Spring is finally starting to spring here. We’ve gotten a little bit of rain, and things are greening up. The rancher (husband) is complaining about all the wild mustard that is the first to show up, as well as thistles that are beginning to slip out of the ground.

Traditionally, people took a ‘spring tonic’ that helped break the routine of winter meals – soups, stews, heavy on salt and preserved meat. That spring tonic might come in the form of fresh greens/salads like lambsquarter (Chenopodium album), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), or rhubarb (Rheum spp.). These tend to have a bit of a laxative effect, so this also worked as a bit of a cleanse.

When my kids were young (and I was NOT an herbalist, but had a bit of knowledge – scary, I know!), I would start a ‘spring tonic’ in January of onions, garlic, horseradish, ginger, and cayenne. We would take shots of that in April as a spring tonic. My children have never let me forget that this was absolute torture for them. Now that combination is more accurately called ‘fire cider’ and it still is a great thing – but more for acute illnesses than as a tonic.

‘Tonics’ are meant to support and nourish the body and restore it to optimal functioning. Certain herbs are ‘tonic’ or ‘trophorestorative’ to particular organs – milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the liver, hawthorne (Cratageus oxychantha) for the heart, milky oats (Avena sativa) for the nervous system, and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) for the uterus are the most common I can think of. ‘Tonic’ can also refer to the herbal action of supporting and tightening tissue somewhat like an astringent – think vasoconstriction and anti-diarrheal. Yeah – I know it’s a bit conflicting… an aperient herb that is also an anti-diarrheal.

Although our diets have changed and we have much more fresh food available year round, a spring tonic or cleanse is not a bad idea. I think it helps to reset our clocks for the new season, more outdoor activities, and a possible dietary change.

Next week, we’ll talk about one of my favorite spring greens, stinging nettles, although I usually use it in tea.

Have a great week and enjoy the spring weather! Get your hands out in the dirt – it’s good for you!