The equinox has just passed. The light is returning. Spring has sprung! It may not feel so springy as I type this piece to the vision of snow steadily falling by my window, watching that freshly revealed grass become again covered in a soft white blanket. Yet, we hardy New England bred folk know that this is the natural order, as spring comes in waves, like the tide kissing the shore and rising up the beach a little further with each pass. The land we saw bare just days ago has been hidden again. The earth began to stir from her slumber only to pull the covers back up and bargain “just a few more minutes.” If you’re a plant enthusiast like myself, you may have gone poking around the yard to get a peek at our friends coming back while you had the first chance. Nettle is the one I’ve been most looking forward to reuniting with. The anticipation has been vibrating beneath my skin for weeks. It was satisfied by a glorious sight as I pulled back crunchy oak leaves to find the spring treat! A childlike gleeful squeal escaped from my lips upon seeing the deep purple/green serrated leaves. This joy is what has inspired me to share musings and information on herbs of spring with you.
In the Northeast climate, we are blessed by abundant biodiversity of edible and medicinal plants. As an herbalist, I love to encourage folks to go about your days being mindful of these sacred plants and connecting with them as they show up. Get curious about the plant allies around you. This can be practiced while walking about outdoors, as well as in places like our Co-op Wellness aisle or a tea station. Do I know this plant? What identifying markers tell me which plant it is? What energetic elements do I perceive it possesses, such as heating or cooling, moistening, stimulating, etc.? Of the many herbs of spring I could discuss, I will stick to a few that we can forage from our own backyard or utilize through products offered in the Wellness aisle. Nettle, dandelion, and burdock come to Mind.
Limiting myself while speaking on nettle (Urtica dioica) to anyone who will listen is a mighty challenge. A super nutrient-rich powerhouse food and plant medicine—rich in chlorophyll, proteins, vitamins A, B1-3, B6, B9, C, E & K, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and silica—nettle is not an herb to be overlooked. As renowned herbalist David Hoffman says, “When in doubt, use nettle.” Although, caution should be used if taking digoxin or lithium. The whole plant from root to seed is medicinal and provides a variety of uses from hair health and urinary system support (all parts), to kidney restoration and thyroid support (seeds). The most commonly used leaves aid cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, hair, bone, and joint health. Many of these benefits are intertwined (i.e. its aid to the kidneys helps to eliminate uric acid, which also aids the joints). The ripple effects are profound! Do not let her sting steer you away. That is simply her way of encouraging a potential beneficiary of her magic to pay attention, go slow, and be mindful when receiving her gifts. The good news is, the sting only exists in the fresh plant. Once stinging nettle is processed by drying, crushing, or heating, its formic acid and histamine-containing trichomes (distributed by silica-tipped hairs) are neutralized. It takes a brave soul to try this, and I don’t recommend doing so without guidance, but there is a traditional use of flogging stiff/inflamed joints with the fresh plant to increase circulation, known as urtification. Nettles make a fantastic (cooked or well-ground) spring green edible. I love eating them steamed over rye toast with a fried egg. They are revered as a spring herb, not only for their early arrival, but for their use in quelling seasonal allergies. For best results, take nettle consistently in tea, tincture, or even capsule form for a month or two before your allergy season starts and throughout said season. We carry each of these forms, as well as allergy-focused supplement blends which include nettle. Namely, Oregon’s Wild Harvest’s Aller-aid, Country Life’s Aller-Max, and Herb Pharm’s Pollen Defense. While it does grow wild in our region—typically in damp and partially shady areas—I find it a bit rare. A friend or neighbor who has some growing would likely be happy to share a clump, as they are quite prolific growers. Come ask me in the aisle and I’d be happy to share from my patch.
With its cheery sun-like flowers and the pollinators they bring, dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is a plant associated with spring by all. Herbalists associate it with spring for its affinity for the liver, skin, kidneys, and digestion. Now is a great time to get these systems nourished and flowing after the winter stagnation of cold energetics, reduced activity, and heavier foods. Its tenacity and proliferation get this marvelous plant a bad rap. I implore us all to see this as an opportunity rather than a burden: eat your weeds! Like nettle, all parts of the dandelion are edible and medicinal. Advantageous chemical constituents of dandelion include inulin, triterpines, choline, vitamins A, B1-3, B6, B9, C, and D, and minerals potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Taraxacoside (a glycoside relating to the plant’s latin name) and phenolic acids are found in the root alone. The roots, most known for their liver support, can be tinctured, decocted, or roasted and ground to use as a coffee-like drink. A key physiology fact: anything that benefits the Liver also benefits the skin. Leaves can be eaten fresh in a salad or dried for infusions. The flowers make lovely topical infusions, due to their nourishing and anti-inflammatory elements. They are also delightful when lightly battered and fried or used to make wine, as their yeast content lends well to fermentation. While not totally devoid of nutrients, the stems of dandelion, as well as nettle, could still be utilized in crafty ways, such as making cordage and weaving baskets. The urinary system is greatly served by the use of dandelion. Its high potassium content makes it a superior plant-based diuretic. If you have tasted any part of this plant you surely have noticed its bitter flavor. Bitterness in herbs is a sign of digestive aid. The chemical constituents which impart this flavor increase the production of digestive fluids, from saliva to bile and beyond.This is why you will find dandelion in nearly every bitters blend we provide at the Co-op. The bitters line by Urban Moonshine comes in a lovely range of broad digestive aid to specific concern focus.
On the topic of herbal bitters, I must mention burdock (Arctium lappa and A. minus), which is also found in those bitters blends. Spring is a great time to harvest burdock root, as the energy is focused in the root rather than aerial parts and you don’t have to worry about the burrs! You will find burdock in liver-supporting supplements like Solaray’s Total Cleanse, a fabulous lymph-moving aid. Total Cleanse also contains the spring-associated herbs cleavers and red clover. I’d be remiss to not mention Maine Medicinals’ Cleanse + Fortify herbal supplement. This liquid formulation is a locally-made, potent gift for liver, kidney, and overall health. It contains nettle, dandelion, and burdock, among many other vitalizing herbs. Avena Botanicals’ Spring and Fall Tonic Tincture is another particularly relevant, locally-made formula containing this spring herbal trinity. They can each be found in dried form in the Bulk Department for home formulating as well. As our hemisphere leans into the sun and our plant friends begin to sprout again, keep your eyes peeled for them. As the spring rains nurture our botanical relatives, be sure to nurture your own connection with them.
Happy spring to all!
– Crystal DaCosta
This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please utilize herbs safely and consult your healthcare professionals for guidance.
Resources and more information:
-The Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman
– herbal zines by Katheryn Langelier, found at herbalrev.com
– Herbs with Rosalee podcast on stinging nettle with David Winston & with Mary Blue – Materia Medica by Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary
