As a child I decided not to single out a season for discontent, and then spend part of the year waiting for the weather to change. I love each season for it’s gifts, and have spent a good part of my life outdoors in each one of them. But there’s no reason to be uncomfortable either! Herbs can lend a lot to our comfort when it’s harsh outside, and each season has it’s own special plants to help us adapt to the weather that is.
Where I live in Oklahoma, January is cold and dry. We might get a little, or even a good bit of snow from time to time, but generally the air is dry, and it can be bitter, even before the wind chill temperatures plummet below zero. Often the snow sublimes before it can melt. Against that backdrop, it's magical to cultivate winter as a time for softness, slowness; for reflecting while the earth dreams, and give your thoughts time to surface like bubbles in a space of quietude.
We keep our home chilly by design, to foster ongoing resilience, reduce our footprint on the planet, and more; so we dress in warm layers, and partner with our herbal allies to cultivate warmth within and without. Added to a few soft throws around the house, we’re warm and relaxed while the earth sleeps.
Here are some of my favorite strategies, followed through the day. See which ones appeal, and pick from them as a starting place that you can play with. Making a self-care ritual of some of them is nice, and as you tune in to the herbs you work with, be open to impressions from them. As you read, notice how easy it is to incorporate diverse herbs into a warming, healing regimen that supports your whole self.
Preliminary tips: In winter I generally minimize my use of cooling herbs, such as peach, lemon and rose. If I do use them, I’ll add clove and cinnamon for their warming effect. And most warming spices are drying, so I’m including some demulcents and oils in the mix. Honey or stevia are fine in any tea. Now on to the day…
Morning – Whole Body Oil (Or you can end the day with this if you prefer.) Somewhere in the week I follow a hot shower with a brisk rub down with a towel, then rub Ginger or Monarda infused oil into my skin, all over. These herbs are warming, and leave the skin with a healthy glow, and feeling supple and dewy, even in winter.
To make, you’ll need: 1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon ginger powder or 1 tablespoon monarda coarse crushed dried leaves. (How much will depend on the strength of your herb. That can vary a bit.) 4 oz of your favorite oil. Grape seed or almond are nice. An approximately 6 oz jar with lid, and a 4-oz one to hold the oil when you’re done. Saucer.
In the larger jar, simply stir the herb into the oil, cap tightly and place on the saucer in case there is drip. Place in a warm place out of direct light for 4 weeks. At the end of that time, strain into a small clean jar and label.
Coffee anyone? Or maybe it’s tea.
Try waking up with chai. I drink a mostly-decaf coffee blend, and in winter I use a homemade mix of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and orange peel in it, for a wonderful, warming, fragrant perk up that lasts most of the day. You might want honey or stevia, too. Those spices are not only warming; they’re bitter, and will tell your whole digestive system that breakfast is coming.
How about that breakfast?
We like hot oatmeal with cinnamon, a pat of butter and some maple syrup. The nerve-nourishing oats are demulcent, and counter some of the dryness in the spices of the day. The butter supplies a bit of healthy winter fat and supports digestion of the fat soluble nutrients in the oatmeal. If you don’t use butter, a little coconut oil will work. The maple syrup has nourishing minerals to support metabolism and energy.
Sometime around mid morning… Get out a pint jar, put a scant teaspoon of powdered marshmallow into it. Fill it 3/4 or so full with normal tap water (unheated), and cap tightly. Shake well, and let it sit while you go about your day. I’ll come back to it.
And what’s for lunch?
Hot soup with ginger, garlic or curry. I use a store bought curry that contains turmeric and cayenne, and it’s easy to vary that and add more if I’ve been outside in the wind. These are also supportive to the liver and circulatory system and can really warm you up. You might find that you want to shed a sweater layer when you're done. To counter dryness, seaweed is wonderful in many soups.
Afternoon tea anyone?
If you’re tired of chai spices, try steeping a little aniseed in your tea, or a little orange peel, for a warming, antimicrobial and immunity-nourishing perk up.
Remember that wonderful demulcent marshmallow cold infusion you made this morning? If you’re starting to get dried out from all the hot spices, afternoon is a good time to start sipping it. You can strain it through a thin cloth, or just shake it and sip with the powder in it. That’s what I do. You don’t need to drink it fast. Just start sipping, and let it moisten your system throughout the afternoon. Marshmallow is cooling, but you’ve been taking in warming herbs all day, so you shouldn’t get chilly from it.
It’s dinner time.
Rosemary and thyme! Add to your food in the last few minutes of cooking to conserve their aromatic properties. Rosemary supports the cardiovascular system and nerve tissue; thyme helps clear congestion from too-cold lungs. Also aim for incorporating some olive oil in a dip, or on toast with a little salt. Healthy oils are critical for life, and they help counter the dryness of the season.
Wouldn't a warm bath be luscious?
Gently decoct 4 inches or so of fresh chopped ginger in a 2 quart saucepan of water for 20-30 minutes before your bath. Draw your bath, and pour the ginger decoction through a strainer into the bath water. (Keep the ginger. You can get more from it for a foot bath, or use small amounts at a time in a tea. It will keep in the refrigerator for several days.) If you didn’t do a full body oil in the morning, you could enjoy that here.
Ready for bed?
Phones off, lights dim. You've retired to a quiet place to let the magic of the night enfold you, as you release the things of the day. What about a relaxing nightcap of you favorite milk with cinnamon and honey. You'll probably be sleepy soon, and ready to regenerate for another day.
I hope this has been a useful tour of the ways that everyday herbs and a few good oils can contribute to comfort and warmth in the cold months. Let this walk through the day shine a light on the everyday, ordinary ways they can nourish wholeness.
Wishing you winter wellness,
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