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As the year winds down and winter’s stillness settles in, the season often brings a tug-of-war between the hustle of holiday preparations and a deep yearning for rest and reflection. Let nature be your guide back to balance with the with the restorative and nurturing qualities of five grounding herbs: Pine, Rosemary, Reishi, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile.
Rooted in tradition yet cherished in modern wellness, these herbs offer simple, nurturing practices to help you stay centered through the holidays and ease into the new year with intention. Plus, don’t miss one of our favourite recipes for grounding during this busy season, shared at the end of the blog!
Pine (Pinus Spp.), with its soothing fragrance that transports us to the forest and rich vitamin C content, is a symbol of strength and renewal. Its earthy aroma has a cleansing quality that refreshes both the mind and the space around you. Known for its immune-supportive and respiratory benefits, pine reminds us to take deep breaths and pause amid the holiday rush.
Grounding Idea: Bring the outdoors in by decorating with pine boughs or simmering pine needles with cinnamon sticks and orange peels on the stove. This simple infusion fills your home with a cozy, grounding aroma.
Important Note: Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety during these periods has not been fully established.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), has long been associated with memory and clarity, making it a natural fit for reflective moments. Its warming, circulatory benefits and uplifting scent make it an ideal herb for focus and intention-setting. From ancient Greek scholars to modern kitchens, rosemary continues to inspire both the mind and palate.
Grounding Idea: Tie small bundles of rosemary with twine and place them on gift packages or napkin settings for a fragrant, meaningful touch. Brew a cup of rosemary tea to clear your mind or take a moment to enjoy its scent directly from the fresh herb or an essential oil. Feeling crafty? Try making a rosemary-infused oil – it’s a wonderful way to carry its grounding properties into your daily self-care.
Rosemary’s longstanding connection to clarity and focus makes it the perfect companion for setting a single-word intention for the year ahead. This practice, a favourite of Wild Rose College Director Yarrow Willard, invites you to choose one word as your guiding light, a touchstone to inspire growth and focus as the months unfold. Let rosemary’s soothing qualities help you center your thoughts and find the word that resonates with where you want to go.
Important Note: Rosemary is generally safe when used in culinary amounts or appropriately in medicinal doses, but the essential oil should not be ingested as it may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or seizures in sensitive individuals. Pregnant individuals should avoid excessive use due to potential abortifacient effects.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), known as the “mushroom of immortality,” is one of our favourite ways to stay grounded during the holiday season. This incredible adaptogen supports your immune system, calms the mind, and helps you handle stress with more ease – a perfect ally when things feel hectic. Its woodsy flavour pairs beautifully with seasonal spices for a comforting winter elixir.
Grounding Idea: Start simple by adding reishi to your daily routine. Blend reishi powder into soups, smoothies, or even your morning coffee for a subtle way to reap its benefits. For an effortless option, try a few drops of reishi tincture in water or directly under your tongue – it’s a quick and easy way to support your energy and immunity.
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, you have to try the 5 Mushroom Cacao Herbal Latte from Harmonic Arts. It’s like hot cocoa, but loaded with immune-boosting mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane. Cozy, delicious, and packed with nourishment – what’s not to love?
Important Note: Reishi may cause allergic reactions, interact with blood-thinning or immune-modulating medications, lower blood sugar or blood pressure, and is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for individuals with autoimmune conditions without consulting a healthcare provider.
Reishi Hot Chocolate
Chamomile’s (Matricaria recutita) soothing, anti-inflammatory properties make it a staple for relaxation and renewal. Whether easing digestive discomfort after a festive feast or helping you unwind before bed, this herb is a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the present moment.
Grounding Idea: Add chamomile tea bags to a holiday gift basket along with a cozy mug and a handwritten note, encouraging your loved one to enjoy a moment of calm. Herbal baths are a wonderful way to soothe the stress away – you could add chamomile to your bath salt blend.
Important Note: Generally safe but may cause nausea in large doses or skin rashes in those allergic to ragweed. Use cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Dried Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), often called the “gladdening herb,” is cherished for its calming and uplifting properties. Its mild citrus flavor and cooling energy make it a delightful addition to tea blends or festive drinks. Lemon balm also helps settle frazzled nerves, bringing a lightness to moments of holiday stress.
Grounding Idea: Brew lemon balm tea and serve it chilled with a splash of cranberry juice for a refreshing and cheerful holiday mocktail. Keep reading, we’re sharing one of our favourite holiday recipes: Chamomile & Lemon Balm spritz.
Important Note: Well-tolerated but may interact with sedatives or thyroid medication. Safe in food amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding; consult a healthcare provider before medicinal use.
Lemon Balm and Chamomile Spritz
Looking for a calming yet festive drink to unwind during the holidays? Enter the Chamomile and Lemon Balm Spritz. This light, refreshing mocktail blends the soothing properties of chamomile with the uplifting notes of lemon balm, making it the perfect companion for a cozy winter evening – or a lively holiday gathering. Plus, it’s easy to prepare!
Ingredients:
Steps:
1- Prepare the Tea Base:
Bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 tbsp lemon balm and 2 tbspchamomile flowers. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain. Stir in 2 tbsp honey until dissolved. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.
2- Assemble the Spritz:
In each glass, pour 1/2 cup of the prepared tea base and mix in ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice. Fill the glass with ice and top with 1/2 cup soda water. Garnish with a lemon peel or slice.
3 – Serve Immediately: Stir gently and enjoy your Chamomile Spritz!
Optional Note: For a cold infusion, steep 2 tbsp lemon balm and 2 tbsp chamomile flowers in 2.5 cups of cold water in the fridge for 8 hours. Strain, stir in honey, and proceed with the assembly instructions.
Looking for more ways to incorporate herbs into your holiday traditions? Join Crafting Herbal Joy: Handmade Gifts for the Holidays! Learn how to create herbal drinks, treats, and self-care gifts like the Lemon Balm & Chamomile Spritz featured in this blog.
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