For some, there is a longing to have a partner and a family of their own .. that so called perfect life. Even those who do have those immaterial things in place can get that feeling of free falling once the hubbub settles down and normal life continues. There’s a vast array of reasons this may come about, particularly at this time of the year. ​As a whole, our society is moving so fast, and the holidays increase this tempo significantly. Things to buy, places to be, the pressure of doing enough. We are off of our schedules, we are staying up too late, eating a bit more of the things that we don’t normally eat, maybe celebrating overmuch with alcohol, spending more money than we usually do.. essentially we are spinning our wheels and draining our coffers physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. It’s no wonder why, as January settles in, there is this uncomfortableness that settles in with it.

What is the message here? That we can now repent for our lecherous ways? Slim down and clean up our acts!? This messaging is steeped in shame, instead of acceptance. Shame keeps us from the best parts of ourselves. We all have things that we want to do differently or stop doing or begin doing. We don’t have to tackle them all at once, or even go hard. Maybe it’s better if we simply ask ourselves how we can support ourselves so that we can make slow and steady progress towards our goals. When we go inward and slow down, just as nature does at this time of year, we grant ourselves the opportunity for true growth as the year ahead unfurls itself. 

The Big D
There are many factors that come into play when we are feeling more than a little sad at this time of year. One thing that can play a major role is the lack of sunshine, which can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. This fat soluble vitamin ( or is it a hormone?) is stored in our fat cells. Our bodies make the active form of vitamin D, calciferol in our kidneys and liver. Since we get most of our vitamin D through the conversion of UVB light from being in the sunshine, after months of less time spent outside we have depleted our stores.  ​Vitamin D is responsible for many of the processes in our bodies that contribute to our emotional, mental and physical health. Inflammation, sleep regulation, pain tolerance,calcium regulation, and immune system regulation to name a few. It may be necessary to supplement our vitamin D during the winter months, preferably a liquid supplement that includes K2, to prevent a deficiency.

Skullcap has been called upon in traditional medicine for centuries for her calming, antispasmodic properties. She is a go-to for insomnia and chronic pain that interferes with our ability to sleep. Skullcap is best used only at night until we know how our body's Individual constitution reacts to her.

Hops, yes, that Hops.. the same plant used in the process of making beer, has wonderful relaxing properties and can make it easier for us to unwind and get sleepy at night.

​Adaptogenic Support
When we feel that we need daily support because we are out of sorts sometimes we need to call upon our adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens help us to better manage daily stress by regulating how our bodies react to those stressors. They help to balance these reactions and the hormones and chemical reactions that occur so that we can be in a more harmonious state of being

Ashwagandha helps with focus and is known to reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep. She can help us to feel more on top of things and to feel more in control of our response to life’s challenges as she helps regulate stress hormones.

Cordyceps helps us to have more stamina which can decrease burnout from stress. This mushroom adaptogen allows us to also connect to the divine and open us up easier for meditation practices.

Reishi is another adaptogenic mushroom. Known as the mushroom of immortality. The benefits of this plant medicine are far reaching and go beyond her adaptogenic qualities. Reishi promotes feelings of well being as she helps our bodies' stress response and improves our sleep. This amazing mushroom improves our overall vitality and can help us maintain our mental and physical health

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil is a sacred herb that has long been revered for opening up the heart and mind to gratitude and devotion to our spiritual connection. She improves our energy levels while simultaneously inducing a calm state of mind. Working with Holy Basil, her adaptogenic properties promote the balancing of our stress response, so that we have energy during the day and can sleep peacefully at night.

Oatstraw is another health maintaining herbal ally for year round fortification that is especially useful in the winter months. She not only contains vitamins and essential minerals, Oatstraw also has a ton of mucilage and carries the energy of water. The winter months can really do a number on our skin, but we can help combat the effects of the cold dry air when we moisturize from within. With her mood regulating and anti anxiety properties, this gentle nervine can help us maintain our mental and emotional regulation. At this time of the year, maybe we are a little down and our nerves are frayed from the holidays. A strong nutritive infusion of Oatstraw will allow us to relax, sleep better and nourish our body, mind and spirit when we need it most. Making this ahead of time and keeping it in the refrigerator makes it easy to add it to your water to help you stay hydrated, and if you add Rose Hips to the infusion you can boost your vitamin C while you’re at it. Sometimes we need a little bit more support than we get from our nutritive herbs alone plant medicine has quite a few tricks up her sleeve, if you know which beauties to turn to.

