What Herbalists Do In Winter

The winter time when leaves branches bare, and the world of nature is barren, hibernating and waiting for the spring. There’s little to forage…

So have you ever wondered what we herbalists do in Winter?

Well, it’s true, we can still see clients and make potions from our stock of dried plants. When it comes to the life of a herbalist winter is always the time when things seem to slow.

While we needn’t go without herbs through the winter, and there are some hardy plants that still flourish through the cold months, spring and summer being the busiest times of year; especially as an herbalist who gathers her own plants, it is nice to find that balance in the slower pace of autumn and winter.

Winter for Herbalists is a Time for Reflection, Organisation & Rest

As the winter sets in and the days grow shorter, many herbalists, including me, find themselves approaching their craft in a different light. In fact one of the beautiful things I have found about a job with seasonal aspects is it’s made me more in tune with the seasons too.

The cold season season brings about a kind of transformation in the typical rhythms of an herbalist's work, enabling us to naturally reap the benefits of downtime and rest for creativity, as well as the essential tasks that come with preparing for the coming year.

Benefits of Downtime and Rest for Creativity

As with Seasonal living, for herbalists, winter serves as a time for much-needed rest and rejuvenation, taking a step back from the intensity of foraging, cultivating, and processing herbs. This break from the daily grind and pressure of tasks to achieve allows for the mental and physical recuperation that’s crucial for rekindling those creative sparks.

During this period of rest is a time to refresh, reorganise and inventory herb supplies, reflect on the knowledge and experiences collected throughout the year, reflecting on the year ending and seeking new inspirations for the year ahead. As well as essential tasks like cleaning my workspace in preparation for the coming season.

This time away is a refreshing breath of fresh air and gives the space necessary for fresh, innovative ideas to take root, setting the stage for the upcoming spring and summer seasons — from mapping new recipe & product ideas, to focusing on other personal, creative pursuits, and taking time to just be present and enjoy life.

Embracing the Season’s Rhythms

In short, while there are still things to do through the Autumn & Winter seasons ultimately, this is a time where I feel myself listening to and tuning in to my body. Slowing down, resting and sleeping more, nourishing mind body & spirit.

A chance to deeply reconnect with my herbcraft, and myself. To learn more of my craft & relearn what brings me joy and happiness.

A season for bringing rejuvenation, and much needed planning— the space mind & body to grow and expand and dream up my plans for the year ahead.

As with the plants we tend to, herbalists recognise the necessity of a dormant period to ensure the full potential of their efforts in the upcoming productive seasons. This is the beauty of Seasonal living, and whether you are an herbalist or not, there are many benefits to adapting this way of approaching work and life through the lens of the seasons.

The winter months represent a pivotal phase in the cycle of the year, and for herbalists and humans alike, act as a space to pause, and immerse yourself in reflection, organisation, daydreaming and planning.

This time of rest serves not only as a vital antidote for creative staleness but also as the foundation for a successful and productive year ahead. So, as the earth lies quietly beneath the snow, use this time wisely (and as nature intended) — to prepare for the vibrant growth of the year to come.

xo Emily