As our vibrant bioregion, the Eastern Great Lakes Lowland Forests, emerges from its winter slumber,
it offers an abundance of plants that nurture our bodies from within and provide invaluable nourishment for our skin. These plants thrive in the early spring months and are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and healing properties. From the humble dandelion to the delicate violet, these botanical treasures seamlessly integrate into our culinary endeavours, adding flavour and skin-loving nutrition to dishes like vibrant salads, preserves, and soups. Their benefits extend beyond the kitchen, and when thoughtfully gathered at the peak of ripeness and incorporated into distillations, essences, tinctures, powders, and oils, they become potent formulas that effortlessly meet the skin's phytonutrient needs.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants. They help promote detoxification and support healthy skin. Add fresh leaves to smoothies, sauté with butter or add to a salad. Use the flowers to make rich syrup for pancakes.
Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. They have anti-inflammatory properties and improve tone, fine lines and texture. Dry the young leaves for use in a revitalizing tea, or enjoy them cooked like other greens in soups, pastas, and stews ~ Harvest nettles wearing gloves, as they are prickly.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover flowers contain isoflavones and compounds that promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Garnish salads with fresh blossoms, make a tea infusion of the newly plucked leaves and flowers, or add to baked goods.
Violet (Viola spp.): Violet flowers are rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants. They soothe dry or irritated skin and promote a clear complexion. Infuse flowers in honey or simple syrup for cocktails, garnish salads, decorate cookies and tarts, or make candied blooms with cane sugar.
Chickweed (Stellaria media): Chickweed is a highly nutritious herb that contains vitamins A, B, and C and minerals like calcium and zinc. It soothes and alleviates skin conditions and inflammation. Sauté or stir-fry it, add it to salads or bake it into savoury scones.
Burdock (Arctium lappa): Burdock root is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It purifies the blood and supports healthy skin. Dry the root for tea, pickle fresh root in vinegar, or batter for tempura.
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra): Elderflowers are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They encourage collagen production and improve skin tone. Infuse for jams and jellies, steep fresh or dried flowers as a fragrant tea, add to salads or desserts, or make a fermented probiotic sparkling drink.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Chives are a good source of vitamins A and C and minerals like sulfur. They stimulate healthy skin and hair growth. Add to savoury biscuits, mash with butter for a delicious spread, infuse vinegar for salads, and garnish eggs or cocktails.
Below are some of our most beloved skincare formulas
featuring these beautiful wild bioregional plants:
Nettle (Urtica dioica):
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra):
Chickweed (Stellaria media):
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense):
Dominique Del Col is a holistic wellness educator, founder, and herbalist behind Tidelands House Fine Skincare & Stillroom. She has spent nearly two decades immersed in the ancient medicinal practices of traditional herb craft. When she is not in her studio, Dominique can be found tending to her small flock of heritage hens and foraging in the forest with her young daughters, husband and two dogs.