Extra Support
Sometimes we need a little bit more support than we get from our nutritive, sleep enhancing, and adaptogenic herbs alone. Plant medicine has quite a few tricks up her sleeve, if you know which beauties to turn to.

St. John's Wort is harvested at the peak of the longest days of the year in June and July so it’s no wonder that this yellow flowering herb is brimming with the energy and mood enhancing properties of the Sun. The main chemical component in St. John’s Wort is Hypericin, which produces a lovely red medicine and has been clinically proven to increase dopamine levels, making her a potent ally in the treatment of mild depressive symptoms and anxiety. She can calm nerve pain both internally and topically which also contributes to her mood modulating effect. Spiritually speaking, Hypericum Perforatum( Her Latin Name) hints at her ability to allow light to fill the holes in our aura. With this herb, you do want to start slowly to see how it affects you because it can interfere with sleep in some people and cause light sensitivity. I’ve taken it personally and did not have any issues in that regard.

*For those who are currently on any medications for depression and anxiety it’s best to seek the advice of your health care provider before working with this herb.*

Lemon Balm has properties that help to enhance our mood and cognitive function. She promotes a happy outlook, reducing anxiety and her mild calming effects are gentle enough for children and sensitive adults, especially those who tend to have nervous stomachs. Lemon balm can also benefit heart health. *those with hypothyroidism should not consume lemon balm regularly in large doses*

Movement
Moving our bodies is important for flexibility, strength, increased energy, and better mental health, we all know this. Making lofty goals to go to the gym or begin a grueling workout regimen is a typical resolution when the New Year rolls around, but for a lot of us this is not something we enjoy or something that we can maintain long term.

When we set goals and cannot see them through this can lead to disappointment or shame. Finding other ways to keep ourselves moving can boost our self esteem and help us connect our minds, bodies and souls. Walking even if it’s cold outside we can bundle up and take short(or long) walks. At the same time being outside will allow us to take in some sunshine and convene with nature.

Yoga enhances our flexibility, balance, posture, and strength, while improving our mental and emotional health. Breathing practices that are a part of yoga, along with gentle stretching help to alleviate stress and improve our cardiovascular health. Joining a yoga class also invites us to be a part of a community of like minded people, and we can all benefit from the support of community through group yoga

Alyssa, at Herbs, Love, and Yoga has a large variety of herbs and tinctures as well as tea blends that can help to support us through the Winter Blues, and she employs her vast knowledge in order to help find the right herbs for each individual. Seeking the advice of someone like herself can really help us to support ourselves when we need it most.

Winter Light

The bluest of skies are borne by the magic of Winter light
In the bated breath before a Winter sunrise and within the last exhalation of her setting sun, our eyes are bathed in the saturation of Divinity. The light is fleeting, the time in which she is available to us is short lived, but oh so rich!
Her magic is unmatched, as she reveals all that is hidden.
The color that paints our world has been sent up into the cosmos for a time, having faded away from where we roam, the only thing left is the light and shadow, the very bones, the foundation from which everything else derives. See not the absence of life, but the beauty of deep rest in the brown and gray.
The magic of the winter light is meant to open our eyes to the unseen. The way in which her sparkle swaths the frozen landscape leaves no darkness untouched as winters’ accompanying winds shift the shadows like a kaleidoscope.
In our acceptance of rest, we allow her light to influence the light within, to caress the shadows that lie in our depths. Every part of who we are is meant to be kissed by the light. Our stillness is vital, may our spirits, like the wind, reveal the parts of our souls hidden by our willful pursuit to keep us safe in the act of staying busy. By being pretty. By being full of life.
Welcome Winter, her magical light.
Welcome rest, we are worthy.
Welcome the drab, the brown, the gray
The ground will thaw and the color shall return, once again there will be much to do. Rest.

