Favorite Herbs for Spring

Spring is here. Each year I get excited because I know I am going to get to see my favorite herbs for spring. Now is the time to get the soil loose, plants in, and it’s time to get back into the weeding habit. I have to confess, I am not a fan of weeding myself, and I am so happy when a spring herb appears in the garden,  that I can let flourish and not weed out the bermudagrass. Want to learn about Favorite Herbs for Spring?

Check out my list and why I love these fantastic plants and why they are my Favorite Herbs for Spring!

I love this herb for so many reasons. One primary reason is that it is safe for humans and pets. Another reason is that it is plentiful and it is a nutritional powerhouse. Fresh chickweed contains significant amounts of vitamin C, as well as  A, D, and B vitamins. Iron, calcium, and potassium can also be found in chickweed. Chickweed is great as a food (think salads, savory dishes, and soups) and a medicinal herb. Chickweed is beneficial for skin and respiratory issues. You will often find chickweed in healing salves for conditions like eczema, acne, cuts, and scrapes.

This herb will always be one of my favorites because it is often the first herb children really learn to use in my family. It can be used as a poultice for cuts, scrapes, bee stings, etc. So in my family, they get to chew the herb up and spit it onto the boo-boo.  Plantain is an excellent herb for wound healing, digestive issues and often found in salves. Plantain is useful for a variety of issues that are far-ranging, like varicose veins, poison ivy rashes, shingles, and sore throat.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Dandelion is rich in vitamins and nutrients, and it is plentiful. Make sure as with any herb you use that the dandelion hasn’t been sprayed. Dandelion has tons of vitamin A and C, a decent amount of vitamin K, or B6 and B12, and contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Dandelion is also a great food that has never lost popularity in the south. It has always been available in the freezer and produces sections. Dandelion is a diuretic and soothing to the kidneys. An excellent herb to replenish the body after a long winter.

Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Red Clover is a powerhouse. First and foremost, red clover has good amounts of vitamins, proteins, and minerals. These include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon, as well as vitamins A, B-12, E and K. It is also a source of other nutrients, including niacin, thiamine, and vitamin C. This herb helps to nourish the blood and fortify the body. It is also helpful in digestive and hormonal health. This herb is also beneficial for lowering inflammation in the body, and it helps to enhance immunity.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Lemon Balm is excellent for when you want to get readjusted to the new daylight hours, it can help you have a restful transition. It is also useful for cold sores, digestive issues, nervous system issues, PMS, and alleviating muscular aches and pains. This herb can be used internally and topically for these issues. It tastes great, and kids love it. It incorporates well in herbal lemonades, syrups, and herbal waters, to name a few applications you may not have considered before.