Herbal Love for the Holiday Blues

Capitalism sells us images of joyful holidays full of celebration, gifts, and abundance of foods. For many, these times can be very difficult, especially if you’re mourning, are away from loved ones, or don’t have the financial means to feed into the capitalist pressure to buy and consume. 

Even though I don’t place much value on commercialized holidays like Christmas, this time of year always comes with so many emotions for me. 

Due to migration, my family is literally dispersed across many different states in the U.S, and also across several different countries. I miss my family so much during these times. The memories of my childhood years in Ecuador playing with many cousins and living with extended family come to mind, and a sense of grief is oftentimes present for me during the holidays. 

So if you’re like me, someone that feels so much during the holiday season, or are simply riding the waves of loss and grief or financial hardship right now, I welcome you to support your heart and spirit with plant allies. Plant medicine not only has the ability to support our bodies physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. 

I rely on plant medicine the whole year round, and especially during the holidays, I like to support myself with herbs that calm my nervous system, uplift my spirit and soothe my heart. 

Here are just a few of my favorite herbs for the holiday blues: 

Lemon Balm – is soothing to the nervous system, and supports us through feelings of melancholy. I love this herb for those of us who are away from home, our lands, family, and other loved ones. You can prepare it as tea by boiling 1 cup of water and adding 1 tablespoon of the dry herb. Steep for 15-20 minutes, and drink 2-3 cups daily. Caution: Avoid taking high amounts of lemon balm during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. 

Rose – is soothing to the heart and promotes a sense of self compassion and self love. I like making rose honey milks (see my previous blog post for a nice recipe), or bathe in it. If you opt for a self-love bath, you can bring 3 handfuls of dry rose petals (ideally organic/not sprayed) to a boil. If you get a hold of non sprayed wild roses, you can use 6 handfuls of it. Once it begins to boil, let it cook for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes. You can do a chair bath by pouring the warm rose water over your body, or if you have a bathtub you can add it to a hot bath. Adding some coconut milk and lavender essential oil will make this bath even more magical and soothing! I make this bath a ritual in which I release the grief, and call in the energy of love and ease into my heart. 

Oatstraw – is a highly nutritive herb that restores the nervous system, and supports us when feeling anxious, sad, low energy and depleted. You can make tea with it by making a “cold” infusion. Use 1 tablespoon of dry oatstraw and let it steep for 15-20 min in 1 cup of room temperature water. I like to steep it overnight for a stronger infusion. You can also mix it with some rose tea for an amazing and very tasty blend! Drink 2-3 cups daily. This herb is super safe and has no contraindications. 

Rosemary – is a super uplifting and protective plant. I love to purchase it fresh and put it in vases with water all over my apartment to allow her energy to pick up any hard feelings and energies, and to uplift the heart and spirit with her scent. 

Whatever you’re feeling and going through this holiday season, may you find moments to care for yourself and your heart, and allow plants to hold and walk with you. You don’t have to do this alone, and plant allies got our back! 

*Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant (or may be pregnant), nursing, or on any medications. Not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.