Spring Showers bring Healing Powers

After all the rain we've had, a sea of green now flourishes outside my steps, and within it an abundance of natural spring cold remedies.

Today I decided to harvest some Cleavers and try a preparation that is new to me. I love these little plants for how they cling together and grow in some of the toughest soil I have. They remind me that sometimes when we cling to each other we can make it through pretty tough times.

Once used as pillow and bed stuffing for its steadfastness, this medicinal herb flushes the lymphatic system and can act as a mild diuretic. I've made it into a pesto before (it’s important to cook it before eating as it does have little hooks along its stem and leaves). But today, I'm going to infuse it into apple cider vinegar, that I can use in my cooking or take directly as needed.

Wish me luck!

Recipe here: Apple Cider Vinegar infused with Cleavers