How to boost your energy from spring tonics
Boosting your energy is a hot topic these days and everything seems to promise that sought-after youthful pep in your step with a bonus glowing skin side effect. While there are thousands of health-inducing smoothie and juice recipes out there - find our recipe here ;) - do these acclaimed boosters actually deliver what they claim to?
The term 'energy' is widely misused across the food industry. You'll see key marketing phrases splashed across snack bars promising more energy only to find they're packed with sugar or sugar-word substitutes (i.e.: fructose, glucose) that will only lead to crashes later on.
As a certified herbal therapist, I know the healing and revitalizing powers that herbs and plants possess. The key to unlocking them and really reaping the benefits is consistency. If you've ever been a victim of a fad diet (Atkins people are you with me?) or suddenly found yourself fixated on insert superfood of the week here, you know there is always something new to try to become the best version of yourself. There are of course benefits in eating/drinking certain foods–grains, vegetables and herbs–but just like with the majority of things we decide to consume, it's best to have a well-rounded approach as opposed to irregular short-term fixes. (You can find more on keeping a healthy digestive tract in this blog post.)
There is evidence in the energy-boosting properties of herbs and this is where spring tonics come in.
What is a spring tonic?
Traditionally, they were taken in the spring to clean out impurities that accumulated during the winter. Tonics help sluggish blood rise like sap in trees in preparation for the hard work to be done in the growing season ahead. Tonics are an amazing, healthy way to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood, promote nutrition and improve your overall energy and vitality.
Spring brings warmer weather and rain, the intoxicating and wonderful smell of emerging plant growth, and of course those pesky weeds that invade our flowerbeds and gardens.
One of those pesky weeds happens to be the dandelion. Dandelion, despite its peskiness, has a long history of use and is considered a great survival food because of its protein, vitamin and mineral content. Our favourite spring tonic is dandelion but you can use Chamomile, Goldenseal, Hops, Ginseng, Yellow Dock, Dong Quai, Fenugreek, Oat Straw and Coltsfoot.
Dandelion is a great herb for building the blood because it contains many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, with even more iron than spinach. It also promotes circulation, strengthens the arteries, restores positive gut bacteria, reduces cholesterol levels, and is very effective for cleansing.
Dandelion root is also effective at eliminating toxins from the blood, liver and spleen. These stimulations can help with symptoms of arthritis, diabetes and anaemia. Recent studies are even showing dandelion to have cancer and infection fighting potential. Sounds like quite the wonder herb right?!
How to take your spring tonic
To reap the benefits of spring tonics its best to take during the season. Try to drink or take your tonic 2-3 times a da
y for 2 weeks for best results.
- Try 1-2 tsp loose leaf on its own or mixed in a tea, steeping in boiling water for 15 minutes. Our Cleansing Tea and Diet Tea both contain dandelion.
- You can take 1 tsp of a tincture, three times a day or a capsule twice a day.
- You can also enjoy dandelion leaves as part of a fresh salad or cooked like spinach.
Do you have questions about spring tonics or how they could help specific ailments? Drop us an email at the link below and we'll gladly provide specific advice and suggestions.
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