With open hearts and joyful spirits, we welcome the arrival of spring. After the long, dark months of winter, we find ourselves yearning for warmth, light, and the gentle awakening of nature. Yet, despite the beauty of the season, we may feel weary, unmotivated, and in need of nourishment—our bodies craving the vitality found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Did you know that herbs can be powerful allies in this transition? These natural treasures not only provide essential nutrients but also help replenish our energy, support detoxification after the stillness of winter, and uplift our mood.
Here are my favourite herbs to embrace in early spring, bringing renewal and vibrancy to both body and soul.
Nettle- Urtica dioica
Nettle is very nutritious, rich in iron, potassium, calcium, silica, vitamins A and C. Young nettle leaves are fantastic for making spring nourishing drinks, smoothies, and soups for debility, convalescence, lack of energy, and anaemia.
Nettle helps in clearing toxins by stimulating liver and kidneys function. Its antihistamine action can relieve the symptoms of hay fever. Nettle is our western adaptogen– acts as adrenal tonic and increases our resilience to stress and illness.
Dandelion- Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion’s leaves are traditionally eaten in the spring as a bitter liver tonic. It cleanses the body from the winter heavy foods. It is fantastic for supporting the liver and gallbladder. It reduces tiredness, headaches, irritability, and skin problems. It has very high potassium content, so it is also very nutritious.
Cleavers- Galium aparine
In spring, nature gifts us an abundance of cleavers, appearing just when we need them most. This humble yet powerful herb arrives in perfect harmony with the season, offering gentle support for renewal and well-being. It is traditionally used as a cleansing spring tonic for clearing toxins and cooling heat. It is also a lymphatic tonic, which enhances lymphatic circulation, which results in better ability of the body to cleanse, and stimulate the immune system.
Wild oats- Avena sativa
Wild oats are, without a doubt, my favorite herb of spring. Incredibly nutritious and rich in protein, they are abundant in essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and silica, as well as vital vitamins that nourish the body deeply.
These gentle yet powerful herbs strengthen bones and teeth, while offering profound support to the nervous system. Wild oats are one of the finest energy-giving and restorative herbs, acting as a true tonic for both body and mind. They soothe tension, ease nervous exhaustion, and replenish vitality—bringing a sense of calm and renewal with every sip or bite.
Reishi- Ganoderma lucidum
Reishi, often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has been cherished for centuries as a sacred tonic of longevity and vitality. This remarkable adaptogen nurtures the body with profound wisdom, offering balance and strength in times of stress.
Reishi supports healthy blood sugar levels, enhances immunity and resilience, and provides powerful protection against free radical damage and illness. It aids in oxygen utilization, encourages liver regeneration, and helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol—gently guiding the body toward harmony and well-being. A true gift from nature, reishi is a timeless ally for both inner and outer radiance.