Fall is traditionally a season of grief. It’s why we spend this time gathering with one another, enjoying good food and celebrating light as the days grow short. Lately, we’ve had many folks reaching out to us feeling more troubled than usual. And we’ve been discussing among ourselves some of our most comforting herbal remedies. So today we thought we would focus on some of our favorite herbal allies for grief.
The herbs in this article are soothing, grounding, and nourishing to the nerves. Grieving is a healthy, necessary part of life, but sometimes we can feel so overwhelmed that we shut ourselves off from the process. These herbs don’t take away the grief, and they are no replacement for therapy, but they do help us to open ourselves up to the experience of grief and come away feeling refreshed.
Grief Relief
from Herbalist & Alchemist
Grief Relief was formulated by David Winston, one of our most beloved and respected herbalists. This formula combines Hawthorn berries, Hawthorn leaf & flower, Mimosa bark, and Rose petals.
Grief and sadness can be difficult on the heart, wearing it down and out. Hawthorn is a traditional herb for the heart. It strengthens, tones, and regulates the physical heart, and it has a similar action on the emotional heart. Hawthorn is also a mild nervine and helps to balance blood pressure.
Mimosa has long been used for easing depression and lifting the mood. It has a calming, grounding effect for frayed nerves and exhausted constitutions. It promotes deep, healing sleep and soothes anxiety.
Rose petals are also a traditional treatment for mood and anxiety. The scent of rose gladdens and lifts the heart, and its internal effects are similar. Rose soothes the nerves and breaks up stagnant energy, helping to start the natural grieving process in a healthy, balanced way.
Grief Relief is especially helpful if you’re feeling “stuck” in the grieving process, unable to move forward. Taking Grief Relief can help start the healing process when one feels stagnant, unable to process traumatic losses, broken hearts, and other severe shocks.
Nerve Soother Tea
from Smile Herb Shop
A warm cup of Nerve Soother tea is just the thing for the overstimulated and overwhelmed, or if anxiety is getting the better of you. This tea blend was formulated by one of Smile’s own herbalists, Susan Trial.
Unprocessed grief can be hard on the nerves. Nerve Soother tea is especially helpful for that “dried out” feeling of exhaustion. If you suffer from shaking hands, lower back pain, tired eyes, and you are generally in need of a warm hug, Nerve Soother tea can really help.
The herbs in brief: Lemon Balm is an age-old herbal ally for comfort and mood. Holy Basil is an incredible herb for stress, helping to decrease cortisol levels in the body. Holy Basil soothes physical stress and helps us regain a mental sense of peace and well-being. Milky Oat Seed is a classic herb for rebuilding damaged nerves. Red Rose, as we learned earlier, soothes the nerves and breaks up stagnant energy. Marshmallow brings a much-needed grounding and moisturizing effect. Fennel and Ginger provide uplift, circulation, and increased absorption of the other herbs. Together, these herbs form a comforting, aromatic, and flavorful cup of tea. They can help us feel strong enough to come back to the present moment and connect.
We’re all in this together!
Marshmallow in flower
Althea officinalis
Beautiful article thank you. I practice Chinese medicine but also love all herbal medicine. Wonderful group of herbs in this blend. I will stop by soon and pick some up l and many if my friends and patient are feeling the need of this soothing comfort about now.