As a Herbalist, Spring brings a particular joy. Not only am I planning which medicinal herbs to start growing in my garden, but I am also out walking the fields and hedgerows looking for the first signs of Spring herbs.
Identifying wild plants is the key. Nothing gives me more pleasure than hearing of people who have been on my herb walks making their own dandelion flower-infused oil for bruises or a cleavers tea to boost their immunity. Nature’s abundance is there for the picking - and free!
Try this simple recipe made of a mixture of fresh and dried herbs. It will work on several body organs at the same time to help recharge your batteries, boost your immune system and clear the body of winter’s excesses:
Cleaver’s Tea recipe
Ingredients
A handful of fresh leaves of:
- Nettle tops
- Cleavers (goosegrass)
- Dandelion leaf
- Peppermint
A teaspoon each of dried:
- Fennel seed
- Cardamon
- Cinnamon
One teaspoon of chopped fresh ginger.
Mix together the ingredients and use a dessert spoon of the mixture in 400mls hot water. Leave for 15 minutes, strain and drink.
Cleaver / goosegrass
Further resources
Foraging for wild food and medicinals: chickweed
Introducing the plantains - multi-yielding plants for a permaculture system
Book: The Medicinal Forest Garden Handbook