This post was written by Debra Romano, a Herbs Love And Yoga herbal apprentice.

The holiday season is in full swing! Many people, including myself, are so busy and overwhelmed trying to get everything in place to make the holidays special, and trying to find the time to also enjoy what is supposed to be the most magical✨ time of the year. It’s lovely, and it can be stressful, so what if we took some time to slow down and look at the traditions that came before the widely celebrated winter holidays of today? The ancient Scandinavian, or Norse Cultures( also known broadly as Old Germanic/Pagan) celebrated the winter solstice with festivals centered around light, fire, community, and feasting. Winter, on the wheel of the year in many cultures, represents death, our ancestors and their wisdom, and the coldest and harshest turn of that wheel. Yule celebrates the rebirth ✨ of the sun after the shortest and darkest day of the year. Celebrated for twelve days with festivities beautifully decorated with nothing more than the magical abundance all around us. Each day of Yule represents a slightly different theme but what ties each of them together is that they all revolve around our meaningful relationship to nature, ancestors, family, friends, community, and self reflection. The Yule log is the most well known image from this celebration. It originates from thousands of years ago when a large tree would be felled and burned to light up the night and warm villagers with its protection, honoring the returning sun. It would burn for all twelve days while the merriment continued through the last day of the solar year. Making a Yule log is a fun and practically free way to rekindle the spirit of what the Winter Holidays derived from. Sometime after Thanksgiving I start scoping out the roadsides and keep my eyes open while I’m walking in nature for the perfect log to bring home. I prefer to get one that isn’t very big because I don’t plan on burning it for twelve days. As a matter of fact, I don’t burn it at all, instead I write down things( on small bits of paper) that I want to let go of that I’ve recognized this past year that aren’t serving me any longer. I write down my goals and wishes for the year to come, things I want to see come to fruition. I place these on or around my Yule log, and I light them ablaze with the candles I’ve adorned my log with. This year I’m stepping it up a notch by writing some of my reflections on bay leaves, as their magical properties will help to make something magical even more potent. Once I have decorated her, and have her in place, I invite my family to also write down their thoughts so we can all slow down for a bit and take some time to reflect, give thanks, and notice what we want for ourselves in the year ahead. I do try to leave her out for a few days, lighting her candles when I’m home, and on the night of the winter Solstice( not always-I’m busy!) we send our intentions up into the cosmos with the burning of our written words.

This is my Yule log from last year, if you decide to make one then you can festoon it any way you like. I personally like to find twigs and branches that have fallen from the Evergreen Trees, Pine Cones, dried up berries from bushes I encounter, and rocks and Herbs that I already have on hand. I’ll also cut up an Orange and a Lemon for their bright and cheery color. I usually have twine or ribbon laying around that I use, but I like to keep it simple. Herbs like Rosemary for remembrance and clarity, Cinnamon for abundance and prosperity , Cloves for protection and creating valuable connections, Star Anise with its deep connection to Jupiter opens pathways for growth and expansion , Thyme for compassion and emotional/spiritual healing, and Sage for heightened intuition and connection to the Divine are all wonderful additions that hold great power.( and smell amazing!) During Yule you could also create a simmer pot with the aforementioned herbs. Adding Balsam Fir for its lovely aroma and Juniper Berries as they were sacred to the Norse culture and offer a plethora of magical energy. Besides Herbs, I love adding citrus fruit into my simmer pot, as it embodies the warmth of the sun. Slow down, Be Happy, Stay warm, and Make a Yule log.. you won’t regret it!!

