We all know the holidays can be stressful- even lonely for many people.  The stress can take its toll — not just impacting our relationships, but excess stress can set us up for getting sick … and no one wants to suffer thru the holidays with a cold virus. While I cannot help you with your in-laws, shopping list or wild holiday calendar, I can suggest a few favorite de-stressing herbal teas that you can keep on hand to help you have a more bliss-ful season. 

Need an energy boost? Go with an aromatic herbal blend.  Rose, Mints, Lavender, Lemon Balm — all have aromatic oils that are uplifting and can provide a boost of energy without adding the extra stress on the system that caffeine offers. These herbs can help clear a foggy head in the middle of a workday, break up tension from stress or soothe a headache caused by dramatic changes in the weather patterns.   

Trying to catch some Zzzzz’s? The ritual alone of bedtime tea can help you unwind at the end of a busy day. Try blending relaxant herbals like Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Spearmint, Catnip, Rose, Blue Vervain, Scullcap or Kava Kava. Hops and Valerian can also help and relax the body for sleep.

Nervousness giving you a tummy ache? Lemon balm does wonders for soothing an anxious stomach. I love it in my Melissa Bitters Blend. Chamomile also does wonders to calm nervous anxiety.

Can’t stop thinking about that To-Do list?  I like Passionflower, Wood Betony and Blue Vervain. Great to add to sleepy-time blends when your list-making gets in the way of falling asleep.

Heavy hearted? For those missing loved ones over the holidays, loneliness and depression can set in. While herbs can’t replace the presence of those loved ones, herbs like hawthorne, rose petals, lavender, and lemon balm can offer comfort for a sad heart. I find aromatic herbs are uplifting and help clear away the dark clouds and offer some clarity and peace of mind.

Build up your nervous system. Stress can take its toll on the body and weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable to illness. Herbal teas (or infusions) that can actually restore tone to the central nervous system over time include Nettle, Red Clover, Oatstraw, Burdock Root.

The pressure of parties and gift-giving can be manic and overwhelming, leaving little time left to savor the the season. Take a few moments for quiet reflection to appreciate all of our gifts during this holiday season. Moments taken to remember what we do have can offer true healing and feelings of abundance.

Join me for an upcoming workshop on stress and herbs on January 26 at Acorn Studios! You’ll learn about these herbs and others, and make your own personalized tea, herbal salt scrub and herbal spritzer. Register here, spots are limited!