Herbs for Winter

For winter I will be focusing on 4 types of herbs: adaptogens, tonic, immune supporting, and warming. These are the ones we need to most in this season!

Adaptogens are a very powerful class of herbs. They help to balance out the bodies stress response. A lot of this happens within the neurological and endocrine systems of the body. They help to provide balance and support to these systems that tend to get overwhelmed but the stress of everyday lives. Adaptogens are generally easily tolerated. While I say that, everyones body is different so when I decide what goes in my teas, I stick with generally the ones that are the gentlest. My favorite adaptogen is Holy Basil, or Tulsi, so you will see me use that a decent amount.

Tonics work on deficiencies of qi, blood, yin and yang. The most common herbs I’ll be using, at least initially, are qi tonics.  They are for low energy, poor digestion, trouble sleeping, and just basically to give you a little energy and strengthen your body. One of the best is astragalus.

Immune supporting is good at this time of year but anything that stimulates the immune system you don’t want to use for too long. There is some talk about how constantly boosting the immune system can lead to auto-immune disorder. I can kind of see that. I think it’s best to use tonic herbs long term to keep your body healthy and strong. Then you can use immune system teas and herbs when you know you’ve been exposed to something or are fighting something off. Elderberry and echinacea are two of the most often used.

Warming herbs are also good for the winter.  Sometimes when it’s cold outside we need some help warming our body. Spicy herbs help do this. Ginger is one of the best to warm our entire bodies. 

If you adda variety of these to your everyday life, you will get through this winter healthier and with more energy.