Written by Bonnie Montney, Herbalist & Apothecary
Bonnie Montney, founder of Wild Medicine Apothecary, blends ancient wisdom with modern science to create sustainable, holistic remedies. Her dedication to natural healing and community wellness has made her a trusted herbalist and entrepreneur, committed to nurturing both people and the planet.
As the first winds of spring dance through the air, a world of herbal treasures begins to bloom. This is the time to step outside, dig your hands into the earth, and embrace the art of foraging. With a touch of tradition and a pinch of creativity, let’s uncover the secrets of nature’s spring elixirs and transform them into delightful creations you’ll cherish.
From the delicate charm of violets to the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms, spring offers a season of renewal and discovery. Join me as we explore the beauty and benefits of spring’s vibrant offerings and learn how to bring their magic into your own home.
Five herbs that bloom first in spring
They are also some of my personal favorites. These flowers grow wildly on my property every spring, where I forage, prepare, and use them in products and formulas in my own apothecary.
1. Versatile Violet
Violets have a rich history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they symbolized love and fertility. They were also celebrated in early European medicine and sought after for their soothing and cooling properties. In Victorian England, violets represented modesty and simplicity, making them popular in floral arrangements and perfumes.
Foraging tips
Violets are best foraged in early spring. These beauties are often found in shaded areas like woodlands, meadows, or even your backyard. Look for heart-shaped leaves and small, five-petaled flowers, typically purple but occasionally white or a mix of both. Be sure to harvest sustainably by taking only a few flowers from each plant to allow for regrowth and pollination.
Bounty of benefits
Violets are a powerhouse of nutrients, containing vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re known for their soothing properties and are often used in teas or syrups to calm sore throats. Their anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits make them a popular choice in natural skincare, including salves and infusions.
Try at home
Once you’ve explored, connected with nature, and foraged, take these beauties inside and try your hand at making your own violet-infused creation! This recipe is for a simple, easy, and effective violet salve.
Gather fresh violet flowers and gently wash and dry them.
Infuse the flowers in a carrier oil (such as olive or sweet almond oil) by placing them in a jar and covering them with oil. Let it sit in a sunny spot for 2–3 weeks, shaking occasionally. Alternatively, you can store it in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry) for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Strain the oil, then melt it with a small amount of beeswax to create a salve-like consistency.
Pour into tins or jars and allow to cool. Use it to soothe dry skin or minor irritations.
This formula is best kept in the fridge unless an all-natural preservative is added.
2. Periwinkles: Petite powerhouse
Periwinkle, also known as Vinca, has been cherished for its ornamental beauty and medicinal properties for centuries. In popular folklore, it was often seen as a symbol of protection and resilience. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for wound healing and to assist with various ailments.
Foraging tips
Periwinkles are commonly found in shady, wooded areas and gardens. They grow low and close to the ground. These plants can be identified by their glossy, dark green leaves and small purple or blue flowers.
A note of caution: be sure to identify them correctly and forage responsibly. Please note that while beautiful, they can be invasive in some regions, so it’s helpful to research your local ecosystem before harvesting.
Bounty of benefits
Periwinkles have been used to promote blood circulation and support cognitive health. They contain alkaloids like vincamine, which are thought to enhance brain function. However, they should be used cautiously, as some parts can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
On the ornamental side, their vibrant blooms make them a popular choice for ground cover in gardens.
Recipe: Periwinkle-infused oil
Now that you’ve gathered some of these delicate yet powerful beauties, you can create a beautiful infused oil.
Gather fresh or dried periwinkle leaves and flowers, ensuring they’re clean and free of hitchhikers (i.e., little ones that belong outside).
Place them in a clean jar and cover them with a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba oil.
Seal the jar and let it infuse in a warm spot for 2–3 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Strain the oil into a clean container and use it as a soothing massage oil or as a base for salves, balms, serums, and more.
This formula is best kept in the fridge unless an all-natural preservative is added.
3. Clingy cleavers
Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as "sticky weed" or "goosegrass," have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. On a personal note, these are some of my absolute favorite herbs. Ancient herbalists praised cleavers for their ability to cleanse the lymphatic system and support kidney function. They were often used in spring tonics to rejuvenate the body after winter.
Foraging tips
Cleavers are easily identified by their "sticky" nature, the tiny hooked hairs on their leaves and stems cling to almost everything. They thrive in hedgerows, woodlands, and gardens. Harvest them while they’re young and tender, as older cleavers can become tough and fibrous. Always wash them thoroughly to remove dirt or debris.
Bounty of benefits
Cleavers are renowned for their detoxifying properties, aiding in lymphatic drainage and supporting kidney function. They’re also diuretic, helping to remove toxins and reduce water retention. Cleavers are a staple in my house for springtime allergy-related sore throats, which always seem to plague my family. Many herbalists recommend cleavers as a gentle tonic for cleansing the body and boosting overall health.