​The first night of Yule begins on December twentieth, and it is known as Mother’s Night. This night honors divine feminine energy, motherhood, our female ancestors (particularly, but not exclusively our maternal lineage), goddesses, fertility, and Mother Earth herself.. for they are how we have sustained life. Lighting a candle in their honor, telling stories of those who came before us, reflecting on nurturing energy, or even making a recipe passed down are simple ways to celebrate Mother’s night. We can also honor our own divine feminine, thus celebrating from whence we came by nurturing and caring for ourselves. Recognizing that when we nurture ourselves, when we heal ourselves, we are also in effect healing and caring for all of our Grandmothers who came before us✨

Even if we only have a small amount of time to set aside for ourselves, at any time during the holiday season, this simple yet nurturing act of self care will leave us feeling like the goddesses we are meant to be

Rose, the ultimate GODDESS herb. She reminds us to love and honor ourselves. Her connection to the element of water, and her planetary alignment to Venus, allows us to see the true reflection of ourselves: that we are BEAUTIFUL, we are SACRED, we are SOFT and DESERVING of our own PROTECTION. Rose is GENTLE and MOTHERING. *She calms the skin with her antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and her scent is feminine, sweet, divine. Red Raspberry Leaf, a well known woman’s herb, who, similarly to Rose, is a water/venus herb. She also carries potent moon energy, so she invites us to EMBRACE OUR EVER-CHANGING SELVES, to KNOW THAT WE ARE ALWAYS WHOLE, and our bodies HOLY. Red Raspberry shows us how to SIT IN OUR FEMININE ENERGY, to BE EMPOWERED by our own STRENGTH. Her energy lets us RELAX, LET GO, and BE PATIENT. *Her tannins help to protect our skin from free radicals and her astringent properties help with oily skin and acne. Jasmine enrobes you in her PEACEFUL, CALMING energy. She INVOKES the GODDESS within, bringing out our FEMININE ASPECTS. Jasmine’s planetary alignment with Jupiter brings about GROWTH and EXPANSION. *promotes peaceful sleep and beautiful dreams while relieving stress and anxiety. Her medicinal properties like an abundance of antioxidants can help our skin feel rejuvenated. Orange peel brings the YANG into the YING with MASCULINE and EXPRESSIVE energy. Orange peel’s association with the SUN and the element of FIRE adds warmth to the darkest time of the year, while UPLIFTING and INVIGORATING our senses with her beautiful fragrance. *promotes soft and bright skin, loaded with vitamin C, is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Honey, with its lovely GOLDEN color and SWEET DEMEANOR, symbolizes the WARMTH and LIGHT of LOVE. Referred to as the nectar of the Gods( and GODDESSES). Honey is used in Ayurvedic Practices to treat imbalances in the body. *naturally promotes water retention in the skin with its humectant properties, and is an emollient, so it smooths and softens skin as well. Sea Salt cleanses your Aura. imbued with both SOLAR and LUNAR energies, Sea Salt promotes BALANCE and SERENITY. *helps to detoxify skin, improve circulation, ease anxiety, and restore minerals in your body

This post was written by Deb Romano an herbal apprentice at Herbs Love And Yoga. 

Tagetes Erecta~Cempoalxóchitl(sempa-soo-cheel)
Aztec Marigold is sometimes called African Marigold, but these plants are Native to Mexico and Guatemala, where they grow in the wild. The Ancient Meso-American civilizations like the Aztecs, Mayans and Toltecs revered the Marigold as medicine and as a sacred plant. Like Calendula she can be used to dye fabrics and foods and is edible. In modern Mexico she is integral to their Day of the Dead celebrations. Her pungent aroma guides the spirits of the dearly beloved back to the earthly realm to visit, and her bright orange and yellow colors invoke a connection to the sun; the bearer of warmth and of life. Marigolds keep pests, both above and below ground, at bay-interestingly this could apply to both physical pests and spirits that mean harm. The energetic qualities of Tagetes are pungent, bitter, astringent with planetary influences from the Sun and the sign of Leo.

