Top Herbal Supplements for Spring

When the first plants start to push up from the soil and most of the snow is melted, it is time to start making changes to your herbal supplement program. Why do you want to do this? Because during the winter we tend to eat heavier foods and maybe even gain a few pounds from it. Spring is our chance to restore our health and state of balance as well as maybe even drop a few pounds.

So, which herbs should you take? Well, I like to stick with plants that are found growing in nature during this time of year. And, I personally prefer to either eat them (make sure you identify them properly) or make them as a tea. However, you could take them in pill or capsule form if you want. These are my top choices.

Dandelion

One of the greatest pleasures in the spring is being able to pick dandelion leaves and include them fresh in salads. As the growing season progresses, the leaves get tough and bitter so being able to eat them fresh while minimizing the bitter flavor is a real treat. I also pick dandelion flowers, dip them in fritter batter, and deep fry them until golden.

Dandelion is a common liver herb and the bitter principals are good for digestion which can help keep the body healthy. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, a blood purifier, and a superior diuretic because it is also rich in potassium. If you decide to take a tea you can pick the leaves fresh and dry them yourself or buy it from the store. You can also take the capsules.

Stinging Nettle

I love this herb no matter what time of year it is. The fresh leaves are delicious steamed and can be used as a replacement for spinach in recipes. Just be careful when you pick it and where gloves otherwise you might get stung. These stingers die off when the plant is cooked or dried.

Nettle is a mild blood cleanser and is nourishing to the adrenal glands. It is also rich in minerals like calcium and silica as well as Vitamin K and Vitamin A. It starts growing a little bit after dandelion and grows through the winter and fall. It is best as a strong tea or eaten as a food.

Chickweed

Though chickweed looks delicate, it is actually a very hardy plant. As a folk remedy it is commonly used to help with obesity and to help the user drop extra pounds. Whether or not this claim has any scientific backing is under debate.

Aside from that, it is a tasty spring green that can enhance any salad. It has a mild spinach flavor and is complemented well with a dressing of lemon juice and olive oil. You can also take it as a tea but drying the plant out greatly reduces its volume so you need to pick a lot.

Closing Thoughts

Before you start taking any herbs make sure you consult with your doctor and do some research about them yourself. For example, since Nettle is high in Vitamin K you shouldn't take it if you are on any medications that thin the blood. Also, if you do pick the plants yourself, it is very important to make sure that you identify it properly.