"The three months of Spring are called the period of the birth (beginning) and growth (development) of life. The breaths of Heaven and Earth are prepared to give birth thus everything is developing and flourishing. After a night of sleep people should get up early, they should walk briskly around the yard. During this period one's body should be encouraged to be alive and not to be injured; one should give to it freely and not take away from it; one should reward it and not punish it. All this is in harmony with the breath of spring and all this is the method for the protection of one's life. Those who disobey the law of Spring will be punished with an injury of the liver. For them the following Summer will bring chills and bad changes; thus they will have little to support their development, growth of the life and the body in Summer". This is what reads in Chinese classic book called Huang Ti Nei Ching Su Wen.

My friends, this weekend please have a picnic at Balboa Park in Van Nuys. You will see still many beautiful cherry blossoms along the lake. Prepare carrot juice or fruit juice of peach, pear and watermelon, cooked shitake mushrooms and your brown rice with sesame seeds and sea salt. Your liver will be very happy, Do not have any alcohol beverages. They are the enemy to the liver and Gall Bladder . Before you leave the park, do not forget to also visit a wonderful Japanese garden in the park. It is one of the best Japanese gardens in the USA they said. Your liver will be very happy. if you find the following herbs in the park and the garden. Have a good treasure haunt!

Capers (Latin name: Capparis spinosa) Caper is a hepatic stimulant that have been used for improving the functional efficiency of the liver. Recent experimental studies also confirm its protective action on the histological architecture of the liver and the positive effects on liver glycogen and serum proteins.

Chicory (Latin name: Cichorium intybus) Chicory is a powerful hepatic stimulant which increases bile secretion, promotes digestion and enhances the action of Capers. Experimental evidence has been obtained of its effect on liver glycogen and recent studies have shown the inhibition of free radical induced DNA damage.

Black Nightshade (Latin name: Solanum nigrum) The Black Nightshade plant and its berries contain various alkaloids that have been isolated and shown to have a dilating effect on the pupil. The main use, however, is to support a healthy liver, skin, kidneys and bladder. The most recent studies indicate that the hepatoprotective effect of the crude extract of Black Nightshade may be due to the suppression of the oxidative degradation of DNA.

Arjuna (Latin name: Terminalia arjuna) Arjuna is a heart tonic that has been used to support cardiovascular functions since the ancient times when it was discovered to have cardio-protective benefits. Recent studies have investigated the mechanism of this activity and has shown a dose-dependent regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. There was also a slight increase in the HDL-to-total cholesterol ratio and an overall improvement in the cardiovascular profile.

Negro Coffee (Latin name: Cassia occidentalis) Negro Coffee has been traditionally used to promote normal bowel movements. It is a cousin species of Senna, a known and stronger purgative. Despite its name (which comes from its occasional use as a coffee substitute), Negro Coffee is absolutely unrelated to coffee.

Yarrow (Latin name: Achillea millefolium) Yarrow has been traditionally used for support of the digestive and urinary functions. Its constitutents have been extensively studied and found to be of value as an alterative, diuretic, and tonic for the venous system. Additionally, Yarrow has been known to have a healing and soothing effect on the mucous membranes. It has been shown effective in regulating gastric and bile secretions.

Tamarisk (Latin name: Tamarix gallica) Tamarisk, sometimes referred to as Saltcedar, has been traditionally used as a tonic and diuretic. It contains an alkaloid, Tamarixin, that has been linked to its effectiveness in conditions associated with hepatic insufficiency. There are indications that Tamarisk is also helpful in increasing platelet counts.