Cempoalxótchitl can be called upon medicinally for a variety of conditions:

• degenerative eye diseases sore eyes
• stomach upset ulcers low platelet and white blood cell count reduction of bleeding and reduced clotting time cancer prevention fungal infection parasitic infection diabetes
• wound healing fevers bacterial infection
• liver inflammation skin aging reduce inflammation reduce cytokines soothing of the nervous system

The oils of this plant are also helpful to:

• repel mosquitos: it produces naturally derived herbicides, larvicides, and pesticides, reducing the use of manmade chemical agents

Spiritually speaking, the Marigold( Tagetes) is beautiful to work with for support in the following ways:

• building a bridge to connect to your ancestors
• uplifting your mood warming your spirit, when you are feeling disconnected protection from less desirable energies bringing healing allowing oneself to let go of the connection to the people and things that bind us, while keeping the connection to how those experiences served us and shaped us while it was necessary to do so
• Absolutely a lovely companion for shadow work. Because we do not need to be fixed, but we need to learn to welcome all parts of ourselves, past, present and future.. the Marigold holds that welcoming and that surrender so that we may do just that

​This post was written by Debra Romano, a Herbs Love And Yoga Apprentice.

The ancient practices of yoga and herbalism have long been revered for their holistic approach to well-being, delving into the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit. In this exploration, we'll uncover the profound synergy between yoga, specifically spinal twists, the herb fennel, and the Manipura Chakra, also known as the third chakra.

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As the earth gracefully shifts on its axis, we find ourselves amid yet another seasonal transition, preparing for the enchanting arrival of winter. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks a profound shift in nature's rhythm. It has been celebrated across cultures and traditions as a time of rebirth, renewal, and the gradual return of light. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, this natural pause invites us to slow down, connect with the stillness within, and align with the energies of the season. The powerful synergy of yoga, meditation, Reiki, and herbs can help you connect with your inner stillness during this reflective time.  

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4. Start Counting: As you breathe in and out, silently count each breath. For example, as you inhale and then exhale, say "one" in your mind, and as you inhale and exhale again, say "two," and so on.
5. Stay Focused: Keep your attention on the counting. If your mind begins to wander (which is natural), gently acknowledge the distraction, and bring your focus back to the count without judgment.
6. Count to 10 and Start Again: Keep counting the breath until you get to 10. If you get lost in your thoughts or lose count, start over again at 1.
7. Continue for a Set Duration: Continue counting the breaths for a predetermined amount of time. If you're just starting, you may choose to meditate for 5-10 minutes and gradually extend the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
8. End Mindfully: As your meditation time comes to an end, gradually become aware of your surroundings. Take a few deep breaths before opening your eyes.
9. Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on how you feel after the practice. Notice any changes in your mental state or overall sense of well-being.
This counting-the-breath meditation is excellent for cultivating mindfulness, improving concentration, and calming the mind. Consistent practice can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote a greater sense of inner peace. 
Creating a Meditative Space By Burning Plant Resins
Resins such as frankincense and copal help set the mood for meditation and signal to your body through the sense of smell that it's time to begin your practice. To learn more about burning resins, check out this video. 
Frankincense Traditional Uses: Burn frankincense resin as incense during meditation to ground and protect. Its rich aroma elevates the spirit and promotes a connection to the divine.
Copal Traditional Uses: Copal is commonly used in meditation practices and rituals to aid in focus, grounding, and centering. It is associated with promoting mental clarity and calmness.
Finding Moments of Tranquility with Reiki
In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, finding moments of tranquility is essential for our overall well-being. Enter the transformative practice of Reiki, a powerful tool for cultivating stillness amidst the chaos. Through gentle channeling of universal life force energy, Reiki creates a sacred space for inner peace to blossom. Join us on this journey of self-discovery as we delve into the art of cultivating stillness, releasing tension, and inviting balance into our lives with our Reiki Certification Courses, FREE Reiki Circles, and Reiki Sessions offered at Herbs Love and Yoga in Sandy Hook, Newtown CT. 
Herbal Allies to Cultivate Stillness and Reflection
Incorporating herbs into your winter routine can be a transformative practice, supporting your well-being in harmony with the changing environment.  Herbs such as passion flowers help calm down mental chatter, connect you to your heart center, and nourish the nervous system. 

Passion Flower (Passionflora incarnata)

Traditional Uses: Restless agitation, Improved concentration, Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, Inflammation, Blood Pressure Regulator

Traditional Spiritual Uses: Grounds and centers the mind. Quiets mental chatter. Heightened states of awareness. 

