Herbal Allies for Autumn & Winter
The wheel of the year is turning toward winter.
According to the 24 lunisolar nodes calendar of Chinese cosmology, the first day of winter occurs on November 7/8th. The apex of winter energy occurs on December 20th - 22nd. This means that the darkest, most yin days of the year, occur between now and winter solstice. Once we reach the winter solstice - utmost yin - we then begin to tip back towards the light.
As we attune with Nature’s cycles and become more conscious of how the seasonal transitions effect us we can then adopt supportive lifestyle practices - nourishment, herbs, movement & rest - that help make the transitions easier on us.
How can we best support ourselves as we prepare to bed down in the dark sheets of winter?
In order to help answer this question, I have called upon the wisdom and guidance of Baltimore folk herbalist, Christina Taylor of Radical Herbs. Take it away, Christina:
“Acceptance of the slowing down, the turning inward, is essential to remain in balance during this period. Supporting yourself in different ways as autumn moves into winter helps us find that balance, otherwise we end up in a state of exhaustion - pushing against the Nature’s wisdom. With surrender to a little extra sleep, time spent in the kitchen cooking up warming meals, and support from the plants of the earth, we can find our selves sinking into the seasons.
Wondering what you can do to support yourself with herbs?
Herbal steams - These help us soothe our mucous membranes (think sinuses, lungs) so they can be healthy and help us ward off sickness. Throw some herbs in a pot, pour hot water on them, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the beauty of herbal steams. Don’t breathe in really hot steam, make sure you feel comfortable.
Herbal teas - Teas can help us fight colds, soothe our nervous systems, dry up congestion, and moisten our mucous membranes. They are also gentle and easy to make. Put about 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces into a mug, or pot, pour boiling water over the herbs, steep for 10-15 minutes, and drink up. I always like to add honey.
Tinctures - Tinctures are made by putting herbs in alcohol, letting them steep for about 6 weeks, and then straining. This is the extraction of the herb’s healing properties. Tinctures are great if you want herbs on-the-go, or if you are dealing with acute symptoms.
Herbal Blends for the Fall and Winter Seasons
There are some go to blends that I like to turn to based on common symptoms that arise during this time of year. These herbs can be used as herbal steams, teas, or even made into tinctures if you are feeling adventurous. When using herbs it is always important to know if what you are using interacts with current conditions or medications. Do your research!
Herbs for congestion and colds: rosemary, thyme, goldenrod, bee balm, lemon balm (this is best used fresh but it’s hard to get fresh in the late fall or winter)
Herbs for dryness or grief/anxiety: chamomile, marshmallow root, mullein leaf (this needs to be strained with a cheese cloth if you use for a tea), oat straw
Herbs for digestive and skin troubles: ginger, dandelion root, burdock root, peppermint
Nourishing your body with herbs is something that many of our ancestors once turned to. Returning back to the older ways helps us feel both empowered and reconnected. With the business of our day-to-day culture we often forget that this connection is available to us. Starting small with a cup of tea, or an herbal steam, is often all it takes to begin to feel well again. “ - Christina Taylor
