Spring herbs for health
We have climbed out of what was a reasonably warm winter on the east coast of Australia into Spring. Spring is often the time we intuitively feel the need to detox after the heavier foods of winter. Spring is associated with the liver/gallbladder meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine and is a good time to nourish and support this system. We can support and nourish the liver at this time using green herbs and bitter herbs such as dandelion and nettle. Let’s dive into the benefits of using these herbs and ways to incorporate them into your life.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
The dandelion plant is classified by Botanists as an herb but is thought of by many as a weed. The beautiful sunny yellow flowers of the dandelion pop up in lawns and in the between the cracks in the concrete where they are often poisoned (it is the plant whose picture appears on the label of the Roundup pesticide bottle ☹). However the humble dandelion has been a valuable plant used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years as it is very nutritious, high in minerals and every part of the plant is edible.
A field of dandelions
What are the health properties of dandelion?
Dandelion is used by Chinese medicine and traditional medicine practitioners to support liver health. Dandelion is also known to be effective against pneumonia, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections.
Other benefits include;
Diuretic – helps to flush excess fluid from the body.
Caffeine free so can be drunk any time of the day.
Bitter properties of the plant improve digestion and support liver health.
Rich in vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins: B, C and beta carotene.
Minerals: boron, calcium, potassium and silica – good for hair, skin, nails & bones
Mild laxative - helpful for constipation.
Fresh leaves can be steamed and eaten like spinach.
Only eat dandelions from places you know are not sprayed with herbicide/pesticide
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettles are one of the most useful herbs for people who suffer from allergies which often flare up in Spring. When exposed to an allergen, histamine receptors become activated making life miserable for susceptible people. There are four types of histamine receptors in the body H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R. Histamine H1 receptors (H1R) are responsible for many of the symptoms of allergic reactions such as hives, itching skin, asthma symptoms, abdominal pain, local swelling and inflammation. Nettle inactivates the histamine H1 receptor and stabilises mast cells (cells that produce histamine) – helping to reduce allergy symptoms.
Other benefits of nettles:
Rich in vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins: B, C, E and beta carotene,
Minerals: calcium, potassium, silica, iron, manganese, chromium & sulphur.
Mild diuretic.
Anti-inflammatory - reduces joint and muscle pain.
Support liver function and
Can improve the health of your skin and hair.
Stinging nettle image
How to incorporate these herbs into your day
Dandelion tea
Dandelion tea can be made from roasted or unroasted dandelion root or dried dandelion leaves. Dandelion leaf is not as widely available as dandelion root but can be found in health food stores and online. Roasted dandelion root has a richer flavour than unroasted. Add a teaspoon of dandelion root or leaf to a tea strainer and brew for 5-10 minutes. If using the roasted root, the longer you leave it the stronger the and more bitter the flavour.
Dandelion coffee
Often mixed with chicory root, roasted dandelion root is used as a coffee substitute. Roasted dandelion root is essential to give a rich, coffee like taste. Roasted dandelion root can be found in health food stores online and in Australian supermarkets. BonVit is an Australian brand that sells a roasted dandelion blend (roasted dandelion root & roasted chicory root (also a coffee substitute)).
I avoid the Symington’s brand found in Coles and Woolworths as it contains dextrose and glucose. Dextrose can be derived from corn (or wheat) which is often genetically modified. It is also absorbed quickly by the body causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. It you want to sweeten your dandelion drink raw honey pairs nicely.
Dandelion espresso
A dandelion espresso is not as bitter as the tea and even has a little bit of froth so you could almost believe it was coffee 😊. I have been drinking dandelion for a long time but have only recently started making dandelion espresso’s and this is my new favourite way of having dandelion.
As coffee machines are all different making a dandelion espresso in a coffee machine is a bit of trial and error. The instructions below are a general guide so you might need to use less or more dandelion for your machine. If you are using the BonVit roasted dandelion root that contains roasted chicory you might need to use less as the chicory will swell when water is added.
To make:
Add 1 tablespoon of medium ground roasted dandelion root to a two-cup filter receptcble for a coffee machine. Attach to the coffee machine and run through as much hot water as you like. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom or other spices to the dandelion before brewing for added flavour. Add milk and sugar if desired.
Dandelion espresso
Mineral rich herbal infusions
As the weather warms up it is nice to have something cool to drink throughout the day. Herbal infusions are hydrating and are richer in minerals than a herbal tea due to the long infusion time. Infusions are easy to make, and the finished product will last for up to 36 hours in the fridge. Not all dried herbs are suitable for infusions, however both dried dandelion leaves and nettle leaves are suitable.
To make an herbal infusion:
Note: This recipe is from the Mudbrick Herb Cottage website. You can watch their video on how to make an infusion on YouTube.
Ingredients:
30g dandelion leaf or nettle leaf
1 litre of boiling water
Glass jar
Strainer
Glass bottle
Strainer
To make:
Weigh 30g of dandelion leaf or nettle leaf into a glass jar and add boiling water. Stir to ensure the herbs are covered with water. Secure the lid and leave overnight (no longer than 12 hours). Strain the herb, pushing all the water and minerals out with a spatula and put the liquid in a glass bottle in the fridge. Drink within 36 hours. The spent herb can be added to the compost.
Summary
As we move into the warmth and renewal energy of Spring supporting your liver is the best way to optimise detoxification. You don’t have to undertake a harsh detox regime when you can incorporate dandelion and nettles into your day to support our liver, reduce allergies and supply your body with easily absorbed minerals.
The information provided on this website is for information purposes only and is not meant to be nor should be considered medical advice.
References
The Encyclopedia of herbs and herbalism (Malcolm Stuart)
The Green Pharmacy (James A. Duke Ph.D.)
