Tending to Our Roots in Winter

This coming Sunday, December 21st marks the Winter Solstice - the darkest day of the year and the holder of peak Winter energy.

Winter, at its most basic, is a season of rest, of replenishment, of reflection, and of condensing and/or refining to what is truly needed. It is going back to our roots, just as the trees have done.

Going back to our roots.

Winter, according to the Five Element Theory used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the season that generates Spring and supports Summer. These connections mean that how we tend to ourselves in this Winter season affects how we may experience the next two seasons, Spring and Summer in this case.

Winter holds and nourishes the potential for all that may sprout come Spring and flourish come Summer. Winter is the sweet sap sitting in the roots of the beautiful Maples, waiting to flow come spring - to bring new life and new leaves to the tree come summer.

And so you might be wondering:

How do I tend to my roots?

How do I tend to myself in this Winter season to support my future self in Spring and Summer?

Going back to the Five Element Theory used in TCM, Winter is associated with the kidneys, the color black, and the salty taste. Here are some examples of nourishing foods and cooking methods for the Winter season:

Black/Dark Foods

• Black Sesame Seeds

• Black Beans

• Kidney Beans

Salty Foods:

• Seaweed

• Dark Leafy Greens (kale, collards, etc.), Bone Broth

  
  

Slow Cooking Methods:

• Stewing

• Braising

• Simmering

• Slow Roasting (with moisture, if able)

  
  

Other Nourishing Foods Include:

• Root Vegetables: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Ginger

• Lamb

• Grains/Legumes: Congee, Millet, Oats, Lentils, Kidney Beans

• Fruit: Pomegranate, Citrus, Apples (stewed or baked)

What we consume provides the building blocks for our bodies to function, heal, and thrive (or not). Nourishing our bodies often allows herbal remedies to work better - although I have also seen herbal remedies help someone to be able to take the steps toward nourishing themselves better. It is a “both / and”.

If you wonder about herbs, any of the herbs in my apothecary could be supportive for someone through this Winter season, it all depends on their system and what they are needing support with.

In general, however, adding herbs into your food and into teas is so beneficial.

Consider working with some warming herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary, or garlic.

Or maybe some gentle nervous system supporters such as tulsi, chamomile, catnip, linden, or oat straw.

Or possibly some digestive supporters such as burdock root, dandelion root, calendula, or licorice root.

Or there are the immune supportive and digestive supportive herbs to add into your meals such as rosemary, thyme, black pepper, oregano, basil, coriander, cumin - have fun and be generous in flavoring your food this winter!

The medicine this season offers us is deep. I hope that you can invite in time to nourish yourself - through food, yes, but also through reflection, rest, and play (play that really fills your cup). These are all ways to tend to our roots this season.

Sincerely with warmth,

~ Kara