles, dizziness, and blurred vision caused by liver blood deficiency.

Serves: 2-3. Best eaten in the evening, 1-2 times per week.

4. Astragalus and Dang Shen Carp Soup (黄芪党参鲤鱼汤)

Source: Tianjin Municipal Health Commission; People's Political Consultative Conference Network

This is a substantial, meal-worthy soup that bridges liver support with spleen strengthening — hitting both sides of the spring balance equation. Astragalus (黄芪) is the king of qi-tonifying herbs, and dang shen (党参) amplifies its effect while being gentler on the stomach.

Ingredients:

• Fresh carp: 1 whole (about 500g / 1.1 lbs), cleaned
• Astragalus root (黄芪): 25 grams (about 1 oz)
• Dang shen (党参): 25 grams (about 1 oz)
• Rice wine (料酒): 2 teaspoons
• Fresh ginger: 5 grams, sliced
• Scallions: 10 grams, cut into sections
• Salt: 3 grams (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Method:

1. Rinse astragalus and dang shen. Set aside.
2. Clean carp thoroughly. Pat dry. Score both sides.
3. Heat oil in a wok. Fry carp until golden on both sides.
4. Transfer fish to a clay pot or Dutch oven. Add herbs, ginger, scallions, rice wine, and enough water to cover.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Simmer until the broth turns milky white — about 45-60 minutes.
6. Remove astragalus and dang shen pieces. Season with salt.

TCM function: Supplements qi and strengthens the spleen (补益心脾), nourishes blood (益气养血). The carp adds gentle diuretic action to help clear spring dampness.

Serves: 2-3 people. Once or twice weekly during spring.

For more on astragalus in cooking, see our detailed ingredient guide on huang qi (astragalus) in Chinese cooking.

5. Black Chicken and Angelica Root Soup (当归乌鸡汤)

Source: Guangdong Provincial TCM Administration; Sichuan Provincial TCM Administration

This is the classic women's spring tonic in TCM, but it benefits anyone with signs of blood deficiency — pale complexion, dry skin, dizziness, or poor sleep. Black-boned chicken (乌鸡) has been used in Chinese medicine for over 400 years and contains higher levels of carnosine and melanin compared to regular chicken, per research published in the Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition (2019).

Ingredients:

• Black-boned chicken: 1 whole (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs), cleaned and quartered
• Dang gui (当归, angelica root): 10 grams (about 3-4 slices)
• Astragalus (黄芪): 15 grams
• Red dates (红枣): 8 pieces, pitted
• Goji berries: 10 grams
• Fresh ginger: 2 slices
• Salt: to taste

Method:

1. Blanch chicken pieces in boiling water for 2 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse.
2. Place chicken, dang gui, astragalus, red dates, and ginger in a clay pot or slow cooker.
3. Add water to cover — about 1.5 liters (6 cups).
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to very low heat. Simmer 2 hours.
5. Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt. Serve hot.

TCM function: Nourishes blood (养血), tonifies qi, warms the channels. Specifically targets liver blood deficiency, which is common in spring when the liver's activity depletes its blood stores.

Serves: 3-4 people. Once weekly during spring, or twice weekly for those with pronounced blood deficiency signs.

Learn more about this key herb in our guide to dang gui (angelica) in Chinese food therapy.

6. Spinach and Pork Liver Quick Soup (菠菜猪肝汤)

Source: People's Daily health column; multiple Chinese provincial health commissions

This is fast, practical, and deeply traditional. Spinach (菠菜) is sweet and cooling in TCM — it supplements blood, stops bleeding, benefits the five organs, and clears gastrointestinal heat. Paired with pork liver, it creates a potent liver-blood-nourishing combination that takes under 20 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• Pork liver: 200 grams (7 oz), sliced thin
• Fresh spinach: 200 grams (7 oz), washed, cut into 5 cm sections
• Fresh ginger: a few thin slices, cut into shreds
• Sesame oil: a drizzle
• Salt: to taste

Method:

1. Soak liver slices in cold water with a splash of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse until water runs clear.
2. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and place in cold water to keep the color.
3. Bring a fresh pot of water (about 800 ml / 3.5 cups) to a boil.
4. Add spinach, liver slices, and ginger shreds.
5. Cook until liver is just done — about 2-3 minutes. Don't overcook.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil. Season with salt.

