The oldest anthology of Japanese poetry refers to ‘seven plants showing green through the cold earth as harbingers of spring’.

Eaten on the 7th day of January, mixed with rice gruel, this concoction makes an early spring dish of varied herbs. Each herb has its own homeopathic effect on our health.

The Seven Spring Herbs

• Combined together the following plants form ‘Haru no nanakusa’.
• Oenanthe stolonifera, water celery, or water parsley
• Capsella bursa-pastoris or Shepherd’s Purse
• Gnaphalium affine or Cudweed
• Stellaria media or Chickweed
• Lamium amplexicaule,  Henbit, or Deadnettle
• Brassica rapa,  White Turnip, mustard greens, or celery cabbage
• Raphanus sativus or Japanese White Radish

This may be a hard mix to find in the UK but the idea of mixing herbs appeals to me. Other cultures and regions have their own herb traditions and mixtures. If you have a favourite mix or concoction then send details via our comment section below.

Other Mixed Herbs

The UK has Parsley, sage rosemary and thyme in the traditional song Scarborough Fair
The French have bouquet-garni
As we approach Thanksgiving spare a thought for the turkeys stuffed full of sage and onion
Traditionally used in Italian cooking a popular mix includes oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, sage, parsley, bay leaves and  cracked black pepper.