Spring's Green Gifts: A Forager's Delight in Edible and Healing Herbs
Ah, spring. That magical time when the world awakens from its slumber, and the earth generously offers us its first green gifts. I find myself drawn to the woods and meadows, a basket in hand, a sense of childlike wonder in my heart. There's something truly special about foraging for the wild herbs that sprout with such vibrant energy. It's like stepping into nature's own apothecary and pantry, all rolled into one.
This year, the nettles are especially abundant. I remember the first time I cautiously approached them, wary of their sting. Now, I see them as a gift, a source of incredible nourishment! After a gentle harvest (gloves are your friend!), they transform into the tastiest spring food, my favorite being nettle pesto, rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin C and more.
Did you know they're also wonderful for allergy relief? Nature's wisdom never ceases to amaze me.
Urticaria diocia
Did you know Nettles are also wonderful for allergy relief? Nature's wisdom never ceases to amaze me.
And then, there are the dandelions. Those cheerful, sun-like flowers that dot every lawn and field. Yes, those “weeds” are a forager's dream! The leaves, a little bitter but so good in a spring salad, remind me of the vibrant energy of the season. And those bright yellow flowers? Fritters, Syrup, Pizza toppings, anyone? Or perhaps a batch of dandelion wine, capturing the very essence of sunshine in a bottle.
Taraxacum officinale
"To some, a dandelion is just a weed, but to others, it's a medicine, a symbol of resilience, and a source of nourishment."
- Lulu Miller
Chickweed, that gentle, cooling herb, is also abundant this time of year. It’s a wonderful addition to salads, and so soothing for any skin irritations. It's like nature’s gentle balm, reminding us to be kind to our bodies.
Stellaria media
Soothing to your body inside and out, that’s Chickweed.
Then, there are the cleavers, with their tiny hooks that cling to everything. I find their sticky stems both fun to play with and incredibly useful as a medicine. They are a wonderful lymphatic support, and a simple tea or my favorite spring detox drink made from them is so refreshing. It’s a reminder that even the most unassuming plants have so much to offer.
Galium aparine
This plants cleavers or little hooks on the leaves were inspiring to the inventor of velcro for this innovative hook and stick design!
Let's not forget the violets, those delicate purple blooms that whisper of sweetness. Their gentle scent and calming properties make them a perfect addition to a spring tea. I love to candy a few, a tiny, edible jewel, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.
Viola sororia
One of my favorite recipes to make with violets is an herbal infused body oil to massage on swollen tissue or areas that need some help moving lymph, makes a wonderful breast massage oil!
Lastly, the miner’s lettuce. Apart of the purslane succulent leaves, with their mild, refreshing taste, are a delightful addition to any spring salad. It’s said that the miners of the gold rush era relied on it for its vitamin C content, a precious gift from the earth. It is a reminder of the deep connection between people and the land.
Claytonia perfoliata
This herb helped us gain essential nutrients + minerals coming out of winter. It had even been eaten to avoid scurvy!
A Few Gentle Reminders:
Always be absolutely certain of your identification. When in doubt, leave it be.
Forage responsibly, taking only what you need, leaving plenty for the plants and wildlife.
Be mindful of where you forage, avoiding areas that may be contaminated with pesticides or pollutants, especially right next to roadsides.
Incorporating these wild herbs into my daily life has become a way of life, a way to connect with the earth's rhythms. It's a reminder that we are part of something much larger, a beautiful, interconnected web of life. One that changes with the seasons as we do and invites us to nurture our bodies with nature.
So, I invite you to step outside, breathe in the fresh spring air, and discover the green gifts that await you. Perhaps you'll find a patch of dandelions, a hidden grove of nettles, or a patch of miner's lettuce. Let your heart guide you, and let the magic of spring fill your soul.
Benefits of each plant
Nettle
Spring Tonic and Blood Builder: Nettle is a potent spring tonic, known for its blood-building and cleansing properties, revitalizing the body after winter.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Abundant in iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chlorophyll, Vitamin K, A, C and some B nettle provides vital minerals and nutrients for overall health.
Nutritious Cooked Green: Cooked nettle leaves are a delicious and highly nutritious addition to meals, offering a substantial boost of iron and other essential elements.
Warning: Nettle's stinging hairs are easily taken off by a brief hot water bath. The leftover hot water, after straining out the hairs, creates a delicious and nutrient-rich tea that can be enjoyed during your meal prep!
Dandelion
Nutrient-Rich Leaves: Dandelion leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. They offer a significant nutritional boost.
Versatile Leaf Uses: Dandelion leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads, cooked as greens (similar to spinach), or added to smoothies and other dishes.
