Do you have a 'least favourite month'?
I love the 4 seasons in my life ~ Living in Toronto, we get 'em all! Autumn can be spectacular and the glorious colours of the countryside are a joy to see. Winter has its beauty too ~ I am blessed to live in a beautiful ol' house with 2 fireplaces so we are cozy while winter blasts around us. I confess to needing a 'lift' in November. The trees have lost their splendour, the sun seems to take a break and grey days can string together. Oh November..
Maybe it's not November for you.. Many of you live in southern climes and your November remains bright and sunny! Maybe there are other months that you find difficult for whatever reason or there are upsetting events unfolding in your world. (sending hugs)
Are you asking me to check the calendar? After all.. it's NOT November. (chuckle)
It IS time however to think about preparation. Prepare for the days when we need a pick-me-up!
Prepare for the onslaught of cold and flu and all of 'that'. I've learned NOT to wait until I feel 'down' to start thinking about creating a formula or looking for the herbs to make one!
This uplifting herbal formula is good to have on hand because it blends warming, uplifting, and relaxing herbs that can help alleviate the blues we all feel from time to time. Dull days? Winter blues? Put this tincture together, below, or try these ideas One doesn't need to be a new mom with post-partum depression, to enjoy this delicious uplifting tea recipe!
UPLIFTING HERBAL FORMULA:
1 part St Johns Wort extract
1 part lemon balm extract
½ part hawthorn extract
½ part Kava Kava extract
¼ part Rose extract
¼ part Ginger extract
Optional: If anxiety is a part of the 'picture', I like to add Skullcap extract (¼ part)
or Passionflower (¼ part)
If you'd rather buy a similar formula 'ready to go' easily with one click, I may be able to make for you.. Contact me if you would prefer a readymade tincture.
NOTE: Contact me for a conversation if you are pregnant or nursing, please. I have ideas for you! I will post several ideas in November for our new moms!! In the meantime, I am easy to reach --> carol@studiobotanica.com
Mix all extracts (or tinctures) together in a bottle and shake well. I like to take about 30 drops 1 to 2 times a day for up to 1 week, or less as needed. It's always a good idea to take a small amount first, sit in silence, and feel how the herbs effect your body. After a week, if you want to continue, take 2-3 dropperfuls, 3 times daily is the therapeutic dose.*
*Sharing general herbal recommendations based on principles of traditional herbalism.
It just might bring a little sunshine to your gloomy gray days!
Here's to feeling our best -- as often as possible.. until next time, Carol xo
Jessica
Great information, Carol! Thanks for linking up at Simply Natural Saturdays!
Renee Kohley
Oh I need this! Thank you!
Elaina Newton
This sounds lovely! I've discovered in the last two years that I definitely feel more blue & out of sorts during the "gray" months, which here in Northern Texas is usually January & February. I remember last year we had what seemed like weeks in a row with no sunlight! Eek. This year I plan on increasing my intake of Vitamin D and using herbal teas for support. Might have to try my hand at tinctures, as well. ;)
Heather
Every time I stop by I learn so much about herbs and their power! Thanks for sharing this!
Susan@learningandyearning
November can be a dreary difficult month for me as well. What a great idea to use herbs to lift my spirits!
linda spiker
What an interesting tincture! I don't know very much about herbs and tinctures so I really appreciate your expertise!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
What a beautiful uplifting blend! I like the skullcap addition option too. That's a great one.