Spring in Oregon arrives quietly at first—soft greens pushing through the forest floor, familiar “weeds” reappearing along trails, and the first signs of life returning after winter.
For those who know where to look, this is one of the most abundant times of year.
The plants begin to emerge just as the body is ready for renewal—offering nourishment, movement, and support after the slower, heavier months of winter. Many of the herbs that appear in early spring have long been used as tonics, helping to gently restore balance and vitality.
This guide is an invitation to reconnect with the plants growing all around you—to recognize them, understand them, and begin building your own relationship with the landscape.
Eclectic's Wild Ones: Oregon Wildcrafted Herbs
Meet the Plants of Spring
Dandelion
Often overlooked as a common weed, dandelion is one of herbalism’s most trusted spring allies. It emerges right as the body begins to shift out of winter—offering gentle support for digestion, movement, and renewal.
Dandelion leaf is traditionally used to support the liver and digestive system, helping to stimulate bile flow and encourage healthy digestion. Its natural bitterness plays an important role here, signaling the body to begin breaking down and processing food more efficiently.
It’s also valued for supporting fluid balance. Unlike harsh diuretics, dandelion leaf is naturally rich in potassium, helping the body release excess water without depleting essential minerals.
In herbal traditions, dandelion is often used as a gentle “spring tonic”—supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways without forcing or overstimulating. Instead, it works by encouraging flow, helping the body return to balance after the slower, heavier months of winter.
Traditionally used to:
- Support liver function and bile flow
- Promote healthy digestion
- Support fluid balance
- Gently support the body’s natural detoxification pathways
Nettles
Nettles are one of the most nourishing plants to emerge in early spring, offering a rich source of minerals just when the body needs replenishment. Traditionally used as a tonic herb, nettles support energy, vitality, and overall resilience after the colder months.
They are especially valued for their high content of iron, calcium, and magnesium—helping to rebuild and strengthen the body over time. Rather than stimulating or forcing change, nettles work by deeply nourishing, making them ideal for daily use.
Nettles are also commonly used to support the body’s natural response to seasonal allergies, as well as healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Traditionally used to:
- Support energy and vitality
- Replenish essential minerals
- Support the body’s natural response to seasonal allergies
- Support healthy hair, skin, and nails
Horsetail
Horsetail is a unique spring plant known for its high silica content, a mineral that plays an important role in the structure of hair, skin, nails, and connective tissue. It emerges in damp, sandy soils and has been used traditionally as a strengthening herb.
Rather than acting quickly, horsetail is valued for its long-term support—helping to build and maintain structural integrity within the body. It is often used as part of a routine focused on strengthening and restoring.
Its subtle, grounding nature makes it a supportive ally for those looking to nourish from within.
Traditionally used to:
Support hair, skin, and nail health
Support connective tissue and structural integrity
Provide a natural source of silica
Support long-term nourishment and strength
Support urinary flow
Shepherd's Purse
Shepherd’s purse is a small but powerful plant that appears in early spring, often growing quietly along pathways and disturbed soils. Despite its delicate appearance, it has a long history of use in traditional herbalism.
It is most commonly associated with supporting healthy circulation and balance within the body. In particular, it has been traditionally used to support menstrual health and regulate flow.
Shepherd’s purse represents the more subtle side of herbal medicine—working gently yet effectively to support the body’s natural rhythms.
Traditionally used to:
- Support healthy circulation
- Support menstrual balance
- Promote healthy flow within the body
- Support overall balance and regulation
At Eclectic, we wildcraft herbs in Oregon because we believe the most potent plant medicine comes from nature’s original design — growing wild, untamed, and in harmony with the land. Oregon’s rich biodiversity, clean air, and pristine mountain ecosystems provide the ideal environment for herbs to thrive in their natural cycles. By ethically harvesting in small batches from these vibrant landscapes, we’re able to offer herbs that are not only incredibly potent, but also sustainably gathered with deep respect for the earth, the plants, and their future.
Then, we freeze-dry them at peak freshness to preserve the full spectrum of nutrients, color, and vitality — just as they exist in the wild. This gentle process allows us to capture the essence of the living plant, delivering pure, powerful herbal remedies that stay as close to nature as possible.
Eclectic's Wild Ones: Oregon Wildcrafted Herbs
FAQs
Why are spring herbs important?
In herbal traditions, spring is seen as a time of movement and renewal. After the slower, heavier months of winter, the body often benefits from herbs that support digestion, fluid balance, and gentle detoxification. Spring herbs naturally align with these needs.
Can you take spring herbs every day?
Many spring herbs are traditionally used as gentle, nourishing plants and can be taken daily as part of a wellness routine. Herbs like nettles and dandelion are often used over time to support overall vitality and balance.
What is the best way to take these herbs?
Spring herbs can be taken in a variety of forms, including teas, tinctures, fresh foods, and capsules. Freeze-dried capsules offer a convenient way to incorporate these herbs into your daily routine while preserving their natural potency.
Why choose freeze-dried herbs?
Freeze-dried herbs are made from fresh plants preserved without heat, helping retain their full spectrum of nutrients and active compounds. This process delivers a product that is closer to the living plant while also being convenient and easy to use.
The Author: Christine Alstat
Meet Christine Alstat, an internationally acclaimed naturopath and herbalist of Japanese heritage, whose profound expertise in plants and natural health has garnered recognition worldwide. As the dedicated owner of Eclectic Herb, Christine seamlessly intertwines her deep-rooted commitment to the Earth with her business, cultivating a space where her passion for plants is ever in full bloom. Her influential voice on herbal wisdom resonates across the globe through publications and panels, reflecting a lifetime commitment to nurturing both the plant kingdom and the earth.
Jude Siegel
Christine, this is a lovely piece, and it is good to hear you are still at it! I did so enjoy meeting you a few years back, at the farm, and giving a lesson to your apprentices on Nature Journaling. And again, thanks for the copy of Felter. I did not realize that you are an ND.
Take care, and carry on, Jude