Spring Harvest: In Conversation with Dani May, FENN's in house Naturopath

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Dani in her garden at home

As the days grow warmer and the first hints of jasmine fill the air, spring brings with it a sense of renewal and possibility.

At FENN, we see this season as an invitation to shed the heaviness of winter and embrace lighter, more energising ways of living. To explore how we can best support our bodies during this transition, we sat down with our in-house naturopath, Dani May. Together, we discuss what spring symbolises from a naturopathic perspective, the shift in energy, the importance of seasonal alignment, and how simple practices, herbs, and supplements can help us feel more balanced and hopeful as we move into the months ahead.

Spring is often seen as a season of renewal. From a naturopathic perspective, how can women best support their bodies and energy levels during this seasonal transition?

I like to think of spring as our “second new year”. After winter’s inward pull, spring invites us to shake off stagnancy and step into a lighter, more energised rhythm. The energetics of spring are all about growth, renewal and momentum, so it’s the perfect time of year for women to realign their bodies and energy and for a gentle reset. From a naturopathic perspective, this looks like re-establishing your health foundations and tending to your “inner garden” by prioritising hydration, movement, nourishment, sunlight and rest. By focusing on these simple yet powerful daily habits, you are setting yourself up with the building blocks for vibrant health and vitality. 

Many of us feel an instinctive urge to “reset” in spring. What are some gentle, holistic approaches to cleansing or rebalancing that actually nourish rather than deplete the body?

Small intentional shifts are always going to be more sustainable and nourishing than an all or nothing approach. You don’t need a complete overhaul or an intense “cleanse” to feel renewed. Here are some simple, yet powerful ways to support detoxification:

  • Bitter greens (rocket, dandelion, endive) to support digestion & nutrient absorption
  • Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, kale) and fresh herbs (parsley, coriander) to support liver detoxification
  • Fibre-rich foods (berries, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, flaxseeds, lentils and beans/legumes) to nourish the gut microbiome, support detoxification and keep you regular
  • Antioxidant-rich foods (blueberries, strawberries, citrus, rhubarb, green tea/matcha) to reduce oxidative stress, support liver function and promote healthy glowing skin
  • Lifestyle practices such as energy-building movement (pilates, yoga, swimming, hiking), dry body brushing and saunas to move stagnant energy, support the flow of lymph and detoxification through sweating.
  • Avoiding excess alcohol, processed foods and harsh chemicals and toxins in your house/ beauty/ everyday products to reduce excess burden on the liver and support overall vitality.

Seasonal changes can influence everything from mood to digestion. What are some signs that our bodies might need extra support during this time of year?

Symptoms such as low energy/ fatigue, lack of vitality, bloating, constipation, nausea after eating, headaches/ migraines, allergies, congested or inflamed skin, PMS, heavy or painful periods and sleep issues may all be signs that your detoxification pathways need some extra support and working 1:1 with a naturopath could be really helpful here.

Are there particular herbs, nutrients, or rituals you recommend to help women align with the natural rhythms of spring and feel more vibrant?

I always tailor my herbal & nutritional prescriptions to my client’s individual needs however, here are some of my favourite spring tips & rituals that would be supportive for most:

  • Enjoy fresh, colourful, nutrient-dense seasonal foods that feel energising rather than heavy
  • Herbal teas and tonics with dandelion root & leaf, milk thistle, nettle, or schisandra gently support detoxification and vitality
  • Step outside within 30 minutes of waking to reset your circadian rhythm, boost energy, lift your mood, and improve sleep
  • Connect with nature! Swim in the ocean, exercise outdoors, soak up the sunshine and notice how quickly your energy and mood shift.
  • Use spring’s expansive energy to set intentions and plant ‘seeds’ for what you want to grow and align with where you’re heading.
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Sunshine is such a wonderful way to shift your mood. Soaking up the rays can often help you redirect any negative energy!

Skin health is deeply connected to internal balance. What simple naturopathic practices can help support clear, glowing skin as we move into warmer months?

Our skin is a reflection of how we nourish ourselves, the state of our gut and digestion, how well our detox pathways are flowing, and how regulated our nervous system is. Some simple, yet powerful practices to support clear, glowing skin include:

  • Aiming for 2-2.5L of filtered water daily
  • Eating a seasonal whole-food antioxidant-rich diet with plenty of colourful fruit & veg, good quality protein and healthy fats
  • Supporting your detox pathways (bitter greens, cruciferous veg, fibre, movement, dry body brushing, saunas, limit alcohol & processed foods)
  • Get enough good quality sleep 7-8 hours per night
  • Make time for rest and grounding practices that reduce stress (meditation, yoga nidra, journaling, breathwork, time in nature)

Spring often brings busier schedules and social calendars. How do you encourage your clients to maintain a sense of groundedness and balance in this season of growth?

Prioritising rest and self-care is essential. I encourage my clients to make a list of the practices that truly fill their cup and commit to them as non-negotiables. Schedule this time in your diary just like any other appointment, and honour it. Equally important are healthy boundaries - tune in, say yes only to what feels aligned, and protect your energy. This allows you to stay grounded, balanced, and available for the things that truly matter and light you up.


For someone wanting to incorporate more holistic rituals into their lifestyle, what is one small, impactful daily habit you’d recommend they start with?

Start your day intentionally by filling your cup first - without distractions, phones, or screens. The way you begin your morning sets the tone for how you’ll feel throughout the day. Whether it’s 5 minutes or an hour, commit to nourishing yourself. This could look like a walk, meditation or journaling, enjoying your coffee in the sunshine, or reading a few pages of an inspiring book - whatever feels good for you. Even doing this a couple of times a week can have a profound impact on your mood and mindset!

For anyone who might feel they need a little extra support coming out of winter, visit this link to book a consultation with Dani. You will love her as much as we do.