Passion Flower Focus Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Passion Flower
• 1 teaspoon Ginkgo
• 1 teaspoon lavender
• 2 teaspoons of Peppermint
• 4 cups Water
• Honey or sweetener of choice (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Boil 4 cups of water
2. Place herbs in a quart glass canning jar
3. Pour boiling water over herbs
4. Cover jar with lid
5. Brew tea or 15-20 minutes (this allows for the beneficial plant constituents to diffuse into the water).
6. Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.

Want to learn more about herbal medicine in a fun and supported environment? Sign up for our weekly herbal workshops at Herbs Love and Yoga in Sandy Hook, CT or check out our Herbal Medicine Blog and YouTube Videos

Embracing Winter’s Tranquility
In the gentle embrace of the Winter Solstice, our journey through the seasons takes a reflective turn. This sacred time becomes an opportunity for introspection and renewal. Yoga, with its harmonious blend of postures and mindfulness, anchors us in the stillness of the longest night. Guided by the breath, meditation becomes a powerful companion, weaving us into the introspective energy of the season. To enrich this solstice journey, our herbal allies – passion flower, frankincense, and copal – join the narrative, nurturing our well-being in harmony with the changing environment. 

As winter's tranquility unfolds, let yoga, meditation, and herbs illuminate your path of self-discovery and well-being. Join our transformative courses, Hatha Yoga Classes, and Herbal Workshops to delve deeper into the essence of the season. Embrace the stillness, release tension, and invite balance with Reiki. Cultivate stillness and reflection with our passion flower-focused tea, a gentle sip of calmness. Winter is the canvas; let yoga, meditation, and herbs paint your masterpiece of well-being. 🌿✨

With Love and Light, 
​
Alyssa
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What is an herbal decoction?
Herbal decoctions are when you boil herbs on the stove in a pan of water for at least 20 minutes.

Why Decoct? Unraveling the Tough and Fibrous Nature:
Certain plant parts, often the roots, bark, and berries, boast a tougher and more fibrous composition. These tenacious structures house potent medicinal compounds, but their resilience demands a bit more coaxing to release the full spectrum of benefits. Decoction, a method involving prolonged boiling, proves ideal for these hardy plant allies. The extended exposure to heat facilitates the breakdown of cell walls and allows for a thorough extraction of medicinal constituents. If you are preparing a medicinal tea for the more delicate parts of the plant such as the leaves, flowers, or seeds- then you would prepare the tea using a standard herbal infusion

Ideal Plant Parts for Decoctions:

1. Roots: The powerhouse of many medicinal herbs, roots like ginger, turmeric, and burdock are decocted to extract their valuable compounds.
2. Bark: Plants with protective bark layers, such as cinnamon and willow, lend themselves well to decoction, offering anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
3. Berries: Tough berries like hawthorn may be decocted to unlock their therapeutic potential.
4. Woody Stems: In herbs like astragalus, where the medicinal virtues reside in the woody stems, decoction ensures a comprehensive extraction.

Crafting Your Herbal Decoction:
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoons of dried herbs (double if using fresh)
• 16 ounces of water

Instructions:

1. Measure the Plant Material: For dried herbs, measure 1 tablespoon per cup of water. I usually decoct nothing less than 2T of herb with 4 cups of water. Add herbs to a pan. 
2. Boil Water: Add water to the pan and bring water to a vigorous boil. The robust heat is essential for coaxing out the medicinal compounds.
3. Simmer and Decoct: Lower the heat to a simmer after adding the plant material. Allow the concoction to simmer for approximately 20 or until the water reduces by half. 
4. Strain and Collect the Decoction: Once simmered, strain the decoction, separating the liquid from the plant material. The resulting liquid is your herbal decoction, rich in medicinal goodness. Save your herbs and put them back in your pan or step 6. 
5. Enjoy Hot or Cold: Your herbal decoction is ready to be savored. Whether you prefer it hot or chilled, let the liquid embrace you with its medicinal warmth.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 again with the herbs you collected from step 4. We always use our herbs twice- there is plenty of medicine still in them to make a second batch of tea.