Spring Tonic

Special Note: This information is provided as an education resource only. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Now that spring has shown its many colors and we have waved goodbye to the winter winds, its time to think of our health care regime for the start of a new year. One of the best ways to do this is to clear out the old body accumulations by a Spring Tonic. For the herbalist, spring tonics are the basis of clearing the system of built up toxins in the body so the body’s self-healing can begin. (Petersen, 2016)

For many gardeners, the dandelion Taraxacum officinale (latin) is a menace to their pristine lawns, but to the herbalist, it is a rich source of nutrients and medicinal compounds. Dandelion is even starting to be recognized as such a rich source that many areas can find it organically grown in their local grocery stores, which is a great resource! The leaves of the dandelion are a valuable addition to any salad along with some fresh parsley thrown in! Even the USDA recognizes its nutritional value as their website www.NutritionData.com states that dandelion has only 25 calories per serving (1 cup, chopped-55 grams). It is rich in Vitamin A at 112% of the daily recommended value, contains 32% of your daily required Vitamin C, 10% of calcium, and 9% of iron. Dandelion contains 4g of protein, 4g of carbohydrates, and 9g fat.

Dandelion goes great in eggs, sandwiches, with meats, cheeses, and pasta including in tomato sauce.

In the spring, it is the center of the herbalist’s Spring Tonic which helps clear the urinary tract and liver of toxins and accumulated wastes from a long sedentary winter. It is a natural diuretic as well which lends to its action in the spring tonic. Dandelion is a liver stimulant, stimulates bile flow, and aids in fat digestion, making fat-soluble vitamins more absorbable. Dandelion helps clear body poisons that are associated with conditions such as gout, joint inflammation, constipation, acne, fluid retention, and urinary conditions. (Jacqueline, 2021)

Note: Always consult with your doctor before using any herbal remedy. Use dandelion greens with caution if you have gallbladder disease. Never use dandelion if you have an obstructed bile duct or ulcers. Do not use the following tea while pregnant or lactating. Should you experience any gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation or stomach sensitivity, discontinue using tea and consult a doctor.

To make your Spring Tonic Tea, follow the recipe below:

  -1 tsp of Dandelion Taraxacum officinale (L) leaves
  -1 tsp of Nettle Urtica dioica (L) leaves
  -1/2 tsp of Marshmallow Althaea officinalis (L) leaves

In a large cup combine the leaves. Boil 8 ounces of filtered water and pour over the leaves, cover the cup with a saucer or lid to keep volatile constituents from escaping. Let steep for 5 minutes. Strain off leaves and sweeten as necessary. Honey is a good choice here.
Dosage: Drink up to 3 times per day for seven days.

References:
USDA., 2016., www.NutritionData.com

Jacqueline DeepRootsatHome, 2021., My Old-Fashioned Dandelion Greens Recipe: A Powerful Spring Tonic https://deeprootsathome.com/dandelion-greens-powerful-spring-tonic-recipe/

Petersen, D., 2016., Herb101 Basics of Herbalism, American College of Healthcare Sciences