The Wild Ones: Herbs to Forage This Spring
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Time to read 8 min
Table of contents
There’s a certain kind of magic in stepping off the trail and into the green wild — the kind where healing plants grow between cracks in the pavement, along riverbanks, and under your very feet. Spring is the season of wild abundance, and for herbalists, it’s a time to reconnect with the land, gather mindfully, and meet the plants as they awaken.
If you're an experienced wildcrafter or just simply curious about the plants growing around you, here are some of the best herbs to forage this spring, plus ways to use them and a few tips if you’d rather leave the harvesting to us.
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.
Chickweed
History & Folklore:
Chickweed has been used since at least the Middle Ages in both food and medicine. The name Stellaria means “little star,” referencing its delicate white blossoms. Traditionally, it was given to poultry (hence the name “chick” weed) and used to soothe inflammation and skin irritation.
Nutritional Profile:
Chickweed is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals:
High in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium
Contains chlorophyll and plant-based iron
Rich in flavonoids and saponins, which help support the body’s natural detox pathways
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory, especially for the skin and joints
Supports digestion and acts as a mild diuretic
Can be used fresh in poultices, salves, and teas
Internally, it gently supports liver and lymphatic health
Cooling Chickweed Salve Recipe
Soothes itchy skin, rashes, bites, and minor irritation.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh chickweed (lightly wilted to reduce moisture)
1 cup olive oil
1 tbsp beeswax (pellets or shaved)
Instructions:
Gently warm chickweed and olive oil in a double boiler for 2–3 hours (low heat).
Strain out the herb and return oil to heat.
Add beeswax and stir until melted.
Pour into small tins or jars and let cool.
Eclectic's Wild Ones: Oregon Wildcrafted Herbs
Cleavers
History & Folklore: Known as “clivers” or “goosegrass” in old herbals, cleavers were used in European folk medicine to support urinary and lymphatic health. The name “cleavers” comes from its clingy nature — the tiny hooks on its stems and leaves allow it to grab onto everything, including your clothes.
Nutritional Profile:
Cleavers are rich in chlorophyll, silica, and minerals. Their cooling, moistening nature makes them ideal for spring cleansing.
Benefits:
Premier lymphatic tonic in spring detox protocols
Diuretic: supports kidney and urinary tract health
Mildly anti-inflammatory, especially for swollen lymph nodes and skin eruptions
- Used fresh in cold infusions or juiced for best effect (not ideal dried)
Lymph-Loving Cold Infusion
Supports lymphatic drainage and spring cleansing.
Ingredients:
1 small handful fresh cleavers (about ½ cup)
2 cups cold spring or filtered water
Instructions:
Place cleavers in a mason jar and cover with water.
Cap and infuse overnight (8–12 hours).
Strain and sip in the morning on an empty stomach. Best used fresh.
Wild Violets
History & Folklore:
Violets have a long-standing role in mythology and healing. In ancient Greece, violets were sacred to Aphrodite and associated with love and peace. Medieval herbalists used violet leaf for its soothing effects on the chest and skin.
Nutritional Profile:
High in vitamin C and A
Contains salicylic acid (like willow) and rutin, which strengthens capillaries
Also rich in mucilage, which soothes internal tissues
Benefits:
Heart-opening nervine, especially for grief or emotional heaviness
Supports lymphatic flow and soothes inflamed tissues
Mild expectorant and moistening for dry coughs
Leaves and flowers can be made into syrups, teas, or infused honeys
Fragrant Violet Sugar
A beautifully tinted, aromatic sugar, perfect for spring baking, teas, and flower-powered gifts.
Ingredients:
½ cup fresh violets
1 cup organic granulated sugar
Instructions:
Layer violets in sugar for 24 hours.
Add violets and sugar to a food processor or blender and pulse in short bursts until the flowers are finely ground.
Spread the violet sugar on a parchment-lined tray and let it air-dry for 1–2 hours to remove moisture.
Store in an airtight jar out of direct sunlight.
Dandelions
History & Folklore:
Often dismissed as a common weed, dandelion has a deep-rooted history in global herbalism, valued for its versatility and vitality. In the Middle Ages, it was used as both a digestive bitter and a liver tonic, while Indigenous peoples of North America made use of the whole plant — from root to flower — for cleansing and nourishment. Its bright yellow blooms were once celebrated as one of the first signs of spring, signaling the earth’s reawakening and offering a reliable source of wild nutrition after long winters.
Nutritional Profile:
Leaves: rich in potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K
Roots: contain inulin (a prebiotic fiber), bitter compounds, and antioxidants
Flowers: antioxidant-rich and high in flavonoids
Benefits:
Liver tonic and digestive bitter (roots especially)
Diuretic and kidney supportive (leaves)
Gently detoxifying for skin, digestion, and lymph
All parts are edible - fresh, dried, or roasted
Digestive Bitters Tincture
Stimulates digestion and supports liver health.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh dandelion roots and leaves (chopped)
2 cups high-proof alcohol (vodka or brandy, 80–100 proof)
Instructions:
Place herbs in a clean glass jar and cover completely with alcohol.