Nutritious Roots: Dandelion roots are a source of fiber and various nutrients. They can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute or added to soups and stews.
Potassium Source: Dandelions are a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
Natural Diuretic: Dandelion leaves act as a natural diuretic, promoting healthy kidney function and water balance.
Chickweed
Nutrient Rich: Chickweed is a nutritious addition to salads and other dishes, rich in vitamins A, C, D & B complex calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium, copper, iron and silica. It has just as much iron as our beloved spinach!
Blood and Gastrointestinal Cleansing: The saponins in chickweed help to scrub toxins from the bloodstream and gastrointestinal system increasing the permeability of our digestive tract to increase nutrient absorption.
Mild Laxative Effect: Chickweed may produce a mild laxative effect, aiding in gentle detoxification.
Blood Alkalizing: Chickweed has an alkalizing effect on the blood, helping to balance pH levels.
Fat Metabolism Support: Its levels of natural lethicin can help speed up fat metabolism, potentially supporting weight reduction efforts.
Cleavers
Nutrient Profile: Cleavers contain vitamins C, K, and some B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, silicon, magnesium, and potassium.
Chlorophyll-Rich Spring Tonic: Cleavers are abundant in chlorophyll, making them a potent spring tonic that promotes lymphatic circulation and blood purification. I think of this herb like a shower for your lymph & blood systems.
Urinary Tract Support: Cleavers can be used to treat UTIs, kidney inflammation, prostatitis, and kidney stones, as they cool and shrink inflamed tissues of the urinary tract.
Swollen Gland Relief: Cleavers are useful for reducing swelling in glands, such as those affected by tonsillitis or earaches.
Tea Preparation Warning: Boiling water will destroy the medicinal qualities of cleavers. For tea, use a cold or warm water infusion to preserve their beneficial properties. My favorite method is to blend it up with other herbs, water a lemon and possibly ice to an enjoy a refreshing spring tonic.
Violets
Nutrient-Rich: Violets provide vitamins A and C, rutin (an antioxidant), and minerals, contributing to overall nutrition.
Culinary Uses: Flowers and leaves can be used in salads, desserts, drinks, syrups, and vinegars
Respiratory and Anti-inflammatory Support: Violets soothe coughs, sore throats, and reduce inflammation, offering relief for respiratory and skin irritations.
phatic and Skin Benefits: They support lymphatic function, aid in detoxification, and soothe skin irritations when applied topically. Wonderful as an herb infused body oil
Always use proper identification and caution when consuming wild plants.
Miners Lettuce
Nutrient Profile: Miner's lettuce is a fantastic source of vitamins C and A, contributing to immune support and eye health. It contains proteins and provides approximately 10% of the recommended daily iron intake, supporting healthy blood production. Rich in minerals calcium, beta-carotene, potassium, and magnesium.
Hydrating and Refreshing: Its succulent leaves are naturally hydrating and offer a refreshing addition to salads and other dishes.
Antioxidant Properties: Miner's lettuce contains antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radical damage.
A couple of my favorite recipes
Cleavers Concoction
This is one of my absolute favorite herbal preparations to drink, I used to love walking around my schools herbal garden picking all my favorite herbs, a giant bunch of cleavers and blending it up with some lemon and a dashel of honey.
Ingredients:
2 - 3 handfuls of cleavers
1 full lemon, rind and all
2-4 cups of water depending on the strength and amount you’d like
1 tbsp honey or molasses
A dash of Celtic sea salt
Your preferred additional herbs
Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Chickweed, Miners Lettuce, Dandelion leaves or flowers, violets leaves or flowers
Add all of your ingredients into a blender, herbs, a whole lemon cut up, 2 cups of water a dash of salt and spoonful of honey. Blend until everything is properly mixed strain the plant matter from the juice and enjoy the tastiest green juice you’ve ever had.
A plus with this recipe since cleavers is best enjoyed in the beginning of spring is to freeze some cleavers ice cubes to enjoy the cooling benefits during the heat of summer.
Nettle Rich Pesto
3 cups of blanched nettle
2 cups of three cornered leeks
1 cup of miners lettuce
1 cup of chickweed
1 cup of dandelion leaves
1 cup of basil (not necessary but gives this a distinct pesto flavor)
A head of garlic, less if you like but im a garlic lover
pine nuts or walnuts
3 tbsp olive oil
Add all of these ingredients into a for processor or blender and blend until smooth, enjoy the best and most nutritious pesto of your life!
If you’d like to add some more protein and fiber into this recipe soak 1-2 cups of beans overnight and blend them into this delicious concoction!
