Herbal Recipes for Spring Renewal: Nourish, Cleanse & Reconnect with the Season

As the earth wakes up from winter, so do we. Spring invites us to shake off the heaviness of the colder months and lean into lightness, movement, and renewal—body, mind, and spirit. It’s the perfect time to support your well-being with herbs that gently cleanse, uplift, and nourish.

Whether you're looking to sip something grounding, whip up a springtime meal, or add herbs to your daily self-care, these April-friendly herbal recipes bring seasonal wellness into your kitchen and apothecary cabinet. Bonus: many of these herbs are available at Planted Wellness or can be grown at home!

1. Dandelion Detox Tea

Dandelion is a springtime powerhouse—traditionally used to support the liver, digestion, and skin. The root and leaves are both deeply nourishing and great for gentle daily detox.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried dandelion root

• 1 tsp dried dandelion leaf

• 1 slice fresh lemon

• Optional: a few fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Add herbs to a mug or teapot.

2. Pour over 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10–15 minutes.

3. Add lemon and sip warm in the morning to kickstart digestion.

📝 Tip: Add a teaspoon of local honey to support spring allergies and make it more palatable.

2. Violet-Infused Honey

If violets are blooming in your area, gather them (from clean, pesticide-free areas only!) and turn them into a gorgeous herbal honey that’s great for sore throats, skin irritations, or adding to tea.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh violet flowers (unsprayed)

• 1 cup raw local honey

• Clean glass jar

Instructions:

1. Gently rinse and pat dry the violets.

2. Add flowers to the jar and cover with honey. Stir to remove air bubbles.

3. Let sit in a sunny window for 1–2 weeks, shaking occasionally.

4. Strain (optional) and store in a cool place.

✨ Use by the spoonful for soothing, or drizzle over herbal teas and spring baked goods.

3. Spring Tonic Salad with Wild Greens

In herbal traditions, spring greens like chickweed, dandelion, and nettles are used to wake up the lymphatic system and move stagnant energy.

Ingredients (choose a combo):

• Fresh chickweed

• Dandelion greens

• Nettles (blanched)

• Baby arugula or spinach

• Lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Salt + cracked pepper

• Optional: Toasted seeds or edible flowers

Instructions:

1. Toss greens in a bowl with a light lemon + olive oil dressing.

2. Top with seeds or flowers for color and crunch.

3. Eat slowly, mindfully, and with gratitude for spring’s bounty.

🌱 Tip: Chickweed and dandelion grow abundantly in many backyards and parks. Make sure you ID correctly and harvest responsibly!

4. Chamomile & Lavender Bath Soak

This blend is calming for the nervous system and soothing for the skin—perfect for winding down after a busy spring day.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dried chamomile

• ¼ cup dried lavender

• ¼ cup oats (optional for skin softening)

• A few drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine herbs in a muslin bag or clean sock.

2. Add to hot bath water and let steep while you soak.

3. Breathe deeply and let the stress melt away.

🌼 Use before bed to encourage deeper sleep or after gardening to relax sore muscles.

5. Herbal Vinegar for Gut Health & Seasonal Cooking

Herbal-infused vinegars are simple to make and are full of minerals, prebiotics, and flavor. Use as a salad dressing base, in marinades, or diluted in water as a tonic.

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar

• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon balm)

• Garlic or citrus peel (optional)

• Clean jar with lid

Instructions:

1. Pack jar with herbs (loosely).

2. Cover completely with vinegar.

3. Seal and let sit for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.

4. Strain and bottle. Store in a cool dark place.

🥗 Try a splash of lemon balm vinegar in sparkling water for a refreshing herbal spritzer!

Make April Your Month of Herbal Reconnection

Nature is offering us so much this season—from blooming herbs to longer days and fresh air. Take advantage of the simple, joyful rituals of herbal living. Whether you're sipping a calming tea, soaking in flowers, or sprinkling wild greens on your lunch, these practices are powerful ways to align your body and spirit with the rhythm of spring.