The first herbs to come up in the springtime are bursting with cleansing chlorophyll and lymph-moving moisture. They flush out metabolic wastes that have accumulated over the long winter and bring life, moisture, and movement to the winter-worn system.
Taking advantage of these seasonal green allies can result in a glowing complexion, luxurious hair, elevated mood, more energy, and a huge leg-up when it comes to avoiding colds, flu, and spring allergies.
Springtime herbs work on all of the body systems, but particularly on the kidneys, lungs, liver, and lymph. They cleanse the tissues, bolster the immune system, and provide the whole body with a good spring cleaning and a moisturizing breath of fresh air. They are anti-inflammatory and, as they gently cleanse the eliminatory organs, they often clear up skin problems. Rich in minerals, they fortify the hair, skin and nails, purify the blood, and provide an invigorating burst of spring energy.
Here are a few spring herbs to look out for:
Cleavers
Galium aparine
Cleavers is a shade-loving herb with a water content of over 90%! All that moisture works wonders to cleanse lymphatic congestion and purify the blood. Cleavers improves digestion and gently cleanses the liver while increasing bile production. Cleavers is featured in our Herbal Lymph Symphony Tea.
Cleavers’ medicinal properties are best extracted through gentle methods. Many herbalists recommend steeping the herb in hot water (rather than boiling) or making a cold infusion by covering the herb in water and letting it soak overnight in a sealed jar.
Violet
Viola odorata
Violet is a great friend to the lungs and respiratory system, and it’s also well-known for lifting the mood. Violet leaf tea clears the lungs and is a soothing expectorant for coughs and respiratory infections. It is excellent for asthma, allergies, and other respiratory irritations.
Chickweed
Stellaria media
Chickweed is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A. It is anti-inflammatory and excellent for the skin. It encourages digestion, cleanses the system, and aids the liver and immune system. Chickweed helps the kidneys eliminate toxins, which can have a marked effect on energy and skin health.
Nettles
Urtica dioica
Nettles is one of the most nourishing, mineral-rich plants in the herbal world. Before they develop their sting, baby nettles can be cooked in soups and used in salads. The more mature plants can be made into a rich, dark green infusion or dried for later use. Nettle tea will not keep very long, so it’s best to drink it on the day it’s made.
Whether you take these spring tonics dried or fresh, I hope you’ll enjoy their energizing health benefits as they help us transition from winter to spring!
