November CSW Share
Winter Sunshine Herbal Blend
A blend of St. Johns Wort, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Tulsi, and Lemon Basil designed to keep the spirits buoyed through the changing seasons. St. Johns Wort and Lemon Balm is a classic herbal combination for those affected by the time change and decreasing sunlight. St Johns Wort is commonly described by herbalists as the herb that “draws in the sunshine.” Let St Johns Wort fill your winter with brightness. Tulsi helps to keep emotions level and the mind clear. The lemony aroma is immediately uplifting. Enjoy as a tea or bath.
TO USE AS TEA
Steep 1 tsp. of herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
TO USE AS A BATH
My favorite way to infuse herbs into bathwater is to make a strong infusion then add the infusion to the water. To do this, use 1 Tbsp. of herbs per cup of hot water for the infusion. Let steep as you draw your bath. After at least 15 minutes, strain out the herbs. Bring your infusion to the bath and pour it in. If the infusion is cool enough, I like to get in the bath and pour it over my head, letting it run into the bath water.
Another option is to put the herbs in a stocking or other infusing vessel and infuse the herbs directly into the bathwater. This can be pleasant but gives a less strong infusion.
Adding 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to bathwater can add to the decadent (and healing!) experience. Essential oils of ginger, lemon, and sweet orange pair nicely with this herbal blend. Don’t go overboard on the ginger, though – it can be irritating to sensitive areas. To properly disperse oils into water, add the oil to an ounce or so of milk (or another dispersant), then add to the bath water.
NOTE: For those who cannot take St. Johns Wort (see your “Herbal Information” packet), I feel that the amount in 1 tsp., once a day, would be safe, and not interfere with pharmaceuticals. As always, use your intuition and check with your doctor. I would definitely not recommend consuming St. Johns Wort in tincture form if you are on daily pharmaceuticals.
CHOOSE THREE:
Winter Sunshine Balm
A healing balm to uplift the spirit and warm the body. This blend of St. Johns Wort, Lemon Balm, Cayenne, Ginger, Spearmint, Peppermint, Comfrey and Ashwagandha is designed to convey sunshine wherever you go. The herbs are uplifting, and the cayenne and ginger impart a mild warming sensation to the skin.
I like to apply this balm to wrists and soles of the feet. The cayenne and ginger can also be helpful for sore muscles, while the St. Johns Wort works topically for bruising and nerve pain.
TO USE
Apply to skin when uplift or warmth is desired. As the herbs are stimulating to the skin, be mindful to not touch the eyes after applying, and exercise caution with sensitive areas.
Winter Sunshine Tincture
A blend of St. Johns Wort, Lemon Balm, Milky Oats, Tulsi, and Cayenne
This is a portable, more concentrated version of the tea. For those who struggle to maintain lightness of spirit during the winter months, each of these herbs is an incredible ally. This blend is excellent for daily use throughout the entire winter season.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops three times daily. Best if used for a period of at least six weeks.
Lemon Balm Tincture
Tincture of Lemon Balm
For those who cannot take St. Johns Wort (see your “Herbal Information” packet), Lemon Balm is an excellent ally through the winter months.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops daily through the winter season.
The Enlivened Mind Tincture
A blend of rosemary, broadleaf sage, spearmint, and Tulsi
These herbs are stimulating to the mind, aid the memory, and help maintain mental clarity. They serve as an excellent tonic for brain health and impart immediate mental stimulation.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops three times daily, or when in need of a mental boost.
NOTE: Neither rosemary nor sage should be taken in medicinal doses during pregnancy, or when trying to conceive.
Rosemary Tincture
Tincture of Rosemary
Rosemary is an excellent memory tonic, and is stimulating to many body systems.
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops three times daily.
NOTE: Rosemary should not be taken in medicinal doses during pregnancy, or when trying to conceive.
Deep Sleep Tincture
A blend of herbs to ease the body and mind into a deep, restful sleep:
Valerian, hops, chamomile, California Poppy, catnip
TO USE
Take 30-60 drops before bed, or upon waking in the night.
Herbal Smoking Blend
A blend of mugwort, motherwort, mullein, Mexican Tarragon, and broadleaf sage
This is my Classic Herbal Smoking Blend (i.e. the one I designed for myself when I began to craft smoking blends). It is blended for both a transportive experience as well as a bold flavor. Mugwort is smoked or burned as incense to ease one into a deep, meditative state. It is connected with the moon and lunar, divine feminine energy. Motherwort is smoked for astral projectioning; mullein is soothing to the lungs; Mexican Tarragon and Sage are yummy.
TO USE
Pack into a pipe or roll into a cigarette. Can be inhaled or not as suits your preference. Enjoy on its own or blended with any other smokeable herb.
For more information on the wonders of smoking herbs, see your “Herbal Information” packet.