Herbs for the Season - Minnesota Winter

February 4, 2026

I have been working with these herbs lately as we are just beginning to move out of a hard, cold winter- not only because of the weather, but because of the grief, fear, and disruption in our state right now.

Rose

I am reaching for rose since it is an herb for the heart. I am adding rose petals to my tea blends, and spritzing rose hydrosol (rose water) over my face and heart space. This is the time to keep our hearts open -and resist the temptation to close up and allow anger to fester.

Burdock root

Speaking of anger, it can land in our liver. Couple that with a long winter, and our liver may need some support as it clears toxins from our bodies. Burdock root is a gentle, supportive herb for liver health.

Milky oats

Oats are nutritious and supportive. Our bodies need good nutrition and mineral support right now.

Dandelion leaf

Dandelion leaf supports kidney health with abundant mineral content. Fear can get stuck in the kidneys, so I am working with nourishing and cleansing kidney herbs.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a wonderful nervine providing calm for the nervous system and also the heart. It is most effective fresh, so tincture or oil from the fresh plant is most effective. However, dried lemon balm leaf is wonderful in tea blends.

So many herbs can offer support. Warming herbs for the digestion may be beneficial, like ginger root and cinnamon. Whatever herbs you are drawn to are likely best for you. And the good news is that spring is right around the corner.