9 free and healthy spring herbs from the natural pharmacy
Herbalists always emphasize that the most important thing is to collect wild plants from clean and unpolluted territories. Wild plants should not be harvested if they grow near roads and paths or near landfills and industries. Leave the root when harvesting (depending on the species) or leave part of the aerial system (which allows the regrowth of the wild plant). Early spring brings wild edible plants that are an exceptional source of nutrients and medicinal substances. Plants refresh the body and at the same time cleanse it of toxins. Wild plants strengthen immunity. Most plants can be collected as soon as you leave the urban environment and go into nature. Contact herbalists and people who know wild plants well if you are unsure of identification.

1. Dandelion – this is one of the wild species that people easily recognize. Young leaves are used in early spring before the flowers have appeared. Young dandelion leaves (Taraksacum officinale) are thermally processed and used in various salads. The leaves are full of vitamins and minerals that refresh and invigorate the body. They contain plenty of vitamins C and A, minerals (iron, phosphorus, calcium). Dandelion root is used as a substitute for coffee or other root vegetables. The root shrivels after flowering and is therefore collected before the flowers appear or during autumn.
2. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is the queen among wild edible plants. Young and tender nettle leaves do not burn the skin. However, use gloves when harvesting. Nettles are widespread and present in groups. It grows up to 150 cm. The leaves contain vitamins C, B2, K and A, organic acids, minerals and substances that regulate blood sugar levels. young nettle is a great substitute for spinach. It is used in soups, stews, dishes. Chips, beer, tea and tea mixtures are made from nettles. Clean the nettle well, remove the withered and damaged parts before use. Boil the nettle for a short time so that it loses its burning ability.
3. Heart-shaped garlic (Alliaria petiolata) – this is a biennial plant from the cabbage family. It grows up to 1 meter in height. All parts of the plant smell like garlic when rubbed between the hands. The whole plant is edible. Young leaves and stems are harvested in spring, followed by young fruits and ripe seeds. Slates and sauces are made from young leaves or young leaves are used to make tea.
4. Chenopodium album-white wild plant “loboda”. It is traditionally used in cooking. Young leaves and seeds are edible. The tender leaves can be eaten raw during the spring, but do not overdo it. They can be a substitute for spinach. I can cook. The seeds are dried and ground and flour is added.
5. Japanese plant powerhouse – the invasive Japanese “courtyard” Fallopia japonica can grow up to 3 meters. It spreads quickly, suppressing other plants. The rhizomes are extremely strong as they can break through concrete and topple buildings. The young shoots are similar to rhubarb and are used as such.
6. Stellaria media – this wild plant is a substitute for salad. Synonyms or other names of this plant are “chicken grass” and “pig grass” speak of the former use of the plant. The aerial part is used for feeding pigs, and the root and seeds are used for feeding chickens. This plant is great in soups, stews and salads.
7. Bear’s onion – this is an often used and well-known wild plant. You should be very careful when harvesting and this wild plant should be picked with a plant expert and herbalist (if you are not sure). Namely, the leaf is similar to poisonous plants (gospel, hellebore, frost, lily of the valley). These plants are so poisonous that consumption can cause death. However, only wild onion has an onion smell among all these listed plants.
8. Galium aparine- is a sticky weed plant. Although this plant is an edible species, it can still cause contact dermatitis in some people. Spring shoots and leaves are edible. Boiling for 10 minutes is enough because the hairs from the plant will decompose. Dried and roasted leaves can be a substitute for coffee.
9. Five-leafed heartwood – young and green shoots are used for eating because they are very juicy. It is prepared like asparagus. You should be careful with this plant because there are many similar plants that can cause problems for people.