Liquid Sunshine and a Spark of Light for the Dark Days of Winter
Even with the Winter Solstice fast approaching and incrementally more sunshine on its way, I know that, for many, the post-holiday, still-cold-and-dark days of January and February can bring on the worst of the winter blues.
To make it through these months without a slump, a Vermonter friend of mine recently shared her intention to visit both an indoor greenhouse and a day spa once a month, and I pass on those ideas on to you if the late winter brings you down. If those aren’t available or appealing to you, I invite you to pick something else to do regularly that lifts your spirits and connects you with warmth and light.
Having spent almost every winter of my life in either frigid, snowy places (hello Chicago and Montana) or rainy, cloudy Oregon, I have found that—as long as I have the right outerwear—moving my body outside every day staves away gloom. The trick is motivating to do it, so I make a habit of it first thing in the morning. And then it makes putting on comfy clothes, drinking strong coffe, and wrapping myself up in a blanket with my work extra delicious.
To complement all the mental and behavioral practices that keep me grounded and energized during these darker months, I also turn to herbs for support.
As many folks know, Saint John’s Wort is one of our best herbs for seasonal depression. When Seth and I crave sunshine and warmth in the darkest days of the year, we take a few squirts of Saint John’s Wort. In doing so, we take in Summer Solstice sun, for that’s when this bright yellow flower buds and blooms with its most potent medicine. It is, truly, liquid sunshine.
If you look closely at the many tiny leaves on the plant, you can see that each one is perforated with little holes. This physical feature embodies what herbalists call The Doctrine of Signatures, or the tendency of a plant’s physical features to reflect its medicinal offerings. The little holes in Saint John’s Wort leaves remind us that it can help the light shine through to us even in the darkest of days.
Another plant ally we offer you for the depths of winter is our beloved Pedicularis densiflora. You can read more about it in a recent blog post here. P. densiflora is a fiery red flower that blooms in early spring alongside shooting stars and fawn lilies. Following cottonwood buds, Pedicularis is our second harvest of the season. Its red color hints at the role it plays as a muscle relaxant, and its flame-like shape sparks our inner fires when the sun’s light is out of reach.
In addition to Saint John’s Wort and Pedicularis, any herb that supports the nervous system can be supportive during melancholic times. Tulsi and Lemon Balm, in particular, offer both calmness and brightness at the same time, nourishing the nervous system and lightening the spirit. If, however, it’s slowing down you need, you may connect well with California Poppy, Motherwort, or CBD. These herbs promote grounding and relaxation and can really take the edge off!
If you want more ideas for accessing the gold hidden in your winter blues, leave a comment here or be in touch.
Wishing you much ease, coziness, and access to your inner light in the coming months, xo Becca
Precautions: Large quantities of St. John’s Wort may cause photosensitivity in fair-skinned people. It may also have adverse interactions with prescription medications, so check with your medical doctor before taking St. John’s Wort if you are on prescription meds, particularly anti-depressants. If you are suffering from symptoms of clinical depression, please check with your health care provider before taking herbs.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
