Medicinal Herbs for Spring
“She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
"Winter is dead.”
― A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young
A blend of medicinal herbs for spring support.
New Beginnings
What do you think about when you think of spring?
I think of renewal and growth. More space to move now that it’s warm enough to go outside. A new chance to grow a garden. Friends over for drinks and dinner. A new season of Nature School. New beginnings.
As winter ends and plants and animals begin to bloom and come back to life, we can also enjoy a sense of renewed energy and creativity. And with that comes hope. For warmer days, for time spent outdoors, for new garden opportunities.
Since spring is a time of rejuvenation, we can think of using herbs and ingredients known for their energizing and revitalizing properties.
Oatstraw, for example, (which admittedly I use in every season’s blend!) is a nourishing herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it is traditionally used to support energy and vitality.
Spring Blend 2023
Spring Blend
Here's a look at the herbs I used for my Spring Blend this year. As this year's growing season begins and the days are getting longer, we also begin to ask more of our bodies. Plant medicine can support us in feeling grounded and balanced as we move through the season. My hope is that this list will inspire you to welcome medicinal herbs into your life to support your physical and emotional rhythms and needs.
1. Eleuthero
Also known as Siberian ginseng, this root is an adaptogenic herb that helps support the body's ability to cope with stress and fatigue. It is commonly used to help increase energy levels without the crash of caffeine, and I find it specially helpful as we turn our engines on for the growing season to come.
2. Red Rooibos
A naturally caffeine-free herb that is known for its soothing properties. Red rooibos is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. This can be especially helpful during the spring when seasonal allergies and other factors can increase inflammation in the body.
3. Elder Flowers
Traditionally used to support the immune system and promote overall well-being, this herb has expectorant properties, which can help promote respiratory health. I find this specially important now as we transition out of a really heavy cold season where everyone was sick so many times. Lung health is one of my priorities right now.
4. Goji Berries
A powerful antioxidant known to support overall health and wellness. With high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein it may help improve vision and protect against age-related eye diseases. And with beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body, goji berries may help promote healthy skin and protect against sun damage as we spend more time outside.
5. Cardamom
A flavorful and aromatic spice that is known to promote digestion and reduce stress. With it’s warming properties, cardamom helps us wake digestive system up and out of winter hibernation and promote healthy digestion, reduce bloating, and prevent constipation. It’s delicious aroma is is believed to have mood-boosting properties and promote relaxation.
6. Orange Peel
High in vitamins and minerals, this usually discarded part of the orange is deeply nourishing and supportive. It also doesn’t hurt that it adds such a refreshing, warming and invigorating citrus note to this blend.
Take these herbs separate to get to know them better, or together to create an infusion that is not only delicious and satisfying to drink, but also provides support for you body and mind during this season of spring.
