Wee seedlings begin to appear in verdant refrain after another long winter’s verse!
Sprouting a cappella as they announce and await the impending Spring’s symphony
orchestra!
It is a resounding sight for all! And most undoubtedly for any effected by Winter Fatigue!
A hopeful and rejuvenating overture of the upcoming coloratura and longer days of light
and warmth after winter’s hibernal ballad of darkness and cold.
What is Winter Fatigue?
It is important to know that Winter Fatigue consists of an overall body, mind and spirit intonation and that “fatigue” is only one
note in an entire composition.
Winter Fatigue (also referenced as
(Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD))
According to the American Academy
of Family Physicians (AAFP),
[Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(5):1531-1532]
“is a kind of depression” “that usually begins in late fall or early winter” and “may be related to changes in the amount of daylight we get.”
Also, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, [Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(5):1531-1532] “Not everyone with SAD has the same symptoms, but common symptoms of winter depression include the following:”
A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
Weight gain
A heavy feeling in the arms or legs
A drop in energy level
Fatigue
A tendency to oversleep
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Increased sensitivity to social rejection
Avoidance of social situations—not wanting to go out
Having cultivated a few more notes in this composition (though reputed as not
all inclusive), comes a melody of possible remedies.
The [AAFP] does mention treatments such as light therapy and medication to help with Winter Fatigue.
But for those like myself, a more natural approach is preferred.
And fortunately, natural herbs known for their medicinal uses are abundant!
Herbs and Plants that may tune any dissonance of Winter Fatigue and perhaps help to get back in key!
Milky Oats/Oat Tops (Avena sativa) -
These are a personal favorite and a definite go to!
They are superior for head-to-toe overall mind,
body and spirit!
Milky Oats are also a Nervine (trophorestorative) herb meaning it is considered nurturing, sustaining and restorative of the nervous system which makes them a perfect choice for combatting and recouping from Winter Fatigue.
Not the same as oatmeal-same seed but different (earlier) stage. In short, these are the immature swollen seeds pods/tops of the oat plant that ooze gooey white “milk” when squished. Gathered at this stage they retain more nutrients /medicinal benefits, and the “milk” can be readily used.
They can be self-grown or obtained dried, as an extract/tincture (which is preferred and known to possess the most medicinal quality), in the form of soaps, body butters etc.
Benefits have been shown in its use in the wellness of the nervous system regarding depression, anxiety and stress.
These potent little guys may help with general well-being, tissue repair, leveling out any frazzles and assisting in grounding too. They show use as a sleep aid as well as restoring energy and mood.
Milky Oats are also known to help with regulating hormones as they are a positive contributor to the endocrine system.
Nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and B, beta-glucans (soluble fibers), and minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium Iron and Phosphorous can also be found in milky oats. They are also known as an anti-inflammatory.
Uses range from being made into a wonderfully healthy boosting milky tea, infusion or tonic. Taken as a tincture, applied topically or used in soaking by adding to a relaxing, skin nourishing bath.
**Though known as relatively safe for all, from babies to elders, please be sure to consult a physician before use or intake.
Mushrooms (fungus)-
Since there is a correlation between daylight and vitamin D, and the lack thereof is a noted possible contributor to Winter Fatigue, Mushrooms make a great option for a plant-based D intake boost!
Some varieties of mushroom are also adaptogens (plants that aid the body with stress related issues and
fatigue) making more reason for them being a super option for winter blues.
The mushroom is actually the fruiting product of certain fungi and not to be confused with toadstools which are generally poisonous.
There are thousands of types of mushrooms, and a wide-ranging variety can be found at places like local grocers, farmers, markets, organic stores, or ordered online.
Form also varies so it gives a nice choosing of tincture, powder, pill, tea etc.
Aside from being a good source of vitamin D, mushrooms are also medicinal.
Medicinal use dates thousands of years and benefits (mushroom type dependent) are in known uses to possibly help with anxiety and depression (a plus for addressing winter fatigue), infections, areas regarding the brain, lungs and nerves.
Mushrooms (type dependent) also contain vitamins, fiber and antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
**Note that mushrooms are a known skin allergen, please as always consult a physician before use or intake.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
(Ocimum tenuiflorum)-
This aromatic is another go to worthy herb for mind, body and spirit, achieving an opulence of health recovery and overall general well-being.
Holy Basil is known as an adaptogen which
helps the body deal with stress (anxiety and depression) and leveling out hormones.
Also known for helping with focus, and to cope with adrenal fatigue and controlling and
reducing the (stress hormone) cortisol levels in the body, making it a win for managing Winter Fatigue.
A native to Asia, this easy to grow perennial shrub is a spicy herb that sings soprano when it comes to medicinal use and overall health benefits.
It can be found in seed or as a plant in local nurseries, bought in most places (locally or online) as fresh, dry, in tea bags, powders, as essential oils, and pill form to name a few.
Medicinally, both flowers and leaves are used in various forms.
Holy Basil is known for its use to possibly help reduce glucose levels, fight infections and fever, and may help with joint and tummy troubles also. It potentially boosts metabolism, promotes a good night’s sleep, serves as a detox, improves skin, and promotes memory.
Nutrient rich, this antioxidant immune supporting herb contains a host of vitamins and minerals, most notably vitamin K and manganese.
Some typical applications vary from aromatherapy, adding the herb (fresh or dry) to food drink and culinary delights, making into an aromatic tea, and applying topically.
**As always, please consult a physician before any use or intake.
Onward, the wee seedlings grow accelerando in anticipation of renewed days of warm light!
Small florets cue the turnaround of seasons!
Until then, here is a plantae trio to avail balance, reharmonize and find a relaxing tempo as we await Spring’s symphony orchestra!
En Fine, "Toi toi toi”!
-Elise's Adventures In Herbaland
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