Spring Renewal: Detoxifying and Delicious Nettle and Dandelion Pesto
As we settle into the arrival of Spring, it’s the perfect time to focus on Spring detoxification for optimal health. We’ll explore the benefits of detoxifying your body during the Spring season. While our bodies are constantly detoxifying from the natural byproducts of our foods and our environment – the fact is, we are subject to impurities from our food, water, and air supply, regardless of our best efforts to avoid them.
These toxins build up over time and can lead to weight gain and chronic, preventable diseases. While our bodies are naturally working constantly to process and purify our bodies of these impurities, some of us need more help than others due to diet, lifestyle, genetics, etc. A simple solution is to help promote our bodies’ natural cleansing processes, to help flush these impurities from cells faster, and revitalize them with an easily digested, nutrient-dense diet.
In Ayurveda, Spring is the season associated with that of the Kapha dosha, characterized by heaviness, lethargy, and excess mucous, in an imbalanced state. Since Spring is already characterized by this wet, dense, energy, it is necessary to bring in the brightness associated with the characteristics Spring, found in the young green shoots and new growth bursting through the surface.
It’s these gifts from Nature that provide exactly what is needed to maintain balance and prevent stagnation during the season. In addition these herbs and greens nutrients provide a perfect Spring detoxification can help remove toxins that may have accumulated in the body during the winter months, leading to improved energy, clearer skin, and a stronger immune system. According to Ayurveda, the liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxification, and incorporating seasonal, nutrient-dense foods into your diet is an excellent way to support its function.
Nettle and dandelion are two powerful detoxifying herbs that have been used in herbalism for centuries. Nettle is known for its high mineral content, including iron and calcium, and is a natural diuretic, which helps to flush out excess fluids and toxins from the body. Dandelion is also a natural diuretic and is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the liver from damage and support its function. Outside of dandelion tea and throwing these greens into our soups, smoothies, and salads, this dandelion and nettle pesto is another delicious way to incorporate this vibrant energy into your Spring diet.
SPRING NETTLE AND DANDELION PESTO
2 cups of fresh dandelion greens and nettles. If you cannot find these in your area, pea shoots, spinach and kale work well. Basil and fresh herbs are also easily swapped.
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons pinenuts
3 large, garlic cloves, minced
1-2 scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
Our nettle and dandelion pesto is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that support healthy liver function and promote overall well-being. To make this delicious pesto, you’ll need a handful of fresh nettle leaves and dandelion greens, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. Simply pulse all of the ingredients together in a food processor until smooth, and use it as a dip, spread, sauce for pasta, or even salad dressing.
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