Recipe: Cleavers tea
Now that you’ve gotten your hands dirty, picked the soft burrs from your socks, and removed the leaves stuck to them, place your harvest somewhere with ample airflow to dry for use in various recipes. Or try this:
Here’s how to make a simple cleavers tea:
Gather fresh cleavers, rinse them thoroughly, and chop them into smaller pieces.
Place a handful of cleavers in a teapot or jar.
Pour hot (not boiling) water over the cleavers to preserve their delicate nutrients.
Let steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and enjoy warm or chilled. You can add a touch of honey or lemon for flavor.
This tea is best consumed immediately or placed in the fridge and consumed within 24 hours. Alternatively, you could try a cold infusion!
4. Delicate Deadnettle
Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), also called purple deadnettle, has been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Its name comes from its resemblance to stinging nettles, though deadnettle doesn’t sting. Historically, it has been valued for its versatility, from poultices for wounds to teas for general wellness.
Foraging tips
Deadnettle thrives in sunny, disturbed areas like gardens, roadsides, and meadows. Look for its characteristic purple-tinged leaves and tiny pinkish-purple flowers. It grows in abundance in early spring, making it a great candidate for sustainable harvesting.
A note of caution: as with all flowers, herbs, and plants, be sure not to mistake them for similar-looking species!
Bountiful benefits
Deadnettle is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for soothing irritated skin or calming mild inflammation in the body. It's also a natural diuretic, helping the body flush out excess fluids, and it has mild antibacterial qualities. These benefits make it a fantastic addition to your herbal repertoire.
Recipe: Deadnettle oil
Wipe your hands clean, kick off your shoes, take these delicate bundles inside, and get ready to craft a beautiful infused oil:
Place chopped, dried deadnettle in a jar and cover it with a carrier oil, such as olive or sunflower oil.
Let the jar sit in a warm, sunny spot for 2–3 weeks (or in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks), shaking it occasionally.
Strain the oil and store it in a dark bottle. Use it in salves or as a soothing skin application.
This formula is best kept in the fridge unless an all-natural preservative is added.
5. Cheerful cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have deep cultural significance, especially in Japan, where they symbolize renewal and the fleeting nature of life. The long-honored tradition of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, dates back over a thousand years and remains a cherished springtime celebration. In Western cultures, cherry blossoms have also become a symbol of beauty and grace.
Foraging tips
While cherry blossoms are often cultivated in parks and gardens, some species can be foraged from wild cherry trees. Look for bunches of delicate, pale pink or white flowers in early spring. Be sure to harvest only from areas free of pesticides, and always ask for permission if the trees are on private property. Take care not to overharvest, leaving plenty for pollinators to enjoy.
Bounty of benefits
Cherry blossoms are known for their calming attributes for both the mind and skin. They’re rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them ideal for soothing irritated skin when infused into oils or serums. They can also be used in teas to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Recipe: Cherry blossom-infused oil
Now that you’ve gotten your hands on these remarkable beauties, give thanks to the Earth, enjoy the sun’s rays a little longer, or take your bounty inside to preserve and honor the gifts of spring. Or try this:
Here’s how to make a simple cherry blossom-infused oil:
Harvest fresh cherry blossoms and gently rinse them to remove any debris.
Let the blossoms air dry completely to prevent moisture from spoiling the infusion.
Place the dried blossoms in a clean jar and cover them with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.
Seal the jar and let it infuse in a warm, sunny spot for 2–3 weeks (or in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks), shaking occasionally.
Strain the oil and store it in a dark glass bottle. Use it as a soothing skin serum or as a base for other herbal creations.
This formula is best kept in the fridge unless an all-natural preservative is added.
As the seasons turn and nature whispers its ancient secrets, may these herbal treasures guide you on your path toward healing and connection with the earth. Each petal, leaf, and bloom carries the wisdom of centuries, waiting for you to embrace its beauty and power. The magic of herbalism lies not only in its remedies but also in how it roots us in the world around us, offering a path to balance and renewal.
Be sure to practice responsible foraging, as many of these early blooms are the first and only food sources for caterpillars, bees, and other pollinators.
To explore more about the enchanting world of herbalism, apothecaries, skincare, and holistic wellness, I invite you to visit my website. There, you'll find a wealth of inspiration, products, and services, as well as an opportunity to connect with me directly. Let’s bring the wonders of nature into your life together.
And don’t stop here; discover more of my writings on Brainz Magazine, where I delve deeper into the art of living well with nature’s gifts. The path to wellness is a continuous journey, and I’m here to walk it with you. Let’s create something magical.
Read more from Bonnie Montney
Bonnie Montney, Herbalist & Apothecary
Bonnie Montney is the visionary founder of Wild Medicine Apothecary, a sanctuary where ancient herbal wisdom meets modern science. With a deep commitment to natural healing, Bonnie crafts sustainable, holistic remedies that nurture both people and the planet. Their apothecary is a haven for those seeking wellness through nature’s bounty. Explore Bonnie's world to discover the transformative power of herbs and learn more about their captivating journey in herbalism.