TCM function: Supplements blood and stops bleeding (补血止血), benefits the five organs, clears intestinal heat. Particularly good for spring fatigue and dry eyes.

Serves: 2. Can be eaten 2-3 times per week.

7. Chinese Yam and Red Date Congee (山药红枣粥)

Source: Sichuan Provincial TCM Administration; Beijing Health Commission

This congee is the spleen-strengthening anchor of a spring diet. Chinese yam (山药) is the single most important spleen-tonifying food in TCM, appearing in over 60 classical formulas. Combined with red dates, it creates a gentle, nourishing breakfast that protects the spleen from being overwhelmed by rising liver qi.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Chinese yam (山药): 200 grams (7 oz), peeled and diced
• Red dates (红枣): 6-8 pieces, pitted
• White rice or millet: 100 grams (about 1/2 cup)
• Water: 1.5 liters (6 cups)
• Rock sugar: a small piece (optional)

Method:

1. Rinse rice and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Bring water to a boil. Add rice and red dates.
3. Reduce to medium-low heat. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Chinese yam pieces. Continue cooking 15-20 minutes until congee is thick and yam is soft.
5. Add rock sugar if desired. Serve warm.

TCM function: Strengthens spleen and stomach (健脾胃), tonifies qi, nourishes yin. Balances the liver-spleen dynamic that's central to spring health.

When to eat: Breakfast, daily. This is a staple, not a therapeutic dose — safe for regular consumption.

For more medicinal congee recipes, explore our complete guide to congee therapy: medicinal porridge recipes.

8. Spring Bamboo Shoot and Black Chicken Soup (春笋乌鸡汤)

Source: Guangdong Provincial TCM Administration

Spring bamboo shoots (春笋) are the quintessential spring ingredient — available only for a few weeks, they embody the season's upward, sprouting energy. They're classified as sweet and slightly cold in TCM, with functions of clearing heat, promoting digestion, and reducing phlegm. Nutritionally, they're low in calories (27 kcal per 100g) and high in dietary fiber (2.2g per 100g), making them one of the leanest vegetable proteins available.

Ingredients:

• Black-boned chicken: half (about 500g / 1.1 lbs), chopped into pieces
• Fresh spring bamboo shoots: 200 grams (7 oz), peeled, sliced, and blanched
• Dang gui (当归): 3 grams (1-2 small slices)
• Astragalus (黄芪): 10 grams
• Red dates: 3-4 pieces
• Ginger: 2 slices
• Sprouted barley malt (麦芽): 10 grams (optional, aids liver qi flow)
• Salt: to taste

Method:

1. Blanch chicken in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain.
2. Blanch bamboo shoot slices in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove bitterness. Drain.
3. Place all ingredients except salt in a clay pot.
4. Add 1.5 liters (6 cups) of water. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce to low heat. Simmer 1.5-2 hours.
6. Season with salt. Serve hot.

TCM function: Soothes liver qi (疏肝理气), clears heat, aids digestion. The bamboo shoots provide upward-moving energy that aligns with the liver's spring nature, while the chicken and herbs prevent the cooling bamboo from depleting qi.

Serves: 2-3 people. Best during the fresh bamboo shoot season (March-April).

Which Spring Foods to Eat — and Which to Limit

Best Spring Foods for Liver Health

Based on guidance from the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, Sichuan Provincial TCM Administration, and CCTV health programming, these are the top categories:

Green sprouting vegetables (绿色芽菜):

• Chives (韭菜) — warm in nature, called "liver's vegetable" in TCM. Rich in vitamin A (4468 IU per 100g) and fiber.
• Bean sprouts (豆芽) — embody the sprouting energy of spring. Both mung bean and soybean sprouts qualify.
• Chinese toon sprouts (香椿芽) — a spring delicacy with antibacterial properties. Available only in early spring.
• Spinach (菠菜) — sweet and cooling, supplements blood. One of the few greens that nourishes without generating heat.

