DETOXIFYING REMEDIES IN THE HEDGEROW

DETOXIFYING REMEDIES IN THE HEDGEROW

As we leap into spring we are all feeling energised with the longer days and sunlight that blesses the early morning and makes waking easier with a stronger sense of embracing a new day. The blossoms this year seem to be richer, more dense and beautiful than normal. Or perhaps it is just a contrast to the long, dark days that seemed to go on forever. Apart from the blossoms, the hedgerow has several helpful herbs at this time to shake off winter sluggishness in both mind and body, as well as addressing the spread of pollens that for many becomes a difficult and even miserable time when the pollen count is high?

When out and about and enjoying the countryside what can you see and what might help to detoxify your body as well as desensitizing you against hay fever and the miserable impact it can have? Let’s take a look at detoxing first. Detoxifying, especially in the spring has many benefits including raising energy levels through effective waste elimination, increasing and improving blood circulation, supporting the function of your organs, especially liver, gall bladder and kidneys, by assisting the breakdown of toxins accumulated and harboured in the body due to air and water pollution, food additives, herbicides and pesticides in the food chain removing these toxins more effectively through the body’s elimination channels – the skin, liver, kidneys, lungs and bowel.

Cleavers or Goose grass, as it is commonly known (Galium aparine), this straggling plant that sticks to everything, clinging and cleaving to clothing or animals that brush past it. Growing frantically at this time of year it is full of polyphenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins. These constituents act as a diuretic for general detoxification of the body and to aid in clearing swollen lymph glands. As a herb that moves stagnation within the body, it arrives in spring to do just that and has a second burst in Autumn to prepare us for the winter. The lymphatic system is reliant on body and muscle movement and winter is the time when we tend to take less exercise. Cleavers, full of water, not only eases stagnation, but also hydrates the body, which due to central heating within our homes is more likely to be dehydrated at this time, aggravating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as urinary tract infections.

Pick the creeping stems, place in a jug of filtered water and leave to infuse overnight. The plant will continue to thrive for several days while you drink and top up the water in the jug. This wonderful infusion has an earthy flavour and not only clears the body’s stagnation, but also the head bringing clarity and brightness.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica doica) – This herb has a long history of use dating back to Roman times and perhaps earlier. In a process called “urtification”, they used nettles to beat the body, bringing blood to the surface in order to keep warm. There is a point when the stinging stops to be replaced by warmth. Considered a blood tonic, and rich in minerals and vitamins, it provides nourishment to those convalescing or when there is insufficiency in the diet. Juiced Nettle leaves result in a bright green “milk” that is sweet, almost salty, creamy with a metallic taste and very filling.

Nettle can be prepared in a similar way to Cleavers by soaking overnight in filtered water resulting in an emerald, green liquid. You will crave this drink if your body needs it, if already satiated, you will likely find it difficult to drink. For a more potent drink and form of nourishment, try Nettle juice. Simply put 2 large handfuls into a juicer and this will make about a shot glass of juice. Drink the infusion and or juice on a daily basis during spring to nourish your body and brighten outlook.

Taken internally Nettles are diuretic helping to cleanse and detoxify the body, aiding the elimination of waste and cleansing the liver. It is antiallergenic and can be used for treating hay fever, asthma and itchy skin conditions as well as using the juice from Nettle leaves and stalks to treat Nettle stings themselves!

Nettle has a long history for treating hay fever by dampening the histamine response within the body and mediating the inflammatory response. Nettle may also reduce inflammatory joint pain prevalent in arthritis due to inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.

To make Nettle soup, pick Nettle tops (1-2 inches) and add the leaves at the last minute to the stock, complementing the bitterness with fresh garlic and if preferred a potato to thicken the mix. (There are numerous recipes online for this delicious, simple to make, nutritious soup.)

Nettle oil makes a wonderful massage oil and is easily prepared by finely chopping a couple of handfuls of Nettle tops, place in a slow cooker and cover with either sesame or olive oil. Put on the lowest setting overnight and in the morning you will have a rich black oil. Filter through a coffee filter cone. Use the oil straight for small body areas and diluted with more oil for a whole body massage.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is also rampant at this time of year. The beautiful yellow flowers visible from a distance when scanning the countryside, later turning into the white dandelion “clocks” ready for blowing into the wind. The dandelion leaf and root are rich in nutrients and healing constituents. The bitter juice made from Dandelion purges the liver of any stagnation.This magnificent flower opens and closes with the sun and during the day shifts with movement of the light.

All parts of the Dandelion are edible and provide remedies that mostly work on the liver and gall bladder and due to the bitterness, the digestive system. The liver is associated with irritability, fire, anger and natural leadership, producing symptoms of blurry vision, stiffness of tendons, digestive problems, allergies and skin inflammation. In Chinese medicine it is considered as “the ‘General’ that directs the army, issuing clear commands and exhibiting strong will.” When the liver is working well, our digestion is on form, we maintain even weight, have clear and bright eyes and are physically flexible with no sign of any common inflammatory condition.

An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine this herb clears toxins via the bowels, removing any excess sluggishness. Dandelion root is a powerful detoxifying remedy working principally on the liver and gall bladder to aid elimination of waste products. Leaf and root are beneficial for many conditions including an array of skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and eczema, as well as for treating constipation. Made with the leaves, enjoy as a tea or put the young leaves into a salad to add variation. Dried Dandelion root can be used to make Dandelion coffee. After cutting the root into small squares, roast it in the oven at 200c for approximately 30 minutes before simmering in water for 10-20 minutes. The roasting diminishes the bitterness and increases the sweetness.

As with Nettle, made in the same way, Dandelion leaves may also be made into a juice which is strong and bitter. It is likely the immediate effect will be an awakening and clarity of vision. Within a couple of hours you might experience a laxative effect and because of this it is better to build up the dose slowly.

For treating hay fever, Nettle and Dandelion as mentioned, are very helpful in removing the toxic load from the body as is Plantago lanceolata (plantain). This is very effective in drying mucous membranes aggravated by pollens from grasses and trees. Simply chew the leaves on a daily basis for 5 minutes, several times a day without swallowing to aid with desensitizing the body to pollens as well as aiding decongestion. If you are out and about this herb is readily available in the countryside to simply pick and chew, relieving hay fever symptoms within 10-15 minutes. Never swallow the chewed leaf.

As we naturally gravitate to cleaning out the house and dusting everything down, freshening up and airing out during springtime, add your own “house” to the equation and detox gently. If you are pregnant or suffer an autoimmune condition or are undergoing radiation or chemo, always seek professional advice before embarking on a detox. While these herbs are relatively safe when taken with medication, again it is best to seek professional advice before consuming. Pick herbs that are away from fields that have been sprayed with herbicides and pesticides and out of the main path of dog walkers. Vibrancy of herbal constituents is at peak levels in early spring and when used freshly picked.

References

Weeds in the Heart – Nathaniel Hughes, Fiona Owen

Dispensing with Tradition – Anne McIntyre, Michelle Boudin