HOME REMEDY: ‘Cleansing’ leaves

Spring: is it too early to say that word? March always brings fresh hopes for the end of winter. New shoots are all around – the first tiny nettles are popping up and by the end of March, dandelions will be showing themselves.

Both dandelions and nettles are great ‘cleansing’ plants – so great for this time of the year when you want a new spring in your step. Dandelion is often used to detox the kidney and liver, due to its diuretic qualities, helping water retention. You can make a tea from the new young leaves, which will help digestion after food. The young leaves can also be added to salads – but they have a bitter taste.

Nettles are an old favourite of mine, providing a muchneeded spring tonic full of vitamins and minerals – again make a tea with the fresh leaves for a cleansing cuppa.

Dandelion leaves are high in vitamin A – even more than carrots. Combined with its antibacterial properties this makes it a good skin tonic. Boil up the leaves, drain and make a fresh spring skin spritzer with the cooled liquid.
Sof McVeigh: www.thehomemadecompany.com