Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Three Unique Herbs

As the days grow longer and nature awakens, the Spring Equinox is the perfect time to embrace renewal and balance. What better way to celebrate than with fresh, vibrant herbs? Here are a few ways to welcome the season with the power of nature’s green gifts.

Herbs of Renewal and Balance

Spring is a season of fresh starts, and certain herbs embody this energy beautifully:
🌿 Parsley – A symbol of cleansing and new beginnings, parsley is packed with nutrients and vitality.
🌼 Dandelion – This resilient herb supports detoxification and represents transformation, making it ideal for spring.
💜 Violet – Delicate yet strong, violets bring a sense of balance and harmony to the season.

Create an Herb-Inspired Centerpiece

Bring the freshness of spring indoors with an herb-inspired centerpiece. Fill a rustic basket or ceramic bowl with small pots of parsley, dandelion greens, and violets. Add sprigs of rosemary for a touch of fragrance, and tuck in a few bright flowers for color. This living arrangement not only looks beautiful but also provides fresh herbs to snip and use in seasonal dishes.

Go on a Spring Herb Foraging Walk

Take advantage of the season’s renewal by heading outdoors for a spring herb foraging walk. Look for young dandelion greens, violets, chickweed, or wild garlic along trails or in your own backyard. These fresh finds can be used in teas, salads, or homemade remedies. Foraging is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the gifts of spring—just be sure to forage responsibly and avoid areas treated with pesticides.

Recipe: Violet Syrup

For a full step by step see this how to post from my herb freind Tina Sams of The Essential Herbal: Violet Syrup.

Here is a quick recipe:

Simple Violet Syrup (for treating coughs, colds and headaches)

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup packed fresh violet flowers and leaves
• 2 lb. sugar

Pour boiling water over fresh crushed flowers and leaves cover and let stand for 12 hours. Strain and squeeze through cloth, add sugar and boil for 1 hour or until syrupy. Store in glass jars. 

Recipe: Dandelion and Parsley Pesto

Celebrate the equinox with a fresh, herbal pesto that’s perfect for spreading on bread, mixing into pasta, or drizzling over roasted veggies.

• 1 cup dandelion greens (washed and dried)
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• ½ cup nuts (walnuts or pine nuts work well)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend dandelion greens, parsley, nuts, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
3. Add Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend again to combine.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy!

This pesto is a perfect way to welcome the changing season with the bright flavors of spring. How do you celebrate the Spring Equinox? Let us know in the comments!