Best Herbs for Seasonal Affective Disorder & Immune Support

Autumn has arrived – the leaves are falling, the days darkening, and the wind is crisp. The season offers itself as a guide for us to shift our attention inward, as we prepare for the stillness of winter. While some of us may struggle to let go of summer’s bright, warm days, there’s something to be said for realigning our minds, bodies, and spirits to move with the seasons and prepare ourselves for the days ahead.

Aligning our nutrition and lifestyle to the rhythms of nature’s cycles can give the ideal foundation for balance and wellness. In addition to nutrition and lifestyle, there are some herbal allies that can help ease your transition into quieter and more chilling days. Below, we’ll explore some of the best herbs for seasonal affective disorder, as well as herbs for immune support. 

Herbs for Seasonal Affective Disorder Perhaps one of the best ways you can support yourself through the change of seasons is through the power of herbs. Plants have an ancient and mystical way of supporting us through the transition. If you are feeling down with the cooler weather and loss of sunshine – there are plants to help lift your spirits and reclaim your positive outlook.

St. John’s Wort // Hypericum perforatum

St John’s wort is the embodiment of sunshine, bursting with golden energy just like the sun. These brilliant blossoms, traditionally collected near the Summer Solstice when in full bloom, remind us of the sun, which can be symbolically and energetically beneficial during the winter. St. John’s wort is known to have antidepressant and relaxing nervine properties tested throughout centuries, one of the most used and loved herbal medicines in the world today.

Mimosa // Albizia julibrissin

In Traditional Chinese Medicine Mimosa is called the “collective happiness tree.” An incredible mood lifter. Just by looking at the flower, you can feel its happy energy. Both the flowers and the bark of this plant have traditionally been used as sedatives, specifically to calm and boost one’s spirits. Mimosa has helped with anxiety, sadness, PTSD, sleeplessness, unresolved sorrow, and other emotional trauma.

Rhodiola // Rhodiola rosea

For millennia, it has been used to increase endurance, lifespan, and a happy mood throughout cultures. Rhodiola is known to modulate the body’s use of serotonin and dopamine. These are both key neurotransmitters that govern our moods and increase focus and memory, which helps to lift our spirits.

Hawthorn // Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn is a beneficial plant that can aid in the transition from summer to fall by strengthening the cardiovascular system as a whole and establishing protective boundaries for the heart’s emotional energy. The introduction of colder weather acts as a direct stressor on our bodies, causing them to tighten and tense their muscles in order to stay warm. Hawthorn can aid to strengthen cardiac muscles and promote blood flow to the heart without causing blood pressure to rise.

Herbs for Immune System During Season Transition While maintaining our emotional state during this transition is vital, this is also a time to focus on keeping our immune systems strong. As the lack of sunshine brings on cold and flu season. Herbs are here to help! Here are a few definitely worth mentioning.

Fire cider

Although not a specific herb – this remedy is a powerful ally in the fight against colds and flu season. Herbs, roots, fruits, peppers, garlic, and spices are infused in apple cider vinegar, then sweetened – known as “fire cider.” There are many different recipes. A delicious tonic that can boost the immune system, stimulate the salivary glands, boost digestive “fire,” and has a variety of antioxidant and stimulating properties. This age-old remedy comes with a wealth of benefits. A great addition to your fall transition tool box!

Elderberry // Sambucus nigra

Elderberries are packed of nutrients – full of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants. Helpful to keep your immune system thriving year round. Commonly used to boost the immune system and fight off flus, colds, and seasonal allergies. Especially enjoyable in the form of a sweetened syrup – adding spices like cinnamon and ginger make it a very tasty and beneficial way of ingesting this powerhouse of an herb.

Echinacea // Echinacea spp.

If you do happen to catch a bug during these winter months, Echinacea is here to help! It stimulates the body’s immune system to work more effectively when there is a cold or flu, speeding the healing of any existing infections.

Just as the plants release seeds, the trees drop their leaves, and nature begins to enter a state of dormancy – we too can release things no longer serving us. Allowing us to change inefficient and/or unhealthy habits and thought processes that hold us back. So give yourself the space to stay grounded through all the changes. Adding that little bit of a daily ritual, such as making a tea or taking an herbal tincture with intention, can help us feel supported through the seasonal transition.

If you have experiences of your own using herbs for seasonal affective disorder, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. You can learn more about healing herbs and order some of your own at Silver Stream Herbs.

You may also enjoy reading: Nourishing the Nervous System – Inner Balance Elixirs.