Liver-supporting herbs and ingredients:

• Goji berries (枸杞子) — nourish liver and kidney yin. Contains 18 amino acids and significant zeaxanthin (per Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005).
• Chrysanthemum (菊花) — clears liver heat. The white variety is preferred for liver use.
• Dang gui (当归) — the premier blood-nourishing herb. Used in food-grade doses (3-10g) in soups.
• Red dates (红枣) — tonify spleen qi, nourish blood. 3-5 per day is a standard food-grade serving.

Spleen-supporting staples:

• Chinese yam (山药) — strengthens spleen, benefits kidney. Can be stir-fried, steamed, or added to soups and congee.
• Millet (小米) — the gentlest grain for the spleen. Ideal breakfast congee base.
• Lotus seeds (莲子) — calm the heart and strengthen the spleen. Add to dessert soups and congee.

For a complete reference on these ingredients, see our Chinese cooking herbs: a TCM ingredient reference guide.

Foods to Limit in Spring

The Beijing Health Commission specifically advises reducing these categories during spring:

• Excessively sour foods — heavy vinegar use, very tart fruits, pickled plums. Small amounts are fine; excess constrains liver qi expansion.
• Spicy and pungent foods — raw garlic, hot chili, and large amounts of ginger. These disperse Yang qi, which is already abundant in spring, potentially causing liver fire.
• Greasy and heavy foods — deep-fried dishes, fatty meats, rich sauces. The spleen is already under pressure from dominant liver qi; heavy foods add further strain.
• Cold and raw foods — ice water, raw salads in large quantity, and frozen desserts. These injure spleen Yang, which needs protecting in spring.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Spring Liver Health

Food is only half the equation. TCM views the liver as uniquely sensitive to three things: sleep timing, emotional state, and physical movement. Neglect any of these and even the best yao shan won't fully compensate.

Sleep: The 11 PM to 3 AM Window

The Huangdi Neijing states: "When a person lies down, blood returns to the liver" (人卧则血归于肝). Between 11 PM and 1 AM, the gallbladder meridian is most active. Between 1 AM and 3 AM, the liver meridian takes over. This two-hour liver window is when detoxification and blood filtration peak.

Consistently staying up past 11 PM — what Chinese sources call 熬夜 (áo yè, "enduring the night") — disrupts this cycle. A 2021 study in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that subjects who regularly slept before 11 PM had 18% lower markers of liver inflammation compared to late sleepers, even when total sleep duration was identical.

The spring-specific adjustment: wake slightly earlier to match the lengthening daylight, but don't sacrifice the 11 PM bedtime. The classic texts say 夜卧早起 (yè wò zǎo qǐ) — "sleep at night, rise early."

Emotional Regulation: The Liver Hates Stagnation

The liver in TCM "likes smooth flow and dislikes depression" (喜条达而恶抑郁). Anger, frustration, resentment, and unexpressed emotions all cause liver qi stagnation. The ancient maxim 百病生于气 ("all diseases arise from qi") points to emotional suppression as a root cause of chronic illness.

Spring amplifies this vulnerability. The liver's qi is strong but volatile — emotional triggers that might pass harmlessly in summer can cause lasting stagnation in spring. Chinese health authorities recommend spending time outdoors, engaging in social activities, and practicing deliberate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or tea meditation.

Exercise: Gentle and Expansive

The Huangdi Neijing prescribes 广步于庭，被发缓形 — "walk broadly in the courtyard, let the hair down and relax the body." This is the opposite of intense HIIT training. Spring exercise should be:

• Gentle: Tai chi, qigong, yoga, walking
• Outdoors: Natural light supports liver qi's upward movement
• Rhythmic: Steady breathing, flowing movements
• Moderate: 30-45 minutes per session. Over-exertion depletes Yang qi.

The Beijing Health Commission notes that "spring exercise should be gentle, slow, and rhythmic... to regulate breathing, balance yin and yang, and harmonize liver qi."

