Winter is the season to slow down, restore your energy, and support the deepest reserves of your body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this time of year belongs to the Water Element, which governs your Kidneys and Bladder—the foundation of vitality, warmth, and resilience. TCM offers wonderful herbs that help you stay nourished, warm, and energised all winter long.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Why it’s incredible: This gentle adaptogen helps rebuild depleted energy, supports adrenal health (like the Kidney Chi in TCM), and calms frazzled nerves. It’s perfect if winter leaves you feeling tired, stressed, or run down.

Best uses:

Capsules or powder (add to warm milk or golden lattes)
Tincture (2–4 ml daily)

Where I buy:

Teelixir

Nettle

Why it’s incredible: Nettle is a mineral powerhouse that nourishes your blood, supports kidney function, and gently restores vitality. I find that this herb helps me avoid overeating during the winter.

Best uses:

Infusion: 1 tbsp dried leaf in a mug of hot water, steep 15–20 minutes
Nettle seed sprinkled over meals

Where I buy: Go Vita Coffs Central.

Astragalus

Why it’s incredible: A traditional immune booster, Astragalus helps build your defences against winter infections while gently lifting your energy.

Best uses:

Add dried slices to soups and broths
Tincture: 2–4 ml daily

Where I would buy: I'm familiar with this one, but I've never tried it personally.

The Herbal Dispensary

Hawthorn

Why it’s amazing: Hawthorn berries strengthen circulation, nourish the heart, and support overall vitality—especially helpful in colder months when circulation slows down.

Best uses:

Tea: 1–2 tsp dried berries per cup, steep 15 minutes (Love it in my tea Mix)
Tincture: 2–5 ml daily

Where to buy:

Go Vita Coffs Central
The Herbal Dispensary

Schisandra

Why it’s amazing: Although technically from Chinese medicine, Schisandra is now widely embraced by Western herbalists for energy, stamina, and liver protection.

Best uses:

Tincture: 2–4 ml daily
Powder: blend into smoothies or warm drinks (I use this powder on my breakfast)

Where I buy:

Teelixir

Licorice Root

Why it’s amazing: Licorice is a sweet, moistening herb that supports adrenals, soothes digestion, and gently boosts immunity—perfect for dry winter air.

Best uses:

Tea: ½ teaspoon per cup, steep 10 minutes
Tincture: 1–2 ml daily (avoid long-term high doses if you have high blood pressure)

Where I buy:

Austral Herbs
Go Vita Teas

Dandelion

Why it’s amazing: Dandelion supports both liver and kidney cleansing—helpful after rich winter meals—and provides gentle detox support.

Best uses:

Tea: Roasted root makes a delicious coffee alternative
Decoction: simmer root 15–20 minutes
Infused into oil as a face cream

Where to buy:

Mudbrick Cottage Herb Farm
Austral Herbs
But I grow it organically at home and prepare my own

Ginger

Why it’s amazing: Ginger warms your digestion and circulation, perfect for cold hands, sluggish metabolism, and fighting early winter colds.

Best uses:

Fresh tea: simmer slices 10 minutes
Powder: add to baking or golden milk

Where to buy:

Any health food shop or organic grocer

Cinnamon

Why it’s amazing: Cinnamon is a classic winter herb that deeply warms the body, improves circulation, and brings a comforting sweetness.

Best uses:

Tea: simmer with ginger for warming chai
Powder: sprinkle on oats or warm drinks

Where to buy:

Any health food shop or organic grocer

Simple Ways to Use These Herbs

Teas & Infusions (gentle daily support):

Nettle + Licorice for mineral-rich nourishment
Hawthorn + Schisandra for circulation and energy
Ginger + Cinnamon for warming chai

Tinctures (easy & potent):

Ashwagandha for stress and deep energy
Astragalus for immunity
Schisandra for resilience

Decoctions (simmered in soups):

Astragalus and Dandelion root in broths

Powders (quick blends):

Ashwagandha or Schisandra in warm milk

Buying Tips

✅ Choose certified organic or wildcrafted herbs whenever possible
✅ Check expiry dates and storage recommendations
✅ Start with smaller amounts to see how your body responds

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, nourish your body, and build deep reserves that will carry you into spring with energy and resilience. These herbs can be your allies in staying warm, strong, and balanced.

If you’d like help creating a personalised winter herbal routine, just reach out—I’m here to support you.

Stay warm and well! 🌿✨

My Favourite Salt blend to bring me out of Winter with Ease

Water

Winter Herbs - Water Element (Kidney and Bladder Meridian)