Especially during the short days of winter,
when the sun’s presence is diminished,
and our various duties of the season call…
…it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become run down.
Herbs that Help Beat the Winter Blues
Whenever you sense the symptoms of an overworked, overindulged, or stressful body and mind, remember these following herbs — known for centuries because of their mood-boosting properties:
- Lemon Balm — Supports the nervous system as a mild sedative and anti-depressant. Naturally treating symptoms of depression, stress, headaches, migraines, anxiety, and tension.
- Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) Root — While working on the nervous system, in general eleuthero root is well known as a powerful adaptogen — that is an herb that helps the body properly respond to stress.
- Chamomile Flowers — Chamomile has been used historically to help calm nervousness and irritability.
- Oatstraw — Highly nutritious, containing many antioxidants and minerals (minerals such as Magnesium), this herb is instrumental when used in mood-enhancing herbal preparations.
- St. John’s Wort — Another herb that has received much attention in recent years…however, known for thousands of years prior as a sedative and anti-depressant use to treat mild to moderate depression, and anxiety.
- Nettle Leaf — Nurative infusions function for many as an immune system booster, sedative, and pain reducer.
You can’t help but feel your spirits lifted when consuming this blend of herbal tea!
Uplifting Herbal Tea
Ingredients
-3 parts Lemon Balm
-2 parts Chamomile Flowers
-2 parts Nettle Leaf
-2 parts Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) Root
-1 part St. John’s wort
-1 part Oatstraw
Method
- Measure the parts of each of the herbs listed and mix in a large bowl until well combined.
- Grab your tea accessories, tea infusers, and/or tea pots…and brew a cup! (Note: I get all of my loose leaf tea-making supplies online from Mountain Rose Herbs.)
- This herbal tea blend will keep stored in a cool, dark place for approximately 6 months. (Note: I like to store all of my teas in glass jars with tight-fitting lids.)
- This tea is mild enough to use daily or as a wonderful pick-me-up during those unexpected times of need.
Where Can I Get This Stuff?
-Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need for this remedy! It’s your one-stop-shop!
–The Bulk Herb Store also carries many of these ingredients if you’d like to price check.
Happy Hippie Herbal Tea Blend
is available for purchase
in my Etsy Shop.
See the listing by clicking this link.
Now it’s your turn! How do you beat the winter blues?
Jennifer Schumacker
Is this a safe combination for pregnant women too? Is there any other type of tea mixture you would recommend?
Tiffany @ The Coconut Mama
I haven’t slept a full night in 9 months (night nursing my baby) and I’ve noticed I feel best if I drink a cup of tea made of chamomile and St. John’s Wort with honey before bed at night. I wake up in the morning feeling rested and focused. It’s amazing what herbs can do!
Amanda Schoonover
This looks delicious! Thanks for the post. My favorite way to kick the winter blues is to sweat! I like to roll out my yoga mat and stretch out while building some muscle. I also enjoy a hot cup of tea. Recently found out about guayusa tea. Same amount of caffeine as coffee and twice the antioxidants of green tea. I’ll definitely be trying this herbal recipe soon, though. 🙂
Beth
Thanks for another timely post Andrea. I just placed my order with MRH for the chamomile and eleuthero, which I am out of. Winter is here where I live and the light is dwindling fast. But only a little over one month before the daylight begins its gain again!
Emily Raup
I thoroughly enjoyed this posting. This is what I hope to learn more about and get into! For my winter blues, I basically drink various kinds of tea, especially chamomile. This is mostly to keep me warm and calm me down. I try to get some sunshine (vitamin D!) as well. But this recipe is awesome! Thank you for sharing!
Helen
would someone with an allergy to gluten have to worry about the oatstraw? Thanks 🙂
Bethany
Do be careful with the St. John’s Wort, though, because what I’ve heard is that it’s great for depression but will make anxiety worse. Scary, since depression and anxiety often have similar symptoms.
Kazz
is there anything else to replace St Johns Wort? I had a reaction to this one. Thanks
Amber
Any way to replace the chamomile, we have an allergy