Transitioning from Winter to Spring: Herbal Remedies for the Season of Youthful Thought

I'm back! I apologize for my absence, but I have been fighting what my mother believes to be the flu for the past 3 weeks. Yes, you read that correctly...three weeks! I have been unable to do much of anything, with most days feeling like I am living in a haze. I haven't been able to focus well enough to read, let alone research, test, and write any articles or spells. I am beginning to feel better, despite the persistent cough and mucus. As such, I am back today with herbal remedies for spring, continuing the series I started in 2024!

Keats famously coined spring "a triple morn" and a time for "youthful thought." In each of these sonnets/poems, Keats is referencing spring as a time for renewal, fresh starts, and intense awakenings. As we shed the cloak of winter, we awake refreshed and renewed, ready to take on whatever trials the world throws at us with renewed vigor. Like all in-between spaces, the transition between seasons is deeply liminal and can leave us feeling tired, drained, and out of sorts, even after a rather restful slumber. This makes it a great time to work with plant allies to bolster and fortify your body, mind, and spirit for the changes ahead, as well as get in touch with the magic of the season.

In today's post, I offer 3 herbal recipes to aid your transition from winter to spring. These recipes can be used to create a variety of remedies, including salves, oxymels, steams, baths, tisanes (teas), or tinctures. It's completely up to you how to use these recipes, but I encourage you to consult with the spirits of the plants, your intuition, and even your ancestors or spiritual guides to determine which preparation method is best for you. While taking it as a tisane may be best for me, you may need to use it as a steam.

For Breaking the Dormancy

Winter has a way of settling into your bones, which in turn slows the bodyand dulls the senses. As spring approaches, you may feel caught between wanting to wake up and wanting to burrow back down. I know many mornings I am hard-pressed to remove myself from the comforts of the nest I have built in my bed. This combination of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), peppermint (Mentha spp.), and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) creates a soothing, yet strong uplift that will help you shed the dormancy of winter.

1 part lemon balm

1 part peppermint

1/4 part rosemary

For the Deep Inhale

With spring comes the reawakening of the Earth in all Her majesty, and that means pollen...a lot of pollen. Thankfully, I do not have an allergy to pollen, but many of my closest friends and family suffer through the next several months, unable to take a satisfyingly deep breath. These plants are specifically used to treat allergies, acting as natural antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and relieving itchy, watery eyes and runny noses. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is well known for its ability to block histamine receptors, while mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) help relieve congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) adds an extra punch of spice, increasing the overall impact of the recipe.

2 parts stinging nettle

1 part mullein

1/2 part eyebright

1/4 part ginger

For Spring Cleansing

Winter has a habit of hanging around well past its time, even here in the South. We experience a number of false springs before the real spring even begins. As such, our bodies often carry the residue of long nights, heavy foods, and slower rhythms well past their time. Since spring is a time of renewal, it only makes sense to spring clean, and what better way to kick off that cleaning than with a cleansing of the body? Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is a classic ally of spring, deeply connected to the liver and traditionally used to encourage detoxification, balance, and resilience after winter’s excesses. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) brings warming movement back into the system, stimulating digestion and circulation while helping the body process and release what it no longer needs. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), with its golden hue and long-standing association with purification and vitality, supports anti-inflammatory balance and renewal at a cellular level. Together, these roots form a steady, grounding cleanse, one that clears heaviness and invites the body and spirit to feel lighter, brighter, and ready for growth.

1 part dandelion root

1/4 part ginger

1/4 part turmeric

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As the wheel turns toward spring, these recipes can help ensure you are happy and healthy for the coming months. I personally despise the coming of spring, knowing that in a few short weeks the sweltering heat of summer will be upon us, and I will be relegated to the confines of my air-conditioned home. I take solace in the fact that with spring comes the return of the Georgia Renaissance Festival, which I am excited to attend. I believe this year will mark my 23rd year of attendance, and if you are in the area, maybe you will see me there! Wishing you all the best!

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