Seasonal depression and the winter blues are closely tied to seasonal changes. They usually occur during the colder months, when daylight hours are significantly less, and there is a lot more cloud cover, making natural sunlight harder to come by. The lack of the sun disrupts your circadian rhythm…the internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. It also lowers some people’s serotonin levels, a brain chemical that boosts your mood.
The good news is, that a solid protocol can dramatically help you get through the cold dark days of winter. Here’s a tea blend and a tincture blend to get you started…
Uplifting Herbal Tea Blend
This tea blend works to gently uplift your mood, calm tension, and support your immune system.
Ingredients:
- 1 part St. John’s Wort (mood support)
- 1 part Lemon Balm (calming)
- 1 part Rose Hips (immune boost and vitamin C)
- 1/2 part Fresh Ginger, grated (warming and energizing)
Instructions:
- Combine all the herbs in a large bowl
- Gently blend them together
- Store the blend in a glass jar with an air tight lid
- Add 1 TBS to a 8 ounce cup of boiled water
- Strain and sweeten with raw honey if desired, and enjoy 1-2 cups daily to brighten your mood.
Warnings and Contraindications:
- Do not take st. john’s wort if you are on any antidepressant medication, without discussing it with your healthcare team. In some instances, they may interact or the herb may block the absorption of your medication.
Mood Lifting Tincture Blend
A tincture provides a potent, easy way to carry herbal support wherever you go. This blend focuses on uplifting your mood and calming the nervous system.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 part St. John’s Wort (mood support and serotonin booster)
- 2 parts Lemon Balm (nervine and relaxant)
- 1 part Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress)
- A clean glass jar with a lid
Instructions:
- Gather your prepared single herb tinctures
- Blend them together
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake every so often.
Dosage: Take 2-4mLs (30-60 drops) diluted in water or tea up to three times daily during the winter months. Remember to always start at the lowest dose when you are starting with a new herb or herb blend. You can always work up from there.
Warnings and Contraindications:
- Do not take st. john’s wort if you are on any antidepressant medication, without discussing it with your healthcare team. In some instances, they may interact or the herb may block the absorption of your medication.
- Some people may be sensitive to the blood sugar lowering effects of ashwagandha. If you are on medications to lower your blood sugar, speak with your healthcare team first. Also, do not take ashwagandha at the same time as your blood sugar medication.
If you haven’t yet learned how to make single herb tinctures, head to the workshops area of the membership home page and take my tincture making class.
Mood Lifting Tincture Blend
Ingredients
- 1/2 part Saint John's Wort
- 2 parts Lemon Balm
- 1 parts Ashwagandha
- Vodka
Instructions
- Gather your prepared single herb tinctures
- Blend them together
- Put in a glass jar with an airtight lid and store it in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake every so often.
Uplifting Herbal Tea Blend
Ingredients
- 1 part St. John’s Wort (mood support)
- 1 part Lemon Balm (calming)
- 1 part Rose Hips (immune boost and vitamin C)
- 1/2 part Fresh Ginger, grated (warming and energizing)
Instructions
- Combine all the herbs in a large bowl
- Gently blend them together
- Store the blend in a glass jar with an air tight lid
- Add 1 TBS to a 8 ounce cup of boiled water
- Strain and sweeten with raw honey if desired, and enjoy 1-2 cups daily to brighten your mood
2 Responses
Any reason I shouldn’t use wild rose hips for the tea? There’s still so Much of it around this winter. Must have been a banner year for hips!
That’s amazing! There are no warnings for rose hips, but there are some contraindications: if you are prone to kidney stones, sickle cell anemia, moderate to severe anemia, or any hemoglobin disorders.