Herbal Allies for Seasonal Support

By Aimee Amparo

Today’s Full Moon is also known as the Worm Moon. With it we experience new movement at the thawing of Winter’s frost. Sudden awakening of larvae beneath the surface of the earth attracts the birds and their songs and this marks the beginning of Spring. All that once was kept underground begins to stir and prepare for the momentum of that steady push toward the sun. As we consider Spring’s active potential and continue to experience the charged stress, chaos, and uncertainty that swirls around us in our daily lives, I would like to reflect on the small steps we can take to better care for ourselves and each other every day.

This moon and the Spring Equinox on March 20th set the stage for new beginnings and new growth and with these movements, a wisdom that was gained through seasons past. This wisdom should allow us to move forward with clarity and intention and a deeper understanding that we are tasked to step into our roles within our communities and relationships to ourselves and those around us.

Though the countless ways in which plants provide support is immense, I will be addressing a potent plant from four categories of herbs to accompany you through these times and to share with loved ones which will promote soothing, strength, and preparation.

In this four-part series, I have decided to highlight four plants that will help us with each of the following topics: dealing with stress (lemon balm), aid in digestion (ginger), promote balance (malunggay), and strengthen boundaries (yarrow). Any combination of these herbs would make a wonderful addition to your daily or nightly routine.

Lemon Balm

is considered a “nervine.” Herbs in the *nervines category* target stress and support the nervous system. Bright, minty, soothing, and aromatic lemon balm aids with nervousness and exhaustion, restlessness, gloom, and helps improve mood. When our bodies continually experience stress, the imbalance caused by extended activation of the stress response system and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones that follows can disrupt our body's crucial processes..

Gentle and warming Lemon Balm makes an excellent tea infusion. Bring water to a boil and pour over two tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves or one tablespoon of dried leaves. Cover and let steep for 5-10 min. Add lemon or honey to taste. Enjoy and share!