Natural Healing: Christmas Herbs

 As Winter Solstice and Christmas draw close upon us, we look into our sick-bays, healing rooms, herbal nooks, and cupboards to see if we have the herbs of the season and dream of the warm smells and sweet delights they bring to us.


Peppermint:  A favorite among the seasonal sweets, peppermint traditionally was an important herb of the winter for dealing with fevers brought by wintertide.  Equally important, it was and is still used for dealing with upset stomachs and heartburn to this day.  It is said to symbolize: Healing, Purification, and Abundance


Ginger:  The beloved seasoning of my Appalachian Mountain kinfolks of SE Kentucky/Eastern Tennessee, who to this day make Mountain gingerbread handcakes like ones their ancestors made in Scotland.  Ginger is known to aid stomach upsets.  It is said to symbolize: Adventure, New Experiences, and Confidence


Clove: Used in topical numbing to this day, especially for teeth, clove is still a common herb both medicinally and in cooking.
It is said to symbolize: Friendship, Home Protection, and the Banishing of Evil.


Cinnamon:  This beloved cooking ingredient, which is good in manganese, fiber, and calcium, is also traditionally used herbally to aid circulation, and is a good antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory herb.  It is said to symbolize: Stability, Protection, and Healing


Frankincense:  Used in worship, said to symbolize prayers and petitions; it is one of the Gifts of the Three Wise Men/Magi.  Frankincense is the traditional incense and comes from the leaves of the tree. It is said to be a calming oil/mist/incense, especially for anxiety, and to aid the thyroid when a diluted oil is rubbed on the area.  (Use caution, and ensure skin grade oil blend is used if tried).  Said to symbolize: Spirituality, Protection, and the Lifting of Spirits. 


Myrrh:  Used in anointed chieftains, kings, priests/priestesses, and the dead for burial.  It was also a gift of the Magi/Wise Men.  It is traditionally used in a cold compress for anti-inflammatory use.  It was also historically used in a cold-sore balm. Said to symbolize: Honoring the Dead, Healing, Wisdom, and Meditation



So as we enter into this festive time, no matter what our winter-time traditions may be, I hope these warming, comforting herbs aid your celebrations, and bring joy and spice to your hearts and homes!


In Umbra Terras,

Lady Morria


Warning: Uses for Herbs are not FDA Verified, but instead are traditional uses as have been practiced among Celtic, Native, and Mountain healers for generations.  Use at your own discretion.

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