Your Holiday Survival Guide: Herbs for Self-Care and Wellness
Hello Beautiful Souls,
The holidays are here, and while they bring joy and togetherness, they can also be a whirlwind of plans, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists. It’s so easy to get caught up in everything and forget the most important person—you.
As women, we’re often the ones pouring into others, ensuring the meals are perfect, the gifts are wrapped, and the house feels warm and welcoming. But here’s the thing: the biggest gift you can give—this holiday and beyond—is the care and love you pour into yourself. When you nurture your well-being, it creates a ripple effect, benefiting everyone around you.
Making Space for Wellness
This season, I’m inviting you to create small moments of care. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a cup of tea, a warm bath, or a few minutes of quiet reflection can go a long way. Herbs can be your companion in making these moments even more restorative:
- For Stress Relief: A soothing blend of Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Passionflower can offer calm in the middle of holiday chaos.
- For Digestion After Big Meals: Herbal bitters before dinner or teas with Fennel, Ginger, and Peppermint can ease post-feast discomfort.
- For Immune Support: A shot of Turmeric and Ginger (with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of honey) or herbs like Elderberry, Echinacea, and Astragalus can help keep you strong.
Seasonal Recipes with Herbs
Herbs bring comfort, creativity, and healing into your holiday traditions. These simple yet impactful recipes not only taste amazing but also provide gentle support for your well-being during the busiest time of the year.
Heart-Healthy Holiday Spiced Tea
The holidays can be stressful, but this tea is a soothing way to nurture your heart while enjoying festive flavours. Hibiscus and Hawthorn are well-known for their cardiovascular benefits, helping to promote healthy blood pressure and circulation. Linden calms the nervous system, easing stress, while Sorrel adds a tangy brightness and antioxidants. Rooibos, with its natural sweetness and anti-inflammatory properties, pairs perfectly with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a blend that feels as comforting as it is nourishing.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried Hibiscus petals
- 1 tbsp dried Linden flowers
- 1 tbsp dried Hawthorn berries
- 1 tbsp dried Sorrel petals
- 1 tbsp Rooibos tea
- 1 tsp dried Orange Peel
- 1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon chips
- 3–4 Cloves
- 2 cups hot water
- Optional: Honey or lemon
Instructions:
Combine the dried herbs and spices in a teapot or heatproof container. Pour 2 cups of hot water over the blend and steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain into a cup and add honey or lemon if desired. Sip and enjoy!
Herbal Infused Honey for Respiratory Support
Support your respiratory health during the colder months with this infused honey. Mullein soothes the lungs, while Lavender calms and clears the airways. Add it to tea or take a spoonful as needed.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 tbsp dried Mullein flowers
- 1 tbsp dried Lavender buds
Instructions:
Warm the honey gently (do not boil) and stir in the dried herbs. Let the mixture infuse for a week before straining. Store in a jar and use as a natural sweetener or for direct respiratory relief.
Herbal Bath Salts
Relax and unwind with a soothing bath infused with the calming properties of Lavender and the invigorating essence of Rosemary. Perfect for melting away holiday stress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- 1 tbsp dried Lavender buds
- 1 tbsp dried Rosemary leaves
Instructions:
Mix the Epsom salts and herbs together and store in a jar. Add 1/4 cup to a warm bath, stir to dissolve, and soak for 20 minutes. Let the aromatic herbs refresh your mind and body.
The Gift of Care
This time of year, we’re often focused on finding the perfect gifts for those we love. But what if you included yourself on that list? Giving yourself something that nurtures your well-being is one of the most thoughtful ways to honor the season.
A custom herbal formula tailored to your needs can be a beautiful way to support your body and spirit, just as you pour love into those around you. Whether it’s a calming tea blend for better sleep, a tonic to ease digestion, or something to help you stay energized through the holidays, the act of giving yourself care is a gift that keeps giving.
And if you’re looking for unique ways to show your love to others, consider creating DIY herbal sachets, bath soaks, or tea blends. Package them beautifully in jars or pouches, and include a handwritten note. Small, heartfelt gestures like these remind us all of the power of simple, intentional care.
A Moment of Reflection
As you sip your tea or enjoy a warm bath, take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you joy this season. What are you most grateful for? What small gift can you give to yourself to nurture your well-being?
A Family Flu Blend
Let’s face it—getting sick is the last thing anyone wants, especially during the holidays when there’s so much to enjoy. In my home, I’ve found that having a simple herbal flu blend ready makes all the difference. It’s gentle, effective, and suitable for all ages, helping us recover faster, avoid getting anyone else sick, and still enjoy family get-togethers.
Here’s how you can make it:
Combine equal parts Yarrow, Hyssop, Echinacea, Elderflower and Elderberries, Lemon Balm, and Feverfew.
Add 1–2 teaspoons of the blend to hot water, steep for 10–12 minutes, and strain.
Sweeten with honey (for kids over one year old) and sip warm.
This blend is gentle, effective, and safe for the whole family—perfect for easing symptoms and helping everyone recover.
FAQs
Can I make the tea blend ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the dry herbs in advance and store them in an airtight jar. When you’re ready, just steep the amount you need.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for the bath salts?
You can skip the Rosemary or replace it with Chamomile for an equally calming experience.
Is the flu blend safe for kids?
Yes, it’s gentle enough for children, but avoid honey for children under one year old.
The holidays remind us of the beauty in giving, but let's not forget to care for ourselves as deeply as we care for others. In the little moments of rest, warmth, and connection, we find the true gifts of the season. Remember, nurturing yourself is never selfish—it's an act of love that sends ripples of light out to everyone around you.
Wishing you peace, health, and moments of pure joy this holiday season.
With all my love and unwavering support,
Alice