Ask Dr. Casey: Using Spring Plants.

Hi Dr. Casey,

I am getting excited about some of the spring plants that are or will be coming up soon. Do you have any guidance on early spring plants that you commonly use?

Steph H.

Hi Steph,

You are speaking my language: plants and botanical medicine! We have so much to gain from plants, and so much to learn. While some may see a bunch of weeds popping up this time of year, I see a lot of potential medicine. While some may like to spray Roundup on them, I like to round them up for incorporation into meals and teas that boost my bodily functions and vitality.

Also, as a side rant, there is really nothing you can do that would be worse for soil health than spraying Roundup in your yard. Roundup, now owned by the pharmaceutical company Bayer (who acquired Monsanto in 2018), contains the harmful pesticide glyphosate. As a water-soluble compound that can contaminate groundwater and permeate into larger watersheds, glyphosate not only harms the soil it’s sprayed on, but has lasting effects on water and soil quality that are toxic in the long term to human health due to its solubility. While it will effectively kill the perceived weed, it will also kill the entire microbiome of the soil. I see this as the medicinal equivalent of heavy, repeated antibiotic use—known to be bad for overall health outcomes. And don’t even get me started on the fact that a pharmaceutical company that creates medicine also manufactures a known carcinogen. Ugh. End rant here.

Back to plants and using them, not killing them. There are many that pop up beginning in April in our corner of the Inland PNW. Many of these plants beautifully mirror the functions that are upregulated this time of year: detoxification, lymphatic flow, and processing of excess fluids. Just as you may spring clean your house of clutter and dust, the natural world presents us with plants that aid in spring cleaning our bodies. Let’s dive a bit deeper into plants individually.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Likely the most well-known—and possibly despised—spring “weed,” I am here to change your mind about dandelion! Both its leaves and roots are good medicine. When harvested before its yellow flower blossoms, its leaves are more tender and not quite as bitter, making it a wonderful diuretic. Dandelion is often compared to the pharmaceutical furosemide (Lasix) as it works on similar receptors. Unlike Lasix, however, it is less likely to cause electrolyte imbalances due to its high potassium and other mineral content. Dandelion leaf can be used as part of a salad mix or worked into stir-fries.

The root of dandelion is also medicinal and has different effects than its above-ground counterparts. Dandelion root is a wonderful tonic and detoxifier for the liver. I often encourage patients to swap out a cup of coffee for DandyBlend or another dandelion root coffee substitute. As a whole plant, I see dandelion as a wonderful cleanser for our entire body that really complements the spring cleaning theme. I also encourage you to do a Google search for dandelion dumplings—you may find some additional ideas for ways to incorporate this very useful plant.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

While not readily abundant here in the Inland PNW, nettle is found in great abundance on the Western side of the Cascades. Nettle leaf is a wonderful diuretic in addition to being one of the most nutrient-dense land plants. With high levels of potassium, calcium, and iron, it also contains a variety of vitamins, including A, C, and B vitamins. As a bonus, nettle is one of my go-tos to support patients with seasonal allergies, as it is a potent natural antihistamine.

A few of my favorite ways to incorporate nettle into my springtime routine include making nettle leaf tea (I prefer a cold overnight infusion over hot), nettle pesto, and nettle leek soup (add some high-quality bacon as a pro tip to win over some converts). Even if you just decide to use dried nettle for tea this spring, it’s a wonderful tonic that will both help flush out your system while adding high-quality nutrients back in.

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

This sprawling, crawling plant hangs out closer to the ground without a noticeable flower. Many people just walk by it—or perhaps notice it only if it gets stuck to their pant leg, as this is its creative way of spreading its seed and influence. Just as cleavers can grab onto passing people and animals, it does the same when ingested internally with its strong lymphatic action. Cleavers is one of the signature plants in herbal medicine, with a strong affinity for the lymphatic system, which is associated with immunity. I personally like harvesting this plant to combine with others, for example, with nettles in tea or in pesto.

Plantain (Plantago ovata)

This small but mighty spring shoot is best known for the seed it produces, psyllium husk, which can help relieve constipation. Its spring leaves are also beneficial, acting as a prebiotic to help build and diversify the microbiome, preventing constipation in the first place! Similar to the plants above, with the theme of springtime flushing, plantain is a mild diuretic that helps cleanse the system and make way for the coming nutrients of late spring and summer.

During springtime, I try to mimic what is going on in the natural world around me: increased flow of rivers and snowmelt, increased flow in trees with sap production, and oftentimes, more rain. I think about getting my internal fluid system moving more vigorously in a variety of ways, and these plants above help us do that by upregulating the flushing of urinary and lymphatic systems.

In nature, spring is the time for prepping the soil and flushing things out to clear the way for an abundant summer season of growth and activity. Humans are no different—we are a part of the natural cycle, even if we often forget it. However a spring detox looks for you this season, I encourage you to observe all the changes that are also occurring in the natural world and how you may mirror them.

Medical Disclaimer

Information in this article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Discuss with your own health care provider before taking medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement for a health problem.