Label and store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks. Shake daily.
Strain and bottle. Take 10–30 drops before meals.
Horsetail
History & Folklore:
Horsetail is a living fossil — one of the oldest plant species on Earth, dating back over 350 million years. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to treat wounds and kidney issues. Its name comes from its tail-like appearance, resembling a horse's tail.
Nutritional Profile:
Extremely high in silica, a mineral essential for strong bones, teeth, nails, and connective tissue
Also contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium
Has mild diuretic and astringent properties
Benefits:
Used to support bone density, tissue repair , and hair/nail strength
Diuretic — traditionally used for urinary tract support and to reduce fluid retention
Can be made into a mineral-rich tea, decoction, or infused oil (avoid if kidney issues are present)
Often combined with nettles for post-winter remineralization
⚠️ Note: Harvest only the green, feathery shoots , not the early brown cone-like reproductive stems. Avoid old, coarse horsetail, which can be harsh and abrasive.
Mineral Hair Rinse
Strengthens hair and supports scalp health.
Ingredients:
½ cup dried horsetail (or 1 cup fresh)
2 cups water
Instructions:
Simmer horsetail in water for 20–30 minutes.
Strain and let cool.
After shampooing, pour over hair and leave for 3–5 minutes. Rinse or leave in.
Shepherd's Purse
History & Folklore:
Named for its tiny heart-shaped seed pods, said to resemble the pouches once carried by shepherds, this humble plant was a staple in European folk medicine. It was even used during wartime as a natural remedy for wounds when other healing herbs and resources were scarce.
Nutritional Profile:
Contains flavonoids, sulfur compounds, potassium, and vitamin K
Has both astringent and anti-inflammatory actions
Energetically cooling and drying
Benefits:
Traditionally used to help slow or ease excess bleeding.
Often used for heavy menstruation, postpartum support, and nosebleeds
Can be used fresh or dried in tinctures, teas, or compresses
Also mildly diuretic and supports bladder health
Menstrual Support Tincture
Traditionally used to reduce heavy menstrual flow. Use with guidance.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh shepherd’s purse (chopped)
2 cups high-proof alcohol (vodka, 80–100 proof)
Instructions:
Combine in a glass jar and label with the date.
Steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking regularly.
Strain and bottle.
Standard dose: 10–30 drops in water, 2–3x/day as needed. (Consult a practitioner before use.)
Plantain
History & Folklore:
Not to be confused with the banana relative, this “green bandage” was introduced to North America by European settlers and quickly naturalized. Indigenous communities across the continent recognized its healing potential and incorporated it into their traditional medicine, using it extensively to soothe wounds, stings, and skin irritations.
Nutritional Profile:
High in silica, allantoin, and mucilage
Rich in calcium and vitamin K
Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Benefits:
Astringent and drawing — excellent for wounds, bug bites, and splinters
Soothes irritated mucous membranes (throat, gut, urinary tract)
Used in salves, teas, syrups, and poultices
Can be chewed fresh for minor first aid on the go
First Aid Poultice (On-the-Go Remedy)
Draws out splinters, bites, and reduces inflammation.
Ingredients:
A few fresh plantain leaves (any amount — fresh is best)
Instructions:
Lightly crush the leaf between clean fingers or chew gently.
Apply directly to the skin over the affected area.
Cover with a clean cloth or bandage. Replace as needed.
Yarrow
History & Folklore:
Yarrow takes its name from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used the herb to treat his soldiers’ wounds during battle. With its feathery leaves and resilient spirit, yarrow has a rich history in European, Indigenous, and Chinese medicine — long revered not only for its ability to mend physical injuries but also for offering protection on energetic and spiritual levels.
Nutritional Profile:
Contains flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils
Rich in azulene (anti-inflammatory), salicylic acid, and bitters
Offers circulatory and antimicrobial support
Benefits:
Traditionally used to help slow bleeding
Supports healthy circulation and flow
A trusted ally during colds, fevers, and moon cycles
Beautiful in teas, tinctures, or infused oils for everyday care and herbal first aid
Yarrow First-Aid Spray
Used for minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritation
Ingredients:
1 cup dried or 1½ cups fresh yarrow
2 cups boiling water
¼ cup witch hazel (optional, for added astringency and preservation)
Instructions:
Steep yarrow in boiling water for 30 minutes.
Strain and cool completely.
Add witch hazel and pour into a spray bottle.
Store in fridge up to 1 week (or longer if alcohol-based).
At Eclectic, we wildcraft our nettles from the pristine foothills of Mt. Hood, where they grow freely in their native ecosystem — vibrant, mineral-rich, and untouched by cultivation. Each harvest is done with deep respect for the land, following ethical wildcrafting practices that protect native plant populations and preserve the natural balance of the environment.
We choose freeze-drying because it’s the most sustainable and effective way to preserve the full integrity of the plant — no heat, no chemicals, and no compromise. This gentle, earth-friendly process captures nettles in their purest state, keeping them as fresh, potent, and nourishing as if they were still growing wild beneath the forest canopy.
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.
