A Change in Season: Spring

Harnessing the Power of Common Herbs for Wellness

As we bid farewell to the last whispers of winter, the arrival of spring brings with it a sense of awakening, renewal and rejuvenation. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! This season of awakening is not just a visual feast for the eyes with its explosion of colors but also an opportune time to refresh our wellness routines. Now is another perfect tie to embrace the gifts of nature, particularly herbs. Herbs can significantly aid in maintaining our well-being during this transition. Let’s explore how these natural allies can help us welcome spring with vitality and vigor.

The Herbal Renaissance of Spring

Spring symbolizes new beginnings, making it the perfect time to introduce beneficial herbs into our daily regimen. It’s the time of year you begin to see sleeping plants wake and hear animals emerge. The natural world offers a wide variety of plants and herbs that can detoxify, energize, and improve our health as we adjust to the changing season.

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

THIS IS NOT A WEED!! Often unfairly dismissed and treated as a mere weed, dandelion is a powerhouse of nutrition. Its leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Dandelion aids in liver detoxification, promotes digestive health, supports heart function, and supports kidney function. Incorporating dandelion leaves into salads or enjoying a soothing cup of tea can be a refreshing way to embrace spring wellness.

Different communities have used dandelion to aid/relieve constipation, edema (swelling), high blood pressure, indigestion, premenstrual cramps (premenstrual syndrome), and hepatitis. Caution should be used if you have gallstones or have diarrhea after using. (Prescription for Drug Alternative by Dr. Balch, Stengler, and R. Balch 2008)

Recipe: Try adding a few (two) dandelion leaves or flower heads with camomile flowers (or tea bag), to a cup with hot water (200 degrees F), let sit for three minutes, and strain and sip. You can add sugar to taste- try not to add sugar for the most benefits. Drink nightly.

2. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle is renowned for its ability to alleviate allergy symptoms, a common springtime problem for most. Packed with nutrients, nettle supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms against seasonal allergens. It also purifies the blood and enhances overall vitality. Nettle can be consumed as a tea, capsule form, tincture, or added to soups and stews.

Some communities have used nettle to aid with allergies, anemia, detox, rashes, arthritis, brittle hair, edema, gout, hives, anemia in pregnancy (two cups of tea daily), and even prostate enlargement (root of plant). People often tae 300mg up to three times daily for relief. Prescription for natural cures third edition by Dr. Stengler, black, and Black 2016)

Recipe: Try adding a cup of chopped nettle leaves and four springs of rosemary to four cups of boiling water. Let steep for fifteen minutes, strain, and sip a cup at a time.

3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is one of my favorite smells and herbs. Even though I am currently breastfeeding, I still have a cup or two every week. When I do I usually pare it with a different herb or two that stimulates milk production (goat rue, milk thistle, nettle, Alfalfa, fennel, or another herb) .

With its invigorating scent and flavor, peppermint is a wonderful herb for energizing the body and mind. It aids digestion, soothes headaches, and can improve mental focus. Peppermint tea is a refreshing beverage that can also help relieve seasonal allergies.

Communities have used for colic, indigestion, nausea, fevers, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, and even headaches. Taking in too much peppermint can cause you to have indigestion . Usually a cup of tea every two house is used to aid with nausea or 250mg.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is another common herb used in my home. With its mild lemon scent, is effective in reducing stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. It’s particularly beneficial as we transition into the bustling energy of spring. Lemon balm can be enjoyed as a tea or used in culinary dishes for a hint of citrus.

Some communities have used this plant to aid with respiratory infection, premenstrual symptoms (PMS), control blood sugars, fevers, depression cold sores, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, genital herpes, increase mental alertness, and insomnia. In a salad/soup, extract, oil, ointment, tincture, tea, or cream, this plant is so versatile. (This book gives awesome remedies The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Dr Apelian and Claude Davis)

Recipe: (Bath Tea) Try boiling four cups of water and steeping a handful of lemon balm leaves in the water for five minutes. Strain and add tea to bath water and soak. (please don’t enter the water if it is too hot). Taking a “tea bath” at least weekly can help keep your skin looking nourished and aid with healing minor cuts and of course aid with removing toxins.

5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is well-loved for its calming properties, making it an excellent herb for promoting restful sleep and reducing anxiety. As the days grow longer and busier, chamomile can help ensure our rest is deep and rejuvenating. Sip on chamomile tea in the evenings to embrace its soothing benefits. My family uses chamomile when emotions are high. Because I incorporate tea and plant medicine into the lives and activities of my children, they are learning to recognize their own needs and actually make requests.

Communities have used this versatile plant to aid with indigestion, anxiety or nervousness, colic, gingivitis, diarrhea, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, healing cuts, whooping cough, congestion, pinkeye, and relieving muscle aches.

Recipe: For eye problems, try boiling a cup of water, add a handful of chamomile flowers (at least 3-4 tablespoons), turn fire down to low and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain contents and let water cool. Use water as an eye wash or to wash and rinse face.

Welcoming Spring with Herbal Wellness

Spring is a time of rejuvenation. As the sun continues to lengthen our days take time to feel the warmth it brings and the cleansing relief of the from showers that fall. Whether through teas, tinctures, or fresh greens, these plants offer a gentle yet powerful means to support our body’s transition into the vibrancy of spring.

As we welcome the new season, let’s remember the wisdom of the natural world and the simple yet profound ways it can enhance our well-being. Here’s to a spring filled with health, happiness, and the rejuvenating power of herbs.

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” —Toni Sorenson

Jasmine Hutchinson, RN, Doula, and Herbalist

DISCLAIMER…THIS BLOG IS INTENDED SOLELY TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE TO HEALTH INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS, CAUTIONS, SAFETY CONCERNS, NATURAL REMEDIES, DIY RECIPES, AND NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS RELATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF HEALTH. THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF ANY HEALTH CONDITION OR CONCERN OR EVEN THOSE ASPECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS BLOG. THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE–AND YOU SHOULD NOT USE IT AS–A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE GIVEN BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. BE SURE TO SEE A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO HELP ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF YOUR FAMILY.