03/06/2009

Today I noticed under the old dead parsley leaves new sprouts emerging! What a blessing in the Spring to be able to have fresh young greens in our diet again. This reminded me of a simple and flavorful drink to tone up the digestive system especially in the Spring.  First thing in the morning squeeze the juice of a lemon into a mug, add a few sprigs of fresh parsley and a teaspoon of honey (local raw honey is best) then fill the mug with boiling water. Allow this to steep for a few minutes until a lovely green color is apparent, remove the parsley, squeezing out the juices into the mug, and enjoy. If you have some fresh mint a few leaves will add a wonderful flavor and if you don’t have lemon, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. After the Winter the digestive system is sluggish with heavy foods and being indoors so a Spring tonic always helps invigorate our bodies for a new season. Other tonics for Spring use the first leaves of the Dandelion and/or Sorrel (Oxalis, Sour Grass). I think it is the chlorophyll as much as anything! If no other source of fresh greens is readily available, start sprouts to eat and increase your exercise. I prefer these tonics to cod liver oil, another old favorite. What Spring tonic did your Grandmother use?