When the Season Feels Heavy: A Winter Reflection on Mood, the Body, and Gentle Herbal Support

Every year as the holidays approach, I notice something both beautiful and tender happening around me — and inside me. There’s the excitement, of course. The gatherings, the lights, the traditions we return to year after year. But for many of us, there’s also a kind of heaviness that settles in. Old memories surface. The pace picks up. Our nervous systems get tugged in several directions at once. And suddenly, we’re left wondering why we feel “off” during a season that promises cheer.

If that’s happening for you, trust me — you’re not alone. This time of year stirs the deeper layers of the heart and body in ways we don’t always name out loud.

Mood Is More Than a Feeling — It’s a Whole-Body Experience

One thing I’ve learned, both personally and through my work as an herbalist, is that our emotional landscape doesn’t exist in isolation. The nervous system, the heart, digestion, and the liver — they all participate in how we experience the world.

When my clients talk about feeling low, stuck, or tender this time of year, I often encourage them to look at what’s happening in the body just as much as what’s happening emotionally. It’s not about “fixing” anything. It’s about offering support where the body is quietly asking for it.

And winter, with its shorter days and busy schedules, tends to ask a lot of us.

Herbs I Often Reach For During Tender Seasons

These aren’t cures or quick fixes — just plant allies with long histories of being used to support emotional balance, grounding, or a gentle lift in spirit. Think of them as companions rather than solutions.

• Hawthorn for when the heart feels heavy or grieving

• Damiana when some warmth and motivation would be welcome

• St. John’s Wort traditionally used during the darker months

• Lemon Balm for its bright, calming energy

• Rhodiola for demanding seasons when resilience feels thin

Each person’s body responds differently, which is why I always encourage a personalized approach.

Herbs That Support the Emotional Heart

As someone who leans on plants to support the emotional layers of life, these are the ones I find myself reaching for again and again when the heart feels tender.

• Rose for softening and comfort

• Hawthorn for steadiness and emotional strength

• Cacao for warmth and connection

• Linden for soothing and sweetness

• Motherwort for unsettled or anxious moments

• Reishi for grounding and deeper nourishment

Again, these are not medical heart remedies — simply herbs traditionally used to support the emotional and energetic heart.

Herbs Traditionally Used to Support Digestion and the Liver

Since the gut influences so much of how we feel day to day, especially during the holiday season, I often encourage people to support these systems, especially if consuming something a bit out of their regular diet.

• Dandelion Root

• Ginger

• Peppermint

• Lemon Balm

These herbs are traditionally used to support digestion.

And of Course, the Foundations

If you’ve been with me a while, you already know what I’m going to say. Herbs are wonderful, but they do their best work when your foundations are nourished.

Lean into:

• Protein

• Healthy fats

• Magnesium

• B vitamins

• Minerals

• Omega-3s

• Vitamin D3

Winter often reminds us where our bodies are craving more support.

If You’re Feeling Low This Season

Please reach out to someone — a friend, a family member, a professional — whoever feels safe. The truth is, many of us feel a sense of heaviness this time of year but assume we’re the only ones. You’re not. This season can be beautiful and also incredibly tender.

Your presence matters.
Your feelings matter.
And you deserve support.

If you want some guidance in working with herbs, nourishing your body, or creating supportive rhythms for yourself, I’m here. And if you have questions or want help building or stocking your own home apothecary, please reach out. I’m always glad to walk alongside you and support you in finding what feels right for your unique season.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new herbal or nutritional practice, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.