Most of us in Canada come from backgrounds that include spring tonics and herbal remedies, though science has not been able to prove why these remedies work, every day new discoveries are verifying the knowledge of our ancestors. Perhaps it is because they had to work with nature, coexist with nature & learn from nature. Spring is a perfect time to observe nature at work and perhaps we should look back in history and rediscover the place in nature.

Regardless of the origin, most of the tonics are designed to clean up our bodies , most often the liver and kidneys which are often sluggish during the colder months. These tonics are generally bitters based to help stimulate bile production which in turn helps clean the liver and in turn our blood.

The secondary function is to fortify our bodies by increasing and or replacing lost vitamins and minerals to get us ready for increased activity in the warmer weather. Consequently these tonics contain spring greens sometimes known as weeds; they may not be pretty or acceptable in our gardens but these under-appreciated greens are full of minerals that are readily absorbed by our bodies.

There are several ways to obtain benefits from these tonics. First of course is preparing the tonic, usually by boiling the herbs together and drinking as a tea or supplement. You could also prepare tinctures using alcohol or vinegar and using them as a supplement. The easiest way is to incorporate the herbs into your diet!

Herbs for Cleansing:

Dandelions-can be made into salads, wines and tinctures & it helps clean up your lawn! The younger, the better, less bitter and tender enough to eat raw-just make sure you pick yours from un-sprayed areas, otherwise pick them up at your grocery store!

Horseradish-juice it or chew a small slice to stimulate the lymph & respiratory systems

Stinging Nettle-can be taken as tea or the young leaves can be used in salads. Nettle helps strengthens adrenal functioning, promotes sound sleep, increases overall energy, prevents allergic reactions, strengthens the blood vessels, and prevents hair loss. This herb also replenishes iron, silica, calcium, and vitamin A while it cleans your liver & skin. Careful with older leaves as they do sting!

Chicory root is another gentle cleanser that adds minerals and vitamins to the system. It contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B and C. Chicory is not only a liver cleanser but a spleen decongestant, and a gentle laxative.

Belgian endive is descended from wild chicory with the similar medicinal properties as chicory but is mild enough to be eaten as a salad green. Stuffed leaves are a popular side or appetizer.

Watercress, traditionally a Chinese spring soup is made with pork bones to both cleanse & revitalize. Even easier is to add it to salads & wraps or sandwiches as an alternative to lettuce.

Seaweed, while not an herb is packed with essential minerals and adds a touch of flavour to soups & salads-don’t add any sodium until after you’ve tasted, after all seaweed is from the salty seas.

Carrots & potatoes, also packed with vitamins & minerals round out our "cleanse & energize" menus. So spring clean your body and get outside!

Judy Chong, Head FoodieS

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