How TCM Body Types Affect Spring Liver Care

Not everyone needs the same approach. TCM recognizes nine body constitutions, and each responds differently to spring's liver-activating energy:

• Qi deficiency (气虚): Focus on astragalus and Chinese yam recipes. Avoid cold, raw foods. Gentle exercise only.
• Yin deficiency (阴虚): Emphasize goji and chrysanthemum tea, snow fungus soups. Avoid spicy and warming herbs. Extra sleep is critical.
• Liver qi stagnation (气滞): Rose tea and jasmine tea are priorities. Emotional regulation matters more than any food. Vigorous walking helps.
• Damp-heat (湿热): Chrysanthemum and mung bean preparations. Limit greasy foods aggressively. Bitter melon and bitter greens are allies.
• Blood deficiency (血虚): Pork liver soups, dang gui chicken, and red date congee. Build blood before trying to move qi.

Understanding your constitution transforms spring yao shan from a general practice into a targeted intervention. Take our TCM body type self-assessment to identify your pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice spring liver yao shan if I have a diagnosed liver condition?

TCM food therapy is a wellness tradition, not a medical treatment. If you have hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or any diagnosed liver condition, you must work with your doctor. Some ingredients — particularly dang gui — can interact with medications including blood thinners. That said, gentle dietary adjustments like increasing green vegetables and reducing greasy foods are generally compatible with conventional liver care. Always disclose herbal food use to your healthcare provider.

How long should I follow spring liver diet principles?

Traditional timing follows the Chinese solar calendar: spring spans from 立春 (Start of Spring, around February 4) to 立夏 (Start of Summer, around May 5) — roughly 90 days. The core "increase sweetness, reduce sourness" principle applies throughout this period. Many practitioners suggest starting 1-2 weeks before Start of Spring and continuing until the weather consistently warms, typically late April or early May depending on your climate.

Are these recipes safe during pregnancy?

Several herbs used in spring liver yao shan require caution during pregnancy. Dang gui (angelica root) stimulates uterine contractions and is traditionally contraindicated in early pregnancy. Chrysanthemum is generally considered safe in food-grade amounts but should be limited. Goji berries and red dates are widely considered safe. Stick to food-based recipes (congee, spinach soup, simple vegetable dishes) rather than herb-heavy preparations, and consult your obstetrician or a qualified TCM practitioner.

What if I can't find TCM herbs at my local grocery store?

Most of these ingredients are available at Asian grocery stores, particularly those with a Chinese herbal section. Goji berries and red dates are now stocked at many mainstream supermarkets and health food stores. For herbs like astragalus and dang shen, check online retailers specializing in Chinese herbs. See our guide on where to buy Chinese medicinal herbs for cooking for specific sourcing recommendations.

Is there scientific evidence supporting TCM spring liver care?

Research on individual ingredients is substantial. A 2019 meta-analysis in Phytomedicine found that astragalus-containing formulas showed hepatoprotective effects in 23 of 28 reviewed studies. Goji berry polysaccharides demonstrated liver-protective activity in a 2020 study published in Food & Function. Chrysanthemum extract showed anti-inflammatory effects on liver tissue in research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2018). However, the holistic framework of seasonal organ correspondence has not been validated through randomized controlled trials. The recipes here represent a living tradition with centuries of empirical use, not clinically proven treatments.

Sources

• Beijing Municipal Health Commission. "Thriving in Spring: A Comprehensive Guide to Five-Organ Care." 2024. wjw.beijing.gov.cn
• CCTV Health Channel. "Spring Wellness Guide." 2025. jiankang.cctv.com
• Xinzheng Municipal Government. "The Yellow Emperor's Classic: Spring Liver Nurturing Principles." 2024. public.xinzheng.gov.cn
• Guangdong Provincial TCM Administration. "Spring Liver Care: Four Recipes." szyyj.gd.gov.cn
• Sichuan Provincial TCM Administration. "Spring Wellness Food Guide." 2023. sctcm.sc.gov.cn
• Chengde Municipal Health Commission. "Spring Liver Food Therapy Recipes." wjw.chengde.gov.cn
• People's Political Consultative Conference Network. "Four Simple Yao Shan for Spring Liver Care." 2017. rmzxw.com.cn
• Tianjin Municipal Health Commission. "Spring Health: Three Food Therapy Recipes for Liver and Spleen." wsjk.tj.gov.cn
• Health Daily (健康报). "Spring Liver Care Complete Guide." 2026. jkb.com.cn
• Jilin Provincial Medical Products Administration. "Spring TCM Flower Teas." 2023. mpa.jl.gov.cn

— The Yao Shan Guide Team