Calm Winter Blues

I use Peppermint and Lavender combination for Headache Relief, Mood Boost and Focus, Muscle Relaxation, PMS Relief. Spiritually this combination promotes Protection, Healing, Awakening and Clarity. It is also the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.

Throughout my life I have lived in northeastern states with the exception of North Carolina from ages 16-21, and a few months in when I was 22. Outside of that, I have spent most of my time in Pennsylvania and now Ohio, and have always struggled with Winter Blues or Winter Depression. Mental Health in my case, moves with Mother Nature which in her eyes has a pattern and path to a greater purpose. However, without using the medicine of this great and beautiful planet that was engifted to me, my emotional state takes a hit. I have been in this winter storm since I can remenber and have never talked about it. I was never aware why or how to relieve the headaches, depression and mood swings that come along with it. It was decades before I would learn that fair to tan skin need need 30 minute of full sun each day and those of us with darker skin need 60 minutes per day to receive the vitamin D needed for mood regulation. In Northeast Ohio, where I live, we get on average 166 days of sun which leaves us 199 days without access to that intake that we need. After this realization I spent 2 1/2 years studying plants that will help with different mental and emotional issues that I was dealing with, I used what I call Calm Your Head for my migraines and headaches and discovered that it also boosted my mood during the winter month and rainy days. As I have a sensitivity to alcohol the extra boost from the apple cider vinegar base gives it those additional benefits. The calm, relaxing properties from the lavender washes over my senses and tames my muscle tension and racing thoughts. The peppermint taking each dark thought and uplifting it towards the gifts from Mama Earth. Clearing the mind and shifting my attitude to a realm of true relief.

Being picky about your herbs does not make you and snobby herbalist, it makes you careful and reliable. Smell is my first and finest sense, which can be a blessing and curse. If the herb is not already growing on this farm, I go to herbal shops. but just any herbal shops, I need to know the color, smell and perservation of the herbs is similar to how they look and smell before they picked and dried. My favorite place in my area to go is Mystical Root. They are so knowledgeable on each herb and are advocates for herbal health awareness. They also have books and resources to helping with your herbal knowledge and plant and mushroom identification. I also, forage for herbs in different places as well, and with the amount of books and resources, including local foraging clubs it has made it easier and easier for me to feel confident in my craft. Feeling courageous in your ability to provide your family with safe home remedies has become more available in so many different ways. Exploring your local farmers markets, bee farms and herbal food stores is also a great way to used to smells of healthy and unhealth produce, herbs and mushrooms. Be picky and never apologize for it.

Here is a recipe for a Headache and Winter Blues Tincture that I use. Alway consult your practitioner before using to make sure you do not have any allergies or are medication that can cause an adverse effect. Happy Herbal Health🌱🪻😌

1oz Peppermint

1oz Lavender

Apple Cider Vinegar

Glass Jar

Let sit in dark cool place